Leaf n Grain Society: Cigar Pairing Headquarters
Focus on inspiring awareness and education of cigars, beverages, and food through pairings in our communities.
Cigar Review: The Statesman Brand: Statesman Cigar Co Vitola: 5 3/8” x 52 Perfecto Filler: Nicaragua Wrapper: Nicaragua Binder:…
Cigar Accessory Review: Upallant Dual Flame Tabletop Lighter w/V-Cut Today, we’re reviewing the Upallant Dual Flame Tabletop Lighter with…
Cigar Review: Timeless TAA Limited Edition 2023 Brand: Ferio Tego Timeless Vitola: Toro Filler: Nicaragua Jalapa Wrapper: Nicaragua Estelí…
Cigar Review – Metallica S84 Shade to Black by Drew Estates Brand: Drew Estates Vitola: Robusto 5 x…
Chateau Purcari — Freedom Blend Tribute Edition “The heart of Georgia, the terroir of Moldova, the free spirit of…
The Evolution of the Cocktail A Journey from Medicinal Elixirs to Modern Mixology The cocktail as we know it today has undergone centuries of transformation, traveling through cultures, blending flavors, and refining techniques to become an essential fixture in global hospitality. Its origins date back hundreds of years to crude but flavorful medicinal concoctions that only hinted at the elaborate creations we enjoy today. Exploring this journey offers a unique glimpse into history, shedding light on cultural exchanges, evolving palates, and the ever-growing importance of cocktail culture in our social lives. The Beginnings: El Draque and the Birth of the Mixed Drink Our story begins with one of the earliest recorded mixed drinks: the El Draque. Named after the infamous English privateer Sir Francis Drake, the El Draque emerged in the Caribbean in the 16th century. Legend has it that while Drake and his crew were stationed in Havana, they concocted a simple yet potent mixture of aguardiente (an early form of rum), lime, sugar, and mint. This drink, known for its refreshing qualities, was more than just an indulgence; it was a practical remedy to combat illness in a hot, humid climate. Although rudimentary, the El Draque was a precursor to the modern Mojito and set the stage for the idea of mixing spirits with fresh ingredients to balance flavor. This rudimentary drink may not align perfectly with today’s definition of a cocktail, but it introduced the concept of blending alcohol with other ingredients for both health and enjoyment, beginning the journey toward the refined cocktail culture we know today. The Rise of Punch: A Communal Affair As trade routes expanded and explorers brought new ingredients back to Europe, the 17th century saw the emergence of punch as a popular drink in England and its American colonies. Originating from…
Barrel Global™ Partners with Still Austin Whiskey Co. Barrel Ownership Company Makes its Move into the Lone Star State…
Black Works Studio – Hawaiian Tiger Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the release of Hawaiian Tiger as…
Coors Spirits Wins Big at Spirit Competitions Coors Spirits Co. Wins Big at Prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition…
New Limited Release from Black Label Tracing Co: ORTHODOX April 26, 2024 — Black Label Trading Co (BLTC) will…
L.E. AVO Expression-A Collaboration with Renowned DJ D-NICE (Miami, Florida) April 19, 2024. Avo Cigars, a leader in hand-made…
Onyx Geometery: A F1 car kind of coffee The Story: This review has a long backstory to bring you up…
The Evolution of the Cocktail A Journey from Medicinal Elixirs to Modern Mixology The cocktail as we know it today…
The Global Journey of Whisky: A Historical Perspective Whisky, a drink with a history as rich as its flavor, has…
Cigars: From Taino Tribes to the Modern Boom The history of cigars is steeped in cultural, political, and economic events…
Recipes & Cocktails
The Evolution of the Cocktail A Journey from Medicinal Elixirs to Modern Mixology The cocktail as we know it today…