The Negroni

The Classic Negroni

Backstory The most widely reported version of this drink’s origin is that it was invented at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy in 1919. Legend tells that Count Camillo Negroni asked his friend, bartender Forsco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail – the Americano – by replacing the soda water with gin. Scarselli added an orange […]

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Prohibition and Pre-Pro Bourbon

Prohibition Destroys the USA Bourbon Industry

Prohibition had a devastating effect on the Whiskey industry in Kentucky. Distilling properties were significantly devalued before the legislation was enacted, because of the growing strength of the Prohibition movement. Prior to 1920, there were over 180 distilleries in operation in Kentucky. The major Kentucky counties with operating distilleries pre-1920 included Nelson with 23, Jefferson […]

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Pre-Prohibition Bourbon Whiskey

What the Hell is Pre-Pro Bourbon?

Ok to cut a long story short and then… go into the loooong story.  A pre-prohibition (or pre-pro for short) bourbon is Bourbon brand that existing before prohibition started in the United States in 1919.  The bourbon label is still considered pre-pro even if it was actually produced post prohibition as long as the label […]

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Vermouth Who Cares?

Well anyone who makes a cocktail should care.  Vermouth is an essential cocktail ingredient, underpinning the Martini, Manhattan and Negroni.  But actually Vermouth can be a great Aperitif or pre-dinner drink. Vermouth is actually a fortified wine with an ABV that can range from a minimum of 14.5 per cent to a maximum of 22 per cent, and a wine […]

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