# Spirits **URL:** https://spiritsandcocktails.community/c/spirits/5.md [Latest](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/latest.md) · [Categories](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/categories.md) · [Tags](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/tags.md) --- ## [About the Spirits category](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/about-the-spirits-category/12)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 0
Open discussion of spirits (and related things that find their ways into mixed drinks) --- ## [Amers, Amari and weird Liqueurs](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/amers-amari-and-weird-liqueurs/1052)
**Author:** [@Pixy](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/Pixy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 12:29pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/amers-amari-and-weird-liqueurs/1052 "2026-09-11T12:29:56Z")
I’m in need of some help, i’m hoping someone here might be able to direct me to a place where i can learn a bit more. I’d like to learn more about the history of french Amari - or Amer and regional styles? China-China s… --- ## [The Story of Kessler Whiskey](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-story-of-kessler-whiskey/1340)
**Author:** [@RobertSimonson](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/RobertSimonson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-story-of-kessler-whiskey/1340 "2026-08-31T18:02:13Z")
I did my best to find out anything I could about Kessler Whiskey, the bottom-shelf American blend, basically because I realized I knew nothing about the ubiquitous brand. I uncovered an interesting story. Unsurprisingly,… --- ## [Absinthe revival](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/absinthe-revival/174)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/absinthe-revival/174 "2026-08-19T23:06:19Z")
I raised the topic of Ted Breaux and the absinthe revival when chatting with @Splificator, yesterday, and he pointed out that, despite some sensationalism around its return, absinthe never really wound up playing a major… --- ## [Pre-prohibition humor](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/pre-prohibition-humor/1338)
**Author:** [@GoodSpiritsNews](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/GoodSpiritsNews)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2026, 7:41pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/pre-prohibition-humor/1338 "2026-08-15T19:41:34Z")
Found this online today. --- ## [The original Lillet](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-original-lillet/120)
**Author:** [@dougfitz](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/dougfitz)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 5:48pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-original-lillet/120 "2026-08-02T17:48:38Z")
News like the return of a higher proof Yellow Chartreuse rekindles hope for a return to the original Lillet Blanc formulation. But I’m not holding my breath. --- ## [Bottle from "The Shining" backbar](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/bottle-from-the-shining-backbar/1331)
**Author:** [@BeerAndAShot](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/BeerAndAShot)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 2:28pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/bottle-from-the-shining-backbar/1331 "2026-07-28T14:28:57Z")
My girlfriend’s sister and brother-in-law have built out a full replica of the bar from “The Shining” in their basement. Justin has been fanatically chasing the various bottles that show up there in order to get them fro… --- ## [Vermouth: What do you really need to know about the category?](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/vermouth-what-do-you-really-need-to-know-about-the-category/217)
**Author:** [@francois](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/francois)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/vermouth-what-do-you-really-need-to-know-about-the-category/217 "2026-06-27T22:03:10Z")
@martin and I are currently working on an updated version of the Vermouth 101 website (https://vermouth101.com). The main page / text will be streamlined but we’ll add more details on all aspects of vermouth on secondary… --- ## [Post-Prohibition Menu With Prohibition Whiskies](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/post-prohibition-menu-with-prohibition-whiskies/1303)
**Author:** [@RobertSimonson](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/RobertSimonson)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 9:47am UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/post-prohibition-menu-with-prohibition-whiskies/1303 "2026-03-28T09:47:33Z")
I recently acquired a 1936 cocktail menu from a bar in Wisconsin that had a lengthy list of 11-17YO bourbons for sale that had been aging throughout Prohibition. It seemed highly unusual to me. Has anyone ever seen that … --- ## [Patent medicine / medicinal bitters / elixirs](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/patent-medicine-medicinal-bitters-elixirs/1290)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2026, 5:32pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/patent-medicine-medicinal-bitters-elixirs/1290 "2026-02-10T17:32:35Z")
I didn’t find a thread for this, so initiating one under the expectation that it will gradually grow. This video from the Townsends project is a casual/general exploration of patent medicine—particularly the packaging, … --- ## [Ronrico rum](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/ronrico-rum/1277)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/ronrico-rum/1277 "2026-01-14T21:39:38Z")
A question about the original 90-proof “red label” Ronrico sent me on a little dive. (I wish I could ping Steve Remsberg.) Ronrico launched in 1935 with four products, which they described thusly: RONRICO WHITE LABEL-8… --- ## [Mint spirits](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/mint-spirits/1263)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2025, 7:11pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/mint-spirits/1263 "2025-12-29T19:11:08Z")
I’ve been looking at some uh, antidiarrheal cocktails lately and came across the following: William calls for “creme de menthe” a half dozen times, but not here, and there’s also the “Brandy Rose” which calls for a “… --- ## [Elixir of Life and The History of a Great House](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/elixir-of-life-and-the-history-of-a-great-house/1273)
**Author:** [@richard](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/richard)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/elixir-of-life-and-the-history-of-a-great-house/1273 "2025-12-23T16:04:29Z")
These Harry Clarke illustrations in two rare Jameson promo booklets from 1924 and 1925 are pretty amazing (if you like Harry Clarke). The text is of interest as well. --- ## [Caña/cane, specifically Tres Leones Rey de Cañas](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/cana-cane-specifically-tres-leones-rey-de-canas/1268)
**Author:** [@richard](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/richard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 11:44pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/cana-cane-specifically-tres-leones-rey-de-canas/1268 "2025-12-09T23:44:39Z")
A relative just gave me a bottle of this, which they’d purchased for 7 USD in Paraguay. It was sold to them as “Paraguayan rum.” It’s 80 proof and claims 12 years age in bourbon barrels, “calidad de exportación.” The tas… --- ## [Cynar 70 Usage](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/cynar-70-usage/1246)
**Author:** [@joesmythiii](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/joesmythiii)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 1:17am UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/cynar-70-usage/1246 "2025-11-20T01:17:31Z")
What have been your experiences with Cynar 70? Obviously straight will be a good option, but where does it fit in the cocktail realm? I understand it tastes more intense and is double the proof of Cynar. So perhaps appro… --- ## [Prunelle, and sloe](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/prunelle-and-sloe/1249)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2025, 3:00pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/prunelle-and-sloe/1249 "2025-11-12T15:00:03Z")
Thanks to @LibationLegacy for his work on this topic: Plumbing The Mysteries Of Prunelle | libationlegacy I agree with Doug’s characterization that prunelle is a high-test creme de noyaux. I’m not convinced that lower-p… --- ## [Taxes, lowered ABVs, shrinkflation and greed](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/taxes-lowered-abvs-shrinkflation-and-greed/1022)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 9:25pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/taxes-lowered-abvs-shrinkflation-and-greed/1022 "2025-10-14T21:25:26Z")
Recommended reading (use your translation features if you need to): @francois just posted about the whittling away of ABV in spirits to save money on alcohol taxes, and the preposterous subterfuge some brands resort to i… --- ## [“The Rum Never Sets” by Matt Pietrek and Alexandre Gabriel; and Mister Fogg Navy Rum](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-rum-never-sets-by-matt-pietrek-and-alexandre-gabriel-and-mister-fogg-navy-rum/1221)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2025, 2:28pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/the-rum-never-sets-by-matt-pietrek-and-alexandre-gabriel-and-mister-fogg-navy-rum/1221 "2025-08-29T14:28:19Z")
Quite pleased with this new book which seems to make a real research contribution. Should be of interest to anyone into rum, exotic drinks or naval history. One of the things the book documents is the creation of Mis… --- ## [Creme d’Yvette](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/creme-d-yvette/1220)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/creme-d-yvette/1220 "2025-08-15T14:59:03Z")
Seems like this story needs to be told here…. --- ## [Brown rum, 2025](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/brown-rum-2025/1103)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2025, 8:15am UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/brown-rum-2025/1103 "2025-08-11T08:15:16Z")
Sometimes you need a good brown rum. Not one with a particular character or flavor signature—not Jamaican or Demerara or agricole. And not a bunch of sugar, of course. Just a delicious rummy rum to make a drink with. Wh… --- ## [Argentine ingredients](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/argentine-ingredients/1082)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/argentine-ingredients/1082 "2025-07-02T20:31:17Z")
I’ve been (finally) really drilling into Pichin’s Tragos Magicos and I’ve been delighted and challenged by some of the ingredients. I’m hoping some of our South American members can help me out, here. limón Pichin uses… --- ## [Pimm’s and superior alternatives (fruit cup/summer cup)](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/pimm-s-and-superior-alternatives-fruit-cup-summer-cup/689)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2025, 4:54pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/pimm-s-and-superior-alternatives-fruit-cup-summer-cup/689 "2025-05-11T16:54:52Z")
Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur isn’t all that good. That’s just my opinion, but I arrived at it many years ago (the 2000s) when someone turned up with a bottle of Plymouth Fruit Cup and it made dramatically more delicious drinks. … --- ## [Wormwood Bitters](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/wormwood-bitters/1027)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2025, 6:12pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/wormwood-bitters/1027 "2025-05-03T18:12:17Z")
Now that the Green Swizzle has arisen in the Falernum discussion, perhaps it’s time to dig in a little to wormwood bitters? The Green Swizzle is an island drink that was around in the first couple decades of the 20th Ce… --- ## [Jamaica ginger](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/jamaica-ginger/1029)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2025, 10:44am UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/jamaica-ginger/1029 "2025-04-29T10:44:30Z")
Spotted this in the grocery store today. Those interested in making those historical cocktail-cum-diarrhea cures that call for “Jamaica ginger” may find this product serviceable, and the four ounce container conveys the … --- ## [Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/boomsma-claerkampster-cloosterbitter/1017)
**Author:** [@martin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/martin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2025, 6:39pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/boomsma-claerkampster-cloosterbitter/1017 "2025-04-25T18:39:16Z")
Have we been sleeping on this, or is it just another mediocre Boomsma product? --- ## [Old Raj Gin](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/old-raj-gin/1013)
**Author:** [@RobertSimonson](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/RobertSimonson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 2:36pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/old-raj-gin/1013 "2025-04-21T14:36:06Z")
I’ve always been a fan of Old Raj Gin, but never had the opportunity to write about it until now. I’ve also never had the opportunity to talk to anyone at Cadenhead, which makes Old Raj, until now. Cadenhead has always b… --- ## [Peach Aperitif Bitters](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/peach-aperitif-bitters/703)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2025, 3:24am UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/peach-aperitif-bitters/703 "2025-04-18T03:24:56Z")
Looking for some original source references on Law’s Peach Bitters. (Already have messages out to Stephan Berg and Adam Elmegirab, but.) I’m planning a peach aperitif bitters tasting in Detroit (with @Nosestradamus ) nex… --- ## [Buffalo Trace Under Water](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/buffalo-trace-under-water/1014)
**Author:** [@GoodSpiritsNews](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/GoodSpiritsNews)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2025, 8:46pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/buffalo-trace-under-water/1014 "2025-04-09T20:46:58Z")
This does not bode well --- ## [Mauby/mabi/mavi in the Caribbean and South America](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/mauby-mabi-mavi-in-the-caribbean-and-south-america/1007)
**Author:** [@BrianH](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/BrianH)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2025, 9:34pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/mauby-mabi-mavi-in-the-caribbean-and-south-america/1007 "2025-04-02T21:34:57Z")
I understand that the bark of the mauby tree (alias mabi, mavi, etc.) is used to flavor soda and occasionally rum, and that it is sometimes used in the production of a fermented drink, analogously to the ginger in a ging… --- ## [Vicario Spirits](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/vicario-spirits/999)
**Author:** [@EvanD](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/u/EvanD)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2025, 2:43pm UTC](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/t/vicario-spirits/999 "2025-03-11T14:43:18Z")
Any recommendations for standouts from this South Carolina distillery? Renato Vicario passed away last year. Will have a brief window to peruse their selection at a nearby retailer, and the website is pretty disorganized… [Next page](https://spiritsandcocktails.community/c/spirits/5.md?page=1)