Intoxicating History

TWS Creative, Antica & Telltale Studios
Intoxicating History

From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses.  Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties. Each episode finds our convivial hosts uncorking a different chapter of human history through the unique lens of alcohol. Whether they're recreating Dickens's beloved punch recipes, infiltrating the closely-guarded royal wine cellars, proving that the English invented champagne or discovering how Portuguese port sparked an international alliance, Henry and Tom blend scholarly insight with irreverent wit and a shared passion for historical peculiarities. Authoritative yet wonderfully entertaining, Intoxicating History serves up serious history with a generous measure of irreverent humour. Through revolutions and peace treaties, cultural upheavals and technological breakthroughs, your hosts reveal how the contents of the glass have steered the course of history – usually while sampling the evidence, (purely for research purposes, of course!) Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments. Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time. New episodes served weekly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 10 - Johnnie Walker: The Spirit That Ruled The World

    In this episode of Intoxicating History, hosts Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles unscrew and pour a liberal measure of the scandalous saga of Johnnie Walker—a Scotch that started as a modest blend in a small Ayrshire grocers and skyrocketed to become a global currency of power and prestige. We dive into the racy world of whisky where a simple bottle wasn’t just a drink, but a ticket to high-stakes boardrooms, secretive backroom deals, and even diplomatic breakthroughs in colonial India. Discover how Johnnie Walker’s iconic Striding Man—reborn from a cheeky 1908 advertising idea—came to symbolise relentless ambition. Imagine English officers engaged in rowdy drinking contests where the stakes were as high as the hangovers, or bribery sealed not with cash but with a case of the coveted Black Label. The episode peels back layers of intrigue—from a family’s obsession with quality and ingenious blending methods to the whiskey’s unlikely status as the drink of choice for dictators and deal-makers across the Middle East. Even non-drinkers in conservative cultures couldn’t help but have strong opinions about it. We hear about a notorious incident of an officer so intoxicated by the spirit that he literally “lost his skin,” and our Tom and Henry reveal a world where every sip tells a tale of rebellion, ambition, and high-flying luxury. Get ready for a spirited journey that’s as informative as it is intoxicating—a tale of how one brand transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of global power. Cheers to a history poured straight from the bottom of the glass! Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

  2. 20 FEB

    Episode 9 - Wine and Wimples: How Blue Nun sparked a Global Wine Revolution

    It was the wine that took the world by storm—then became a punchline. But behind the once brown and now blue bottle’s retro reputation lies a fascinating story of global wine culture, clever marketing, and unexpected historical twists. In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles dive into the rise and fall (and maybe rise again?) of Blue Nun, the German white wine that introduced millions to the joys of wine drinking. From Hollywood stars and rock legends to aspiring dinner party hosts in the 1970s, Blue Nun was once the go-to drink for those looking to add a little European flair to their glass. But how did a once-respected Riesling turn into a supermarket staple? Why did British wine drinkers move from Blue Nun to bold Australian reds? And what does a Cold War spy and CIA operative have to do with its success? Expect hilarious anecdotes, surprising history, and a few shocking revelations as we uncork the past of one of the world’s most famous (and infamous) wines. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  3. 13 FEB

    Episode 8 - WW2 Part 2: From Vines to Victory

    The Nazis are retreating, the Allies are advancing, and the fate of France’s most prized vineyards hangs in the balance. What happens when a desperate army turns to scorched earth tactics? Could centuries of winemaking history be wiped out in an instant? In this gripping follow-up to our deep dive into wine and war, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles uncover the high-stakes battle to save France’s greatest vintages. From the Champagne Campaign to daring acts of resistance in Bordeaux, they reveal the hidden stories of courage, collaboration, and sabotage that shaped the future of French wine. Join us as we explore the extraordinary role of wine in World War II—how it was looted, hidden, fought over, and ultimately preserved. With secret cellars, last-minute betrayals, and even a German soldier saving Bordeaux’s port from destruction, this is history at its most intoxicating. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  4. 6 FEB

    Episode 7 - Wine, War and the WW2 Battle for France’s Vineyards

    When the Nazis stormed into France, they weren’t just after land—they had their eyes on the ultimate spoils of war: France’s legendary vineyards became battlegrounds, not just for soldiers, but for winemakers fighting to protect their lifes’ work  from the clutches of the Third Reich. In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles look at the dramatic, and often absurd, true story of how the Nazis tried to loot France’s finest vintages—and how the French fought back, sometimes with nothing more than a well-placed spider web. From vineyards bricked up behind false walls to daring escapes through underground wine cellars, this is history as rich and intoxicating as a fine Burgundy. Meet the so-called Wine Führers—German officials who were meant to “manage” the French wine trade but often found themselves duped by the very vintners they sought to control. Learn how entire vintages were hidden beneath haystacks, mislabelled as vinegar, or sent to Hitler’s personal stockpile—where he barely touched a drop. Meanwhile, the French Resistance wasn’t just blowing up bridges—they were sabotaging Nazi wine shipments, stealing back barrels, and in one case, using a staged Fête du Vin to cover up an escape tunnel from a POW camp. With betrayal, bravery, and a whole lot of booze, this is the story of how wine became a secret weapon of war—and how France’s most precious vines survived the darkest days of history. Join us for a vintage tale of resistance, deception, and the ultimate toast to liberation. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  5. 30 JAN

    Episode 6 - The Admiral, The Navy, and the Wine That Won the Day

    In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles tell the remarkable story of how Admiral Nelson, fresh from beating the French at the Battle of the Nile, stumbled upon a Sicilian wine that would fuel the Royal Navy and become the most famous wine in the world - for a while at least. Marsala wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of empire, ingenuity, and excess. But that’s just the start. From the scandal of Nelson’s affair with Lady Hamilton to his brutal actions in Naples, the episode unpacks the messy mix of heroism and controversy that defined the man. You’ll meet John Woodhouse, the Liverpudlian who made Marsala famous, hear about naked vineyard escapades, and learn how sailors balanced their biscuits and rum  on the high seas. It’s a story of wine, war, and a little bit of scandal. Pour yourself a glass—this is history worth toasting. Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  6. 23 JAN

    Episode 5 - Shaken, Not Stirred: How James Bond’s Drinks Defined an Era

    We’re easing out of dry January by veering off the path of hard history and into the world of a fictional hero. One in which the love of vodka martinis reflects a post-war Britain desperate for glamour and escapism. And whose creator’s obsession with detail—right down to his hero’s champagne choices—tells us as much about the author as it does about his famous spy? In this slightly geeky episode of Intoxicating History, Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys share their love of that great British export - James Bond. They dive into how Bond’s drinking habits are a time capsule of the 1950s and ’60s. Why did author Ian Fleming insist Bond’s martinis were shaken, not stirred? How did Bond’s drinks—from Japanese sake to Jamaican rum—mirror Britain’s global reach and changing tastes? And what does a 2018 study reveal about how much Bond really drank (spoiler: it’s a lot)? With fascinating insights and plenty of laughs, this episode uncovers the cultural history hidden in Bond’s glass. Pour yourself a drink and press play—you may end up shaken but hopefully not stirred. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

  7. 23/12/2024

    Episode 4 - Monks, Mavericks, and Murder: The Untold History of Champagne

    Get ready for a sparkling journey through scandal, invention, and murder with Intoxicating History. In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles pop the cork on the truth about champagne: Did the English actually invent it? Spoiler alert—it involves pirates, royal lovers, and a brief diversion into the wonderful world of cider. We meet Sir Kenelm Digby, the cavalier-turned-glassmaking genius who might have killed his wife with an anti-aging serum made of snake venom. From the Powder of Sympathy to the revelation that Dom Pérignon probably wasn’t the inventor of sparkling wine, this is history served effervescently. With a side of scandal and a generous pour of wit, you’ll discover how wars, eccentric inventors, and a little English ingenuity helped shape the world’s most glamorous drink.  Supported by Taylor’s Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  8. 19/12/2024

    Episode 3 - Pouring Power: Claret, cocktails and the Crown

    In this week’s Intoxicating History, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles dive into the opulent, often outrageous world of royal courts, where what is poured and plated isn’t just about indulgence—it shapes politics, power, and even history itself.  From lavish banquets to surfeits of lampreys, and secret drinking behind closed palace doors, Henry and Tom uncover the stories of kings, queens, and clever courtiers who used food and drink as tools of influence, diplomacy, and death. Expect tales of scheming monarchs, historic alliances, and the favourite drinks that keep the wheels of royal life turning. So pull up a throne, pour yourself something suitably grand, and join us as we reveal the fascinating, intoxicating secrets of the crown. Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  9. 12/12/2024

    Episode 2 - Flips, Punches and Corpse Revivers: Charles Dickens’ Victorian World of Drinks

    This week on Intoxicating History, Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys take us to the heart of Dickensian London, a world where every glass of gin, mug of punch, or bottle of sherry consumed by one of Charles Dickens’ characters tells us something about Victorian life.  Dickens wasn’t just a master storyteller—he was a chronicler of his times. Through his vivid descriptions of food, drink, and the characters who consumed them, we get a window into the entire society: its joys, struggles, and often, its hypocrisies. From the gaslit allure of gin palaces—both refuge and ruin for London’s poor—to the moral crusades of the temperance movement, Dickens captured it all. Whether it’s Mr. Pickwick’s cheerful excess, Nancy’s bittersweet affair with gin and Bill Sykes, or the rich smells of a Christmas punch, every scene is soaked in meaning. So mix a Corpse Reviver and join us for a spirited look at Victorian society through Dickens’ brilliant writing.  Intoxicating History is supported by Taylor's Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  10. 05/12/2024

    Episode 1 - Drunk Crusaders and Daring Traders: the Rise and Rise of Port

    Pour yourself a glass and settle in for the inaugural episode of Intoxicating History. Join journalist and food writer Tom Parker Bowles and award-winning drinks expert Henry Jeffreys as they uncork the fascinating story of Port wine—a tale of two nations bound together by centuries of trade, taste, and tippling. From medieval crusaders to ambitious merchants, our hosts chart Port's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the heights of aristocratic refinement. Along the way, discover how British palates shaped an entire industry, why Scottish drinkers initially turned up their noses at this noble wine, and how one powerful Marquis's vendetta against elderberries changed the course of vinous history. With sharp wit and deep expertise, Tom and Henry serve up an intoxicating blend of historical insight and entertaining anecdotes—including the cautionary tale of an Oxford undergraduate who learned the hard way that Port wine and bear-riding don't mix. Intoxicating History is proudly supported by Taylor's Port. Executive Producers - Melanie Jappy and Jago Lee Intoxicating History is a TWS Creative and Telltale Industries Production in association with Antica Productions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m

  11. TRAILER

    Introducing Intoxicating History

    From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses.  Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties. Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments. Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min

Trailer

4.4
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

From the rise and fall of empires to the birth of modern diplomacy, civilization's greatest moments have been shaped by an unlikely force: what filled our glasses.  Join award-winning author Henry Jeffreys and renowned food writer Tom Parker-Bowles as they pour through history's most intoxicating stories. From Charles Dickens's beloved punch to the royal family's legendary drinks trolley, discover how alcohol has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and sealed peace treaties. Each episode finds our convivial hosts uncorking a different chapter of human history through the unique lens of alcohol. Whether they're recreating Dickens's beloved punch recipes, infiltrating the closely-guarded royal wine cellars, proving that the English invented champagne or discovering how Portuguese port sparked an international alliance, Henry and Tom blend scholarly insight with irreverent wit and a shared passion for historical peculiarities. Authoritative yet wonderfully entertaining, Intoxicating History serves up serious history with a generous measure of irreverent humour. Through revolutions and peace treaties, cultural upheavals and technological breakthroughs, your hosts reveal how the contents of the glass have steered the course of history – usually while sampling the evidence, (purely for research purposes, of course!) Whether you're a history buff, food and drink enthusiast, or simply love a well-told tale, raise a glass with us as we explore civilization's most intoxicating moments. Pour yourself something suitable and join us for a journey through time, one drink at a time. New episodes served weekly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    TWS Creative, Antica & Telltale Studios
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TWS Creative, Antica & Telltale Studios
  • Show Website
    Intoxicating History

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