Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

Matt Birchard
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Food

Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur is a podcast for anyone that enjoys distilled spirits! Built on the premise of drinking, discussing, and discovering the world of distilled spirits, each episode features consistent tastings and much more. The featured spirit's backstory is covered, including history of production, marketing, availability, notable events for the spirit, as well as personal stories on enjoyment. This podcast features new episodes at least weekly, and is the work of host Matt Birchard, who created the podcast as a way to keep a new year's resolution to himself - which was to drink more! So enjoy each episode whenever you have time, but it's recommended you enjoy a liquor or liqueur during the show!

  1. Jun 12

    Episode 122: Amer Picon

    Episode 122 features Amer Picon. Bottled in 1L at 21% ABV, or 42 proof and it retails for about 25 t0 30€. Enjoy this episode as you like. Amer Picon's official website: https://www.piconaperitif.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1830 - The brand’s namesake founder Gaétan Picon enlisted in the French military and was stationed in Algeria.1837 - Picon founds a distillery in the Algerian city of Skikda, also known as Philipeville.1872 - Picon left Algeria and opened a distillery in Marseille, France, the spirit becomes known as "Amer Picon" from then on.1909 - Picon's son and five son-in-laws are running the business with eight total distilleries.1937 - For the brand's centennial an illustration is commissioned showing a man on horseback with a woman and a bottle of Amer Picon. See it here!1960s - Amer Picon is no longer available in the United States due to a banned ingredient, Calamus root.1970s - The ABV is stepped down to the current 21% from the original 39%.1995 - Diageo acquires the brand.2022 - Campari Group purchases Picon and owns the brand as of this recording. Key Cocktails: Amer Picon is featured in pre-Prohibition cocktails, so you if you get a bottle you may want to try it in the Brooklyn Cocktail. But it also has a knack for making beer more drinkable. References: Wikipedia Article on Amer Picon Good Beer Hunting Article on Amer Picon Saveur Article on Amer Picon Diffords Guide Article on Amer Picon Washington Examiner Article on Amer Picon Press Release on Campari Group Buying Picon Link to Historic Poster Showing the Woman Behind the Man on the Horse Drinking French by David Lebovitz (pages 98-99) - Book Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails - Book Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    19 min

  2. 08/28/2024

    Episode 121: Bénédictine

    Episode 121 features Bénédictine. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $40. Enjoy this episode with a Béné & Hot, or just sip on it neat. Bénédictine's official website: https://www.benedictinedom.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1510 - Dom Bernado Vincelli, a monk at the Abbey in Fécamp, Normandy, France, creates an elixir intended to revie tired monks.1789 - The Abbey is destroyed during the French Revolution and the monks gift documents to secular benefactor Prosper Couillard.1863 - Alexandre Le Grand creates Bénédictine based upon a manuscript he finds in his grandfather Prosper Couillard's collection.1864 - Bénédictine is commercialized and the bottle trademarked.1882 - Alexandre Le Grand purchases the site of the old Abbey and builds a distillery.1888 - Bottles are first available in the United States. 1904 - The new Le Palais Bénédictine opens after the original distillery was destroyed by arson.1905 - An outpost for the brand is opened in Paris.1917 - British soldiers during WWI get a taste for Bénédictine and begin drinking it mixed with hot water post war back home.1937 - B&B, a version of Bénédictine mixed with Brandy, is first produced.1984 - The La Grand family sells the brand to Martini-Rossi.1992 - Bacardi purchases Martini-Rossi, becoming owner of Bénédictine. Key Cocktails: Bénédictine has been around for ages and prominently features in the Vieux Carré and Singapore Sling. But, you can also enjoy it like the patrons of the Burnley Miner's Club in England and drink it mixed with hot water. References: Wikipedia Article on Bénédictine YouTube Video Featuring Le Palais Bénédictine - French language The Spruce Eats Article on Bénédictine Diffords Guide Article on Bénédictine The Culture Trip Article on Bénédictine Epicurious Article on Bénédictine Liquor.com Article on Bénédictine BBC Article and Video on the Burnley Miner's Club Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails - Book Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    22 min

  3. 07/30/2024 ·  Bonus

    Guest Episode - B&B from My Tiny Bottles

    This is a special guest episode featuring B&B - Bénédictine & Brandy, courtesy of My Tiny Bottles hosted by Tammy Coxen. Tammy and I are on similar paths, diving into the world of distilled spirits, though Tammy is doing this by exploring her grandmother’s legacy of miniature liquor bottles, one tiny bottle at a time. She has hundreds of bottles waiting to be discovered, and with each she’s telling the story of them and then opening & tasting many of these vintage, collectible bottles! Later this year Tammy and I are planning to get together to taste some tiny bottles, but in the meantime, here’s the story of Benedictine as told through bottle #17 in her collection, B&B. Enjoy this episode while I work on more of my regular content, including an episode on Bénédictine to follow shortly!

    6 min

  4. 04/05/2024

    Episode 120: Everclear

    Episode 120 features Everclear Grain Alcohol. Bottled in 750ml at 95% ABV, or 190 proof and it retails for about $21. Enjoy this episode with something you've made with Everclear. Everclear's official website: https://diywitheverclear.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1922 - Everclear is mentioned in various issues of the Druggists Circular as a product of American Distilling Company.1936 - Article lists Everclear alongside whiskey, gin and rum.1950 - Everclear is registered as a trademark.1981 - American Distilling Company sells the Everclear brand to David Sherman Corporation.2006 - David Sherman Corporation rebrands as Luxco.2015 - First marketing campaign for Everclear, the "Make It Your Own" is launched. 2018 - New packaging, labeling is introduced.2021 - Luxco is purchased by MGP Ingredients. Key Cocktails: Everclear is described as a blank canvas, a clean slate and open invitation to make it your own. Everclear will add more "Punch to your Punch." Ample recipes are featured on the brand's website. References: Luxco Website Vinepair Article on Everclear History Vinepair List on Everclear The Druggists Circular Punch Article on Rebrand Press Release on Updated Packaging Wikipedia Article on Everclear MGP Purchase of Luxco Art Alexakis Quote on Everclear as his Band Name Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    23 min

  5. 02/24/2024

    Episode 119: Kentucky Owl Bourbon - Maighstir Edition

    Episode 119 features Kentucky Owl, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Maighstir Edition. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof and it retails for about $134. Enjoy this episode with a pour of Kentucky Owl as you like it. Kentucky Owl's official website: https://kentuckyowlbourbon.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1879 - Kentucky Owl is founded by C.M. Dedman.1916 - Production ends and aging stocks are confiscated by the US government, they are then all "lost in a fire".2014 - Dixon Dedman, great-great-grandson of the founder, releases Batch #1, resurrecting the brand.2017 - Stoli Group purchases Kentucky Owl.2018 - Groundbreaking of the 420 acre distillery complex and brand home.2023 - Maureen Robinson collaborates with John Rhea in the release of the Maighstir Edition.2023 - Maureen Robinson is named Master Blender for Kentucky Owl. Key Cocktails: Simply drink Kentucky Owl as you like it. Neat, on the rocks, with water, or you could mix it if you like. References: Interview with Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender, Maureen Robinson Stoli Group Website Coverage of Stoli Group's Purchase of Kentucky Owl Kentucky Owl's Distillery Complex Announcement Press Release on Maureen Robinson Becoming Master Blender Press Release on Maighstir Edition Release Maureen Robinson Background Keepers of the Quaich Story of Kentucky Owl in American Whiskey The Whiskey Wash Article on Kentucky Owl Forbes Article on Kentucky Owl The Beaumont Inn Website Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    24 min

  6. 10/27/2023

    Episode 118: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram

    Episode 118 features St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. Bottled in 750ml at 22.5% ABV, or 45 proof and it retails for about $30. Enjoy this episode with a tiki cocktail using "Pimento Dram" if you like. St. Elizabeth doesn't have standalone brand website, but here's the producer's website: https://alpenz.com/product-allspice.html Brief Historical Timeline: 1850s - Pimento Dram is thought to have been invented.1862 - First written reference to Pimento Dram as a commercial product.1900s - Pimento Dram is fairly common, and finds use in Tiki cocktails.1980s - Pimento Dram leaves the US market.2008 - Haus Alpenz creates St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, bringing Pimento Dram back to the US. Key Cocktails: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram works in many tiki cocktails, but try this British concoction from 1937, the Lion's Tail. Ingredients: 2 oz. Bourbon0.5 oz. of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram0.5 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice1 teaspoon simple syrup2 dashes Angostura bittersOrange twist Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until well-chilled, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Express oil from the orange twist over the top of the drink and discard (the twist, not the drink!). References: Book: Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh, copyright 2009 revised edition. Wikipedia Article on Allspice Wikipedia Article on Saint Elizabeth Parish What is Pimento Dram by The Spruce Eats 2008 Article from the San Francisco Chronicle discussing the launch of St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 2015 New York Times Article Cocktail Society Article on Allspice Dram Liquor.com Article on the Lions Tale Cocktail Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    20 min

  7. 10/06/2023

    Episode 117: Four Roses Bourbon

    Episode 117 features Four Roses. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $25. Enjoy this episode with a pour of Four Roses however you like. Four Roses official website: https://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/ Brief Historical Timeline: 1860s - Paul Jones Sr. and Paul Jones Jr. get into the whiskey business in Atlanta, Georgia 1883 - Paul Jones Jr. moves to Louisville, Kentucky and builds his whiskey business there.1888 - The brand of Four Roses is founded with a legend of a southern belle and a corsage of four red roses.1894 - Paul Jones Jr. makes his nephews Lawrence Lavelle Jones and Saunders Paul equal partners in the Paul Jones Company.1895 - Paul Jones Jr. dies.Circa 1910 - Lawrence buys his brother Saunders out of the business1922 - Lawrence buys the Frankfort Distilling Company during Prohibition and securing a rare license to sell whiskey for "Medicinal Purposes Only."1941 - Lawrence dies, leaving the company to heirs would almost immediately sell it.1943 - Seagrams headed by Samuel Bronfman purchases Four Roses and Frankfort Distilling Company for $42 million.1950s - Seagrams converts Four Roses to a blended whiskey for the US market, reserving straight bourbon versions for export markets.1990s - Master Distiller Jim Rutledge convinces Seagrams to bring the straight bourbon back to the USA, in Kentucky only.2001 - Seagrams goes bankrupt and the beverage alcohol brands are sold off. Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd., Four Roses' Japanese distributor buys the brand.2002 - Four Roses Straight Bourbon Whiskey is bak on US shelves.2015 - Brent Elliott is named Master Distiller and a $55 million expansion of the distillery begins.2019 - Distillery expansion is complete, doubling capacity to 130,000 barrels a year. Key Cocktails: Drink Four Roses as you like, it mixes well in any cocktail calling for bourbon. References: Book: Four Roses - The Return of a Whiskey Legend by Al Young, copyright 2013 Wikipedia Article on Four Roses Wikipedia Article on the Language of Flowers Wikipedia Article on the Pure Food and Drug Act Wikipedia Article on V-J Day in Times Square Four Roses History Article Four Roses History Article on SippingHistory.com Difford's Guide Listing for Four Roses Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    30 min

  8. 06/15/2023

    Episode 116: Herbsaint

    Episode 116 features Herbsaint. Bottled in 750ml at 50% ABV, or 100 proof and it retails for about $31. Enjoy this episode with an Herbsaint Frappe, or any cocktail that calls for absinthe. Herbsaint doesn't have it's own website, so here's the Sazerac listing: https://www.sazerac.com/our-brands/sazerac-brands/herbsaint.html Brief Historical Timeline: 1914-18 - World War I and J. Marion Legendre 's friend Reginal P. Parker learns of pastis while stationed in Marseille, France 1920-33 - Post war, during Prohibition, Legendre and Parker make pastis in New Orleans1933 - Legendre introduces Legendre Absinthe in December, immediately following the repeal of Prohibition1934 - The Federal government forces Legendre to drop Absinthe from the name, Herbsaint is chosen as the replacement1949 - Legendre sells the brand and business to Sazerac & Company1950 - Sazerac changes the formulation, packaging and proof2009 - For the brand's 75th anniversary, Sazerac recreates the original recipe and resurrects the historical packaging, creating Legendre Herbsaint Original Key Cocktails: The Sazerac Cocktail is most widely cited, but it only uses Herbsaint as a rinse. Select an absinthe based cocktail as a better use for Herbsaint. References: Wayback Machine Archive Copy of The Virtual Absinthe Museum story of Herbsaint - This resource was invaluable in producing this episode Wikipedia Article on Herbsaint New Orleans Absinthe History Imbibe Magazine Article Circa 2009 Alcademics.com Article on the 75th Anniversary Relaunch Sazerac House Recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail, featuring Herbsaint Barfaith.com Review Contact Information: Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/

    22 min
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur is a podcast for anyone that enjoys distilled spirits! Built on the premise of drinking, discussing, and discovering the world of distilled spirits, each episode features consistent tastings and much more. The featured spirit's backstory is covered, including history of production, marketing, availability, notable events for the spirit, as well as personal stories on enjoyment. This podcast features new episodes at least weekly, and is the work of host Matt Birchard, who created the podcast as a way to keep a new year's resolution to himself - which was to drink more! So enjoy each episode whenever you have time, but it's recommended you enjoy a liquor or liqueur during the show!

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Birchard
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Matt Birchard
  • Show Website
    Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

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