Liquor and Liqueur Connoisseur

Matt Birchard

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! read less

Episode 115: Tito's Handmade Vodka
Today
Episode 115: Tito's Handmade Vodka
Episode 115 features Tito's Handmade Vodka. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $20.Enjoy this episode with some Tito's and soda with a lemon wedge.Tito's Handmade Vodka official website: https://www.titosvodka.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:1992 - Tito Beveridge begins making vodka infusions for his friends1995 - Tito applies for a distillery license1997 - First year of production yields about 1,000 9-liter equivalent cases2001 - Tito's wins a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition2013 - United Airlines begins serving Tito's on all their flights2021 - 11,070,000 9-liter equivalent cases are sold, making Tito's the most popular distilled spirit brand in the USA, and providing enough for one 750ml bottle for each third person in the country2023 - Tito's runs a Superbowl commercial named Dry January that features Martha StewartKey Cocktails:Mix Tito's as you like.References:Eater Article on Tito'sWikipedia Article on Tito'sStatista Sales Volumes2022 Beverage Dynamics RankingGrain Volumes for Vodka Making2022 Corn Yields Per AcreYouTube Featuring Tito Speaking on Early FailuresYouTube Featuring Tito Telling the Origin StoryTito's Stories YouTube Videos (All 8 are referenced)Dry January Superbowl AdContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 114: Jeppson's Malört
Feb 17 2023
Episode 114: Jeppson's Malört
Episode 114 features Jeppson's Malört. Bottled in 750ml at 35% ABV, or 70 proof and it retails for about $22.Enjoy this episode with a shot of Jeppson's Malört straight.Jeppson's Malört official website: https://www.jeppsonsmalort.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:1880s - Carl Jeppson immigrates to Chicago, Illinois, USA from Sweden1920s - Carl Jeppson begins making and selling door to door his own bask brännvin, later to be named Malört1933 - Carl Jeppson sells Malört to Bielzoff Products1945 - George Brode buys Bielzoff Products, eventually renaming the company Red Horse Liquors1953 - George Brode sells Red Horse Liquors, except for Malört1986 - Mar-Salle Distillery in Chicago, who had been making Malört since 1953, closes so production moves to Kentucky1999 - George Brode dies, leaving Jeppson's Malört to his friend and long-time secretary Patricia Gabelick2007 - The hastag #malortface catches on in Chicago with photos shared online2011 - Chicago comedian Sam Mechling begins promoting Malört on Twitter and Facebook, eventually raising the ire of Patricia Gabelick2012 - Sam Mechling officially joins the Carl Jeppson Company2018 - CH Distillery in Chicago buys the Carl Jeppson Company and Jeppson's Malört bringing production back to Chicago2020 - The brand was selling about 20,000 9-liter equivalent cases annually Key Cocktails:Don't mess around, you just take shots of Jeppson's Malört.References:Chicago Tribune Article on the History of Jeppson'sThrillist Facts ListFood and Wine ArticleSerious Eats ArticleYouTube Video Featuring Production at CH DistilleryYouTube Video Featuring an Interview with Sam MechlingYouTube Video: "Chicago's Grossest Drink, Explained"YouTube Video: "The Worst Liquor Ever"Contact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 113: John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
Jan 27 2023
Episode 113: John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
Episode 113 features John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum. Bottled in 750ml at 11% ABV, or 22 proof and it retails for about $22.Enjoy this episode with a pour of John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum mixed in a tiki cocktail if you like.John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum doesn't have a website I can find, so here's the US Importer's website: https://alpenz.com/product-falernum.htmlBrief Historical Timeline:Pre-1800s - Falernum is likely being made in Barbados on sugar estates alongside rum1821 - The first printed reference to Falernum is found1890 - John D. Taylor is said to have refined the Falernum recipe into this award-winning liqueur1934 - Falernum is used in tiki cocktails by Donn Beach at Don's Beachcomber1970s - Falernum is gone from the US market and global sales decline along with tiki1993 - R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd. purchases blender Alleyne Arthur who had previously purchased John D. Taylor, bring this version of Velvet Falernum under R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd.'s ownership2009 - Haus Alpenz begins importing John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum into the USKey Cocktails:Try the Corn 'N Oil listed on the back label.Corn 'N Oil ½ oz. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum2 oz. Aged Barbados RumStir in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime slice.References:Presentation by Richard Seal of R. L. Seale & Co. Ltd. on the history of FalernumWikipedia Article on FalernumDifford's Guide listing for John D. Taylor's Velvet FalernumJohn D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum Instagram AccountTeakwood Tavern Article on John D. Taylor's Velvet FalernumPunch Article on Rediscovering John D. Taylor's Velvet FalernumContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 112: Cacique Guaro
Dec 2 2022
Episode 112: Cacique Guaro
Episode 112 features Cacique Guaro. Bottled in 365ml at 30% ABV, or 60 proof and it retails for about $3.Enjoy this episode with a pour of Cacique Guaro if you can find it.Cacique Guaro's official website: https://fanal.co.cr/ Brief Historical Timeline:1850 - Beverage alcohol production is nationalized in Costa Rica1853 - Fábrica Nacional De Licores, aka FANAL, is established and begins producing guaro1980 - FANAL brands Cacique Guaro and begins bottling it2015 - Cacique Guaro sells 1 million 9-liter equivalent casesKey Cocktails:Most Cacique Guaro is consumed mixed with fruit juice, or consumed neat. But, you can try this "fancy" version of a popular shot featuring Cacique Guaro.Chiliguaro (makes a batch to share)2 cups tomato juice⅔ cups Guaro - or as much as you want½ cup lime juice1 tbsp chopped onion1 tbsp chopped red pepper1 tbsp chopped cilantro½ tsp lizano sauce¼ tsp tabasco1 tsp sugar½ tsp salt½ tsp pepperBlend all the ingredients, strain and store in a glass bottle in the fridge. Serve very cold in shot glasses.References:Wikipedia Article on Cacique GuaroArticle on What is Cacique Guaro from the Tico TimesArticle on Giving Guaro a Second Sip from the Tico TimesThe National Drink of Cost RicaYouTube Video on the History of Guaro - In SpanishYouTube Factory TourCanadian Distributor's WebsiteContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 109: Gordon's Gin
Sep 24 2022
Episode 109: Gordon's Gin
Episode 109 features Gordon's London Dry Gin. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $12.Enjoy this episode with the late Queen's favorite cocktail, the Dubonnet.Gordon's official website: https://www.gordonsgin.com/Brief Historical Timeline:1769 - Alexander Gordon found his distillery in London 1786 - The distillery moves to Clerkenwell in London1823 - Alexander's son Charles takes over after a 7 year apprenticeship1877 or 1889 - The Gordon family sells to John Currie & Co.1898 - Gordon's merges with Tanqueray1904 - Gordon's begins being bottled in green glassCirca 1905 - Gordon's creates an export label and applies it to clear glass1924 - Gordon's introduces a line of pre-mixed cocktails1934 - Gordon's opens a distillery in New Jersey, USA1962 - Gordon's becomes the bet selling gin in the world1998 - Production of the UK and Europe moves to Fife, Scotland2021 - Annual case sales reached 7.4 million 9-liter equivalent casesKey Cocktails:Enjoy Gordon's in the classic Dubonnet Cocktail.1 part Gordon's Gin2 parts Dubonnet (French aperitif wine)Lemon Twist GarnishShake liquid ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.References:Wikipedia Article on Gordon'sDiageo Bar Academy ArticleDiageo Bar Academy History of Gordon'sThe Spirits Business Gordon's Brand HistoryWikipedia Article on the Gin CrazeWikipedia Article on Gin LaneThe Gin Guide Listing -includes list of botanicalsHello Magazine Article on The Queen's Favorite Gin Brand - it was Gordon'sThe Queen's Favorite Dubonnet CocktailThe Spirits Business Article on New Bottle Designs for Gordon'sContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram:
Episode 107: Vestal Vodka
Aug 20 2022
Episode 107: Vestal Vodka
Episode 107 features Vestal Vodka, Polish Potato Vodka. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof. There are three options covered, the Unfiltered 2015 Vintage that retails for $28. Next is the standard or "white label" that retails for $20. Last is the Black Cherry that retails for $21.Enjoy this episode with any of the Vestal Vodkas you can get your hands on!The official website for Vestal Vodka: https://www.vestalvodka.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:Early 1990s - William Borrell's father buys a farm in Poland2009 - The Borrell's grow a crop of potatoes on their Polish farm and have it distilled into vodka2010 - This first version of their vodka earns a perfect score on Difford's Guide2020 - Halewood, a UK based spirits producer, purchases 48% of Vestal forming a partnership2021 - TotalWine begins distributing Vestal Vodka in the USA, including all of the available Unfiltered 2015 Vintage2022 - The brand is hitting it's stride, growing distribution while staying true to their traditional production methodsKey Cocktails:It depends upon which version of Vestal you're drinking, but for the Unfiltered 2015 Vintage, let its flavor shine. The standard or "white label" is well suited for any vodka cocktail. The Black Cherry? Use it for flavor, recommended to be mixed with Coke for an alcoholic Cherry Coke.References:My interview with William Borrell, founder of Vestal Vodka.Chilled Magazine Article on Vestal VodkaThe Spirits Business Article Featuring William BorrellThe Spirits Business Article on Halewood Partnering with VestalVice Article on Polish MoonshineThe Ladies & Gents BarInside Hook ReviewContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 104: Maker's Mark
Jul 16 2022
Episode 104: Maker's Mark
Episode 104 features Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. Bottled in 750ml at 45% ABV, or 90 proof. It retails for about $28.Enjoy this episode with a Maker's Mark Old Fashioned!The official website for Maker's Mark: https://www.makersmark.com/Brief Historical Timeline:1840 - T.W. Samuels erects the family's first commercial distillery in Kentucky1943 - Bill Samuels gets out of his family business, for awhile1953 - Bill Samuels founds Maker's Mark1958 - The first bottles of Maker's Mark are hand dipped in red sealing wax1973 - Maker's Mark hires Kentucky ad agency Doe Anderson1975 - Bill Samuels, Jr. becomes President and CEO of Maker's Mark1980 - Maker's Mark is featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal1981 - Hiram Walker buys Maker's Mark2004 - A second still is added to increase production2005 - Pernod Ricard (who ended up with Maker's Mark through acquisitions) sells the brand to Fortune Brands, which would become part of Beam Suntory2011 - Maker's Mark sells 1 million 9-liter case equivalents for the first time2011 - Rob Samuels, grandson of the founder, takes over when his father Bill Samuels, Jr. retires2013 - Proof is reduced 3%, but only for a moment2015 - A $67 million investment includes a third still and new warehouses2019 - Maker's Mark sells 2.4 mill casesKey Cocktails:Use as you would any quality bourbon. I'm drinking it neat, but try it in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.References:Book: Maker's Mark - My Autobiography by Bill Samuels, Jr. published in 2000Wikipedia Article on Maker's MarkBrand History Article on The Spirits BusinessDrink Spirits Story on Maker's Mark WhiskyMaker's Mark on The Spirits EducatorVinepair.com Article on Hops Used in ProductionVinepair.com Article on Maker' MarkDoe Anderson Ad Agency for Maker's MarkPress Release on Bill Samuels, Jr. Retiring via the Wayback MachineContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram:
Episode 103: Flor de Caña 12
Jul 8 2022
Episode 103: Flor de Caña 12
Episode 103 features Ron Flor de Caña 12. Boxed and bottled, it's 750ml at 35% ABV, or 70 proof and was intended for the domestic Nicaraguan market. In the United States, this is sold at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for about $40.Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Flor de Caña 12!The official website for Ron Flor de Caña 12: https://flordecana.com/Brief Historical Timeline:1875 - Alfredo Francisco Pellas Canessa immigrants to Nicaragua from Genoa, Italy1890 - Alfredo sets up a sugar plantation and the workers celebrate the harvest with some rum made on site 1937 - Flor de Caña is established as a brand1959 - Flor de Caña begins export sales in Central America1980s - The brand stockpiles aging rum, amassing the largest reserves of aged rum in the world1999 - Flor de Caña is sold to 40 countries and 5 continents worldwide2012 - Distillery tours begin, following investment2013 - The branding was updated including the bottles2017 - International Wine and Spirits Competition awarded the brand the Best Rum in the WorldKey Cocktails:This is a sipping rum for sure, just great on it's own. However, you may also want to try it in a rum Old Fashioned.References:Wikipedia Article on Flor de CañaBrand History YouTube VideoAn Older Brand History YouTube VideoBrand Ad on YouTubeDistillery Tour YouTube VideoProduction Video on YouTubeSpanish Language YouTube Video Purporting 80% is 12 Years Old RumWikipedia Article on NicaraguaWikipedia Article on Nicaraguan RevolutionThe Spirits Business Article on Packaging UpdatePress Release on Tree Planting CampaignContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 102: Patrón Tequila
Jun 5 2022
Episode 102: Patrón Tequila
Episode 102 features Patrón Silver Tequila. Boxed and bottled in a handmade glass bottle that's 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $50.Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Patrón Tequila!The official website for Patrón: https://www.patrontequila.com/Brief Historical Timeline:1989 - John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crowley wonder what the aristocrats in Mexico drink, Martin Crowley finds it at Casa Sieta Leguas1989 - John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crowley form the Patron Spirits Company, securing 100% of production from a distillery in Mexico, as well as the services of Francisco Alcaraz, who would become Master Distiller1991 - Patrón hold a blind tasting event at Spago in West Hollywood with a celebrity guest list2000 - Ed Brown is hired as CEO2002 - Patrón begins setting up their own production facility, what would become Hacienda Patrón2003 - Founder Martin Crowley dies, kicking off a 5 year legal battle for control of the brand2006 - Patrón reaches 1 million 9-liter equivalent case sales2008 - John Paul Dejoria acquires 70% of Patrón with Bacardi owning 30%2012 - Patrón reachs 2 million 9-liter equivalent case sales2018 - Bacardi buys John Paul Dejoria out of his stake in Patrón for $5.1 Billion USD2020 - Case sales are 3.1 millionKey Cocktails:Please try Patrón neat, then mix as you like in your favorite cocktails that call for tequila.References:The Patrón Way by Ilana Edelstein, published in 2013 with a forward by John Paul DejoriaJohn Paul Dejoria interview on YouTubeIlana Edelstein interview on YouTubeMercury News article from 2017 on the founders of PatrónWikipedia Article on PatrónWikipedia Article on John Paul DejoriaStatista Global Sales InformationForbes article "The Truth Behind Patrón's Tequila Empire (may require subscription)Bacardi Press Release on Purchase of PatrónBusiness Insider Video on How Patrón is MadePatrón YouTube Video on "60 Hands"Contact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram:
Episode 101: Old Elk Whiskey
May 13 2022
Episode 101: Old Elk Whiskey
Episode 101 features Old Elk Distillery. Five different bottlings are noted, with a tasting from the Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey that is bottled in 750ml at 44% ABV, or 88 proof and it retails for $45.Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of any Old Elk product!The official website for Old Elk: https://www.oldelk.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:1880 - Brand is originally created1888 - Old Elk Trademark is registered by Stoll, Vanatta & CoProhibition Years - Old Elk is produced by Stitzel Distillery as a "medicinal spirit"Post Prohibition - Stitzel-Weller Distillery continues production of Old Elk, without the "medicinal" moniker1972 - Brand is sold to Norton-Simon who abandons it2013 - Entrepreneur Curt Richardson resurrects the Old Elk brand, acquiring the trademark2013 - Greg Metze creates a custom mash bill for Old Elk's signature bourbon2017 - Old Elk launches in Colorado and California2021 - Annual sales of about $16 millionKey Cocktails:Old Elk is perfect neat, right out of the bottle. You can mix it or chill it if you like.References:Most of the content for this episode came from an interview and tasting conducted with Greg Metze, Master Distiller for Old Elk.MGP IngredientsEarly Brand History from Bourbon VeachArticle on Greg Metze from Gear PatrolBourbon Lens Overview of Old Elk DistilleryContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 100: Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
Apr 29 2022
Episode 100: Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
Episode 100 features Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $36.Enjoy this episode with a neat pour of Gran Centenario!The official website for Gran Centenario: https://grancentenario.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:1857 - Tavern owner and tequila producer Lázaro Gallardo starts making what will become Gran Centenario1895 - Gallardo names his tequila Gran Centenario to commemorate the new century and the coming 100th anniversary of Mexican independence1920 - Luciano Gallardo, the founder's son, designs art deco inspired bottles and begins selling Gran Centenario beyond the tavern1995(?) - Becle, the parent company of Jose Cuervo, acquires Gran Centenario (may have been much earlier)Today - Gran Centenario is the best selling tequila in MexicoKey Cocktails:Gran Centenario Añejo makes for a great sipper, but give their signature cocktail a try if you like.Golden Angel1.5 parts Gran Centenario® Añejo1 part Pressed Ginger1 part Fresh Lemon Juice1 part Fresh Lime Juice3⁄4 part Agave NectarDash of Kosher SaltGarnish with wedges of fresh Lemon and LimeReferences:Proximo Spirits, the US Importer of Gran CentenarioTequila Source ListingForbes Article on Gran CentenarioTequila Matchmaker ListingYouTube Review (in Spanish)Becle Financial Overview with Sales InsightTrademark Listing for Gran CentenarioCuervo 2018 Annual ReportMashed.com Article on Tequila NOM MeaningContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 98: Liquore Strega
Apr 15 2022
Episode 98: Liquore Strega
Episode 98 features Liquore Strega. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof and it retails for $36.Enjoy this episode with pour of Strega chilled.The official website for Strega: https://www.strega.it/en/ Brief Historical Timeline:1200s - Legend says witches gathered in Benevento, Italy 1860 - Strega is founded by Giuseppe Alberti1894 - Giuseppe Alberti dies, leaving the distillery to his four sons1900s - The brand invests in advertisings1947 - The Premio Strega, or Strega Prize, is created by Guido Alberti1998 - Strega gets into the confections business, with candies that feature StregaToday - The fifth generation of the Alberti family is still running the companyKey Cocktails:Strega is a digestif, or after drinker drink, but mixes well with certain drinks. Try the Strega Tonic:1 oz. Strega 1 oz. Gin 4 oz. tonic waterServe over iceReferences:The Spruce Eats Article on StregaWikipedia Article on StregaDiffords Guide Listing of StregaPunch Drink Article on StregaYouTube Brand CommercialYouTube Video of Distillery Tour with Vintage Advertising ShownYouTube Overview - Fast Paced, and in ItalianYouTube Candy Making OverviewWikipedia Article on the Witches of BeneventoAtlas Obscura Article on Why Witches Ride BroomsContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur
Episode 97: Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum
Apr 8 2022
Episode 97: Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum
Episode 97 features Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. Bottled in 750ml at 63% ABV, or 126 proof and it retails for $26.Enjoy this episode with a "Wray & Ting".The official website for the brand simply redirects to the corporate parent: http://www.jwrayandnephew.com/ Brief Historical Timeline:1825 - John Wray founds The Shakespeare Tavern in Kingston, Jamaica 1860 - John. Wray brings his nephew, Charles James Ward into the business1862 - J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. is formed1862 - The brand wins gold medals for their aged rums in London1901 - J. Wray & Nephew acquires the Monymusk Estate1913 - Charles Ward dies, leaving the business to trustees1916 - Lindo Brothers & Co. purchases the company from the trustees1917 - Distillery operations move to the recently acquired Appleton Estate1940s - This overproof bottling was likely introduced1997 - Joy Spence is appointed Master Blender2012 - Gruppo Campari buys J. Wray & Nephew Ltd.Key Cocktails:This rum is great for mixing and stands up in a cocktail. A popular serve is the "Wray & Ting".1 Part Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum2 Parts Ting or Smilar Grapefruit SodaServe over iceReferences:Campari's Brand ListingWikipedia Article on j. Wray & Nephew Ltd.Liquor.com ReviewYouTube Video Discussing the Campari Acquisition Circa 2015Steve The Barman on YouTube, Features Wray & Nephew Overproof RumLong Presentation on Production at Appleton Estate, by J. Wray & NephewGood Tasting & Review on YouTubeAnother Good Tasting & Review on YouTubeContact Information:Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.comJoin my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHfFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/Twitter: @LLConnoisseur