Intoxicating History

On this episode of Intoxicating History we trace American history through what presidents chose to pour. From George Washington’s Madeira-fuelled formality to Thomas Jefferson’s obsession with French wine, drink becomes a way of signalling power, taste, and intent. Along the way, we meet whiskey-loving generals, temperance-minded First Ladies, Prohibition presidents who quietly ignored their own laws, and eras shaped by glamour, chilli, or quiet restraint. Kennedy dazzles with French wine and style. Johnson tears up the rulebook with Texas hospitality. Nixon knows his claret but keeps it close. Reagan recognises the diplomatic value of American wine. Obama brews beer in the White House. Trump sticks to Diet Coke. Together, these choices tell a story of America through glasses raised, rules bent, and the politics of what ends up on the table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with something special - our top 12 most intoxicating moments from Season 1! Join us as we revisit the wildest boozy tales that shaped history, from Roman drinking clubs to champagne myths. We'll reveal how Mark Antony sent drunken letters to the Roman public (the ancient equivalent of drunk texting!), explore whether the Royal Navy actually invented the mojito, and uncover the bizarre horse-trading practice that may have given us the word "cocktail" - involving ginger and a very uncomfortable equine experience.We'll also dive into prohibition's ridiculous loopholes, discover how the French protected their precious vineyards during WWII, and finally settle the great martini debate - was James Bond actually right about shaking, not stirring? From naval rum rations to Hitler's stolen wine collection, these stories prove that alcohol has been causing chaos, controversy, and comedy throughout human history. Pour yourself something appropriate and join us for this intoxicating journey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re thrilled to welcome marketing maverick Rory Sutherland to Intoxicating History. In this somewhat rambunctious episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles share a glass of Port with Rory as he declares war on the tyranny of the wine-list and launches his campaign to ban drinks parties… except if they’re outdoors.Rory takes us back to his Welsh roots and his love of pubs, explaining they are the beating heart of community cohesion—and why they should not be taxed. He reveals his secret super-power as a “fat man in restaurants” and his discovery that even the most powerful people can be charmed by a Kent pub.In a surprisingly candid turn, Rory opens up about his experience on Mounjaro his relationship with food (and yes, with wine) and the real genius of low alcohol beer. So pour yourself something splendid, lean back, and join us a little less pure history than usual but a terrific episode full of wit, wisdom and insight.Supported by Taylors Port Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back  to escort you on a rollicking journey through the world of wine fraud in “The Grape Pretenders.” In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowlesinvite you to join us as we unravel the outrageous schemes of  the past, where fraudsters concocting “authentic” vintages by blending turnip juice, wild fruit, and even a dash of lead oxide—ingredients that would make any sommelier’s head spin. Our adventure begins with the exploits of Charles Palmer, an English officer whose fateful carriage encounter changed a chateau’s fate, sparking a series of misadventures in wine imitation.We explore recipes that include bizarre additions like almond shells and gum benzone, and we hear about the infamous “Holy Palmer’s kiss” that left high society baffled and amused. We examine the art of disguise practiced by dubious wine merchants and celebrate the wild ingenuity that once ruled the vine. So, pour yourself a glass and join us as we raise our spirits, laugh at history’s oddities, and toast to the enduring legacy of fake wine. Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another unruly chapter of Intoxicating History with hosts, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles. In this episode, we’re unraveling the wild, head-spinning days of America’s Prohibition era. We discover how a noble quest to curb alcohol ended up giving birth to a veritable carnival of bootleggers, speakeasies, and legal loopholes that only the richest could exploit.We get into the nitty-gritty of how temperance morphed from high-minded ideals into a rollercoaster of absurdity. We meet the indomitable Carrie A Nation, hatchet in hand, storming saloons and leaving a trail of smashed barrels in her wake—she’s not your everyday protester. And who could forget Al Capone? His notorious reign in Chicago, complete with jaw-dropping escapes and tax evasion will make your head spin. And that’s all before we meet ‘the Real McCoy’...We also dive into the quirky, sometimes downright dangerous world of homemade spirits, the unexpected social melting pots that were speakeasies, and the bizarre laws that let the wealthy stockpile booze for years. So, pour yourself something nice, settle in, and join us for a spirited, unfiltered journey through one of history’s most tumultuous—and deliciously entertaining—eras. Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry, Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles travel back  2,000 years to ancient Rome to ask the big question: What did the Romans ever do for us—wine‑wise? From Pliny the Elder’s hangover cure of raw owl eggs in wine (yes, really) to the scandalous Bacchanalian rites that terrified senators into banning women from drinking, we’ll reveal how Rome invented luxury vintages that cost more than a modern Château Yquem—then aged them for a century and more. We meet Cato the Elder, the original frugal influencer who refused imported Falernian wine for his guests (but probably savored it in secret). And discover how Mark Antony entered Ephesus in a wild bacchic parade—think Pride float meets reality show—to cement his power and reputation as one of history’s most notorious party animals. If you love historical gossip, tales of Ancient Roman excess, and a side of scandal worthy of the Senate, tune in for a glass‑raising romp through Rome’s vinous legacy—no time machine required.Supported by Taylor’s Port. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys unravel the enigmatic legacy of monastic mixology. They explore how medieval monks, driven by both spiritual devotion and scientific curiosity, transformed the art of distillation into a craft that yielded some of history’s most fascinating elixirs. We delve into the creation of the herbaceous, enigmatic Chartreuse; the uniquely stimulating, and often-maligned Buckfast; and the parvenu that is Benedictine —all recipes shrouded in secrecy and varying degrees of tradition. Beyond the drinks themselves,, this episode dissects themes of resilience, innovation, and the surprising marketing prowess of these religious artisans. Whether it’s unearthing hidden manuscripts or examining how these potent concoctions became cultural icons, join us for an irreverent yet thoughtful take on how the sacred and the profane intersect in our drinking culture. If you’re drawn to history that’s as spirited as it is surprising, this episode is a must-listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 LeeIntoxicating History is a TWS Creative and Telltale Industries Production in association with Antica Productions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.