Ports of Pleasure

From the red and white port lodges of Oporto to the hillside vineyards of the Douro Valley, there is no better place to find world class port than in Portugal. As refined as cognac or single malt scotch but with half the alcohol content, tawny port is full of delicious flavors like caramel and peanut brittle, apricot, plum, raisin and walnut - all knit harmoniously together. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he explores Portugal’s sun-drenched Douro Valley in search of the world’s finest tawny and ruby ports.

Grabba Grappa

From the romance of Venice’s canals to the granite spires of the mighty Dolomite Mountains, northern Italy offers an awesome palette of sights, experiences, food and drink. Here, one of Italy’s lesser-known pleasures is grappa - a colorless, high-alcohol eau de vie distilled from the grape skins and seeds left in the wine press after the juice is removed for wine. There are literally hundreds of highly individual styles of this complex and fiery distillation, and the Thirsty Traveler will do his best to get to the bottom of many of them.

Apple Cider House Rules

Tucked away on a winding country road in Old Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the only remaining steam-powered cider mills in the world. The Clyde family has been making hard cider for six generations. Back in 1881, B.F. Clyde sold the fresh cider out of his basement…well, some things never change and today you can bring your own cooler to fill or buy their plastic gallon or half-gallon out of the mill’s basement.

Gin Joint Jive

Come and explore the site where, in 1793, the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night before setting sail on the Mayflower. Ever the inquisitive explorer, the Thirsty Traveler makes his way to the port town of Plymouth, England - the only city outside the USA that celebrates American Thanksgiving - to talk turkey about why Plymouth Gin is one of the world’s greatest spirits. “I say…Cheers!”

It's Better With Bitters

The World’s Best Kept Secret Aromatic bitters have been around for centuries, but what exactly goes into bitters, is one of the world’s best-kept secrets. First used as a medicinal aid to combat indigestion, bitters has evolved into an incredible enhancer for both food and drink. Good things come in small packages and the Thirsty Traveler intends to find out exactly what goes into this little bottle of flavour packed lightning.

Make it Schnappy

Say the word “schnapps” and Germany instantly springs to mind. But what exactly is schnapps? Where does it come from? And how do you choose the proper lederhosen to wear when drinking it? Watch as the Thirsty Traveler answers these questions and many more.

Chile Wine

The first vintage in Chile was recorded back in 1551 when priests who swiftly followed the conquistadors south pressed grapes to make sacramental wines. Three centuries later, prosperous landowners sent their sons for education to Europe, notably to France, Spain and Italy, and then returned home with a taste for wine - and brought skilled European winemakers and architects with them. Today, Chile is regarded as a rising force in the world of wine and the Thirsty Traveler fully intends to show us why. Ole!

Maple Syrup Licker

Merveilleux! Maple syrup isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Intrepid entrepreneurs in Quebec have turned a Canadian classic into one of the most interesting and delicious new liquors on the market. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he traipses across old Quebec and taps into a truly unique story and spirit.

True Russian Vodka

The history of vodka reads like the history of Russia. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he retraces the epic footsteps of czars and revolutionaries alike. We’ll visit the palaces and promenades of Moscow before catching a train to the formerly "closed city" of Kirov and the birthplace of true Russian Vodka. Here, the Thirsty Traveler will visit a typical country dacha and discover the vodka-laced joys of banya. Don't forget to sniff the bread, comrade!

Pilsner - The Golden Elixir

On October 5th, 1842 in the City of Pilsen, in what is now known as the Czech Republic, the world’s first golden beer was brewed - Pilsner Urquell! Literally translated Pilsner Urquell means “Pilsner from the original source” and that is as true today as it was in 1842. Follow the Thirsty Traveler as he ventures through beautiful and historic Prague to the city of Pilsen, to find the story behind this golden liquid.

Absolutely Acquavit

Scandinavia is known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Here, under the constant bombardment of summer’s 24-hour sunlight, men and women like their drink strong, their song loud, and their fish fresh. So it’s an absolute given that they also love acquavit, and the ceremony of herring and singsong that accompanies its consumption. Who knows what adventures lie in store for the Thirsty Traveler as he makes his way through Denmark and Sweden, fueled by acquavit’s fiery bite.

Alaskan Beer

Alaskans boast a rugged individualism unlike those of the lower 48. What comes to mind when you think of Alaska, cold and crisp? Just like their beer! And with its near Arctic environment, beer masters tend to make a heartier blend. So couple Alaskan Smoked Porter Ale with an ice fishing trek for king salmon, and the Thirsty Traveler is in for quite an adventure.