VALCHA, Author at Spiritsfully - Learn about spirits

Why spirits are one of the solutions to the no waste movement

2022-03-152022-03-15

Remember those old articles about grappa? And the cheatsheets on fine and marc? Think you knew all about spirits made from wine must? Then read this article to be sure!

Forget Baijiu!

2022-03-152022-03-15

There’s a trend we’ve been spotting about for a few years now: hybrid spirits. And this trend is becoming more and more important. Recently it is

When we will taste spirits on screen

2022-02-162022-02-16

I came across an article on the BBC website that I have to share with you. It talks about the sense of smell, this sense often neglected and yet indispensable when tasting a spirit (as we remind here).

What we want to forget from 2021!

2022-01-182022-02-06

2021 finally ended as planned and with it we hope some despicable trends. What are we not going to regret? Let’s check that out.

The spirits trends for 2022

2022-01-092022-02-06

The trends that were already there in 2021 will continue in 2022. I could have written the same article as last year. But I won’t do it because 1/ I’m not lazy 2/ nuances are important and there are nuances. Let’s check that out!

Two unknown facts about Irish whiskeys

2021-05-252021-12-15

The series continues! All the classes about whiskies are online now. Today, we will zoom on Irland with two specificities one can find only there. Let’s dive!

Are you sure you know it all about Bourbon?

2021-05-042021-11-07

As you may have noticed Spiritsfully is zooming on the world of whiskies these days. Today, let’s look at some practices that can be found in the US only!

What makes Japanese whisky so special?

2021-03-252021-11-07

Let’s start exploring the specificities of the whisky production. Today we are going to look at one process that is specifically Japanese.

Whiskie 101 is now live

2021-03-052021-11-07

Tada! As announced lately, and because you were many to ask for it, here we go, the…… introductions to whisky are now online.

Why 0.5% matters or what is really a non alcoholic beverage?

2021-02-282022-01-17

As we have seen for a few years*, there are more and more brands of adult beverages sometimes called non-alcoholic spirits on the world market. Some imitate the most famous spirits like gin or rum.

An intimate story of distillation

2021-02-252021-11-07

When I heard that my podcast partner-in-crime Robert Schroeter was about to go and work with a Swiss distillery, I know that would give us a great topic of conversation, part of it I knew I would share with you. So here we go!

Looking backwards to look forward

2021-02-052021-12-09

Today, Spiritsfully will introduce you to a German initiative that is worth knowing, the “Society for the History of Spirits“. And maybe you will also tell me if you know of similar initiatives in other countries?Thank you in advance!

Investigating during dry January: an interview with Morten Sorensen

2021-01-252021-12-22

Did you read the last post? So you’re already full on as per discovering what dry January is? We keep investigating the world of beverages that are distilled but without alcohol. We contacted several producers to understand the new techniques that are being developed, last fall, we talked with one of these producers: Morten Sorensen! […]

Investigating during dry January: an interview with Laori’s founders

2021-01-152021-11-07

Investigating during dry January: an interview with the Easip team

2021-01-052021-11-07

As we announced in a post back in January, as well as in this longer article, we keep investigating the world of beverages that are distilled but without alcohol. We contacted several producers to understand the new techniques that are being developed, last fall, we talked with one of these producers: the trio behind Easip. Enjoy!

What are we going to drink in 2021? New trends review!

2020-12-292021-11-07

2020 is almost over. We are at the dawn of 2021. The ideal time to imagine a new year and anticipate (this is the other activities of Spiritsfully, as you can find out here and there) And we’ll meet again in a year’s time to check it out? Let’s go!

What you need to know about spit drinks?

2020-11-152021-12-15

The end of the year is approaching, time to learn something different, right? So why not spit drinks, and more precisely spit drinks from Peru, meaning Chicha and Masato. Let’s dive! How do spit drinks work?

Did you know that the first distiller was…a woman

2020-10-152021-11-07

Let’s continue to debunk distillation related myths. Today we look at the women who also happened to be distillers and we start many centuries before BC.

Where does Aperitivo come from?

2020-10-012021-12-15

Let’s start with the first and obvious question: Where does the word come from? What does it mean? “Aperitif” comes from the Latin “aperire” which means “to open”… not a bottle, but the natural escape routes… In other words, this drink was considered …

What is Seco Herrerano?

2020-09-152021-11-07

Seco Herrerano is an alcoholic beverage distilled from sugar cane. It is distilled three times. It is traditionally used directly or in mixed drinks as a substitute for rum or vodka. What else do you need to know?

What is charanda?

2020-08-062021-11-07

You hear Charanda, you think Mexico. This is a good beginning. Charanda is indeed an alcoholic drink made with sugarcane in Mexico. But what else?

Is alcohol a stimulant or a depressant?

2020-07-092021-12-15

When alcohol first reaches the brain, it makes nerve cells in the brain less excited, causing them to slow down. Why? What is actually happening here? Let’s find out!

Brazilian best kept secret starts with a c like cachaca!

2020-06-112021-12-22

The best kept secret from Brazil is….Cachaça, or cachace, is a Brazilian distilled beverage obtained by fermenting and then distilling vesou, the sugar cane juice. And what else?

How does alcohol affect your brain?

2020-05-282021-12-09

Several parts of the brain are affected when you drink, because of the effect of ethanol. Ethanol is only one of several types of alcohol, but the only type that is found in alcoholic beverages.

Showing off with details on batavia arrack

2020-05-142021-11-07

In short arrack or Batavia Arrack is a spirit from Indonesia, made from sugar cane (with red rice for the premium version, among other).What else do you need to know?

Remember the classics: sloe gin time!

2020-04-302021-11-07

Do you remember what is the difference between sloe gin and gin? If not, this article is just right for you!

The non alcoholic investigation continues

2020-04-022021-11-07

As we announced in a post back in January, we keep investigating the world of beverages that actually are distilled but without alcohol. Today we met with Roland Barics who started Nogins Virgin and Rum’less as we still have many blunt questions about processes and ingredients.

What do Cognac or Pisco have in common?

2020-03-192021-11-07

Following up on an article about brandy back in November, here is a little summary about what you need to know about the spirits based of grapes. Enjoy!

Craft Spirits Berlin 2020

2020-03-122021-11-07

Let’s enjoy this event through pictures now thanks to a slide show.

The non-alcoholic investigation continues with Upsi!

2020-02-062021-11-07

As you may have noticed Spiritsfully’s focus is on the educated and moderate side of the drinking culture. It is a space for understanding the making of fine liquors in order to enable better spirits assessment.

The final guide about Korenwijn

2020-01-222021-11-07

I got into an interesting discussion on instagram a few weeks ago with Philip Duff, (spirits expert for Liquid Solutions Consulting and Chief Genever Officer for@oldduffgenever) over Korenwijn. And I still thinking about it, having difficulties to find reliable details, specially as per what the regulation allows in EU. Hence that article….

Cool books about booze to read before 2019 ends!

2019-12-122021-11-13

Don’t you want to end 2019 with new books on the shelves? But which ones? There are so many books about cocktail getting released these days that someone could litteraly post one picture of a new bok a day. We love cocktails at Spiritsfully but our focus is more about being informed about fine liquors […]

How the shape of a still also shapes a spirit

2019-11-202021-11-07

It is said that both the shape and the size of a still has a strong influence on the final distillate. How and why are the two questions we are going to try to answer.

The final explanation about brandy

2019-11-062021-11-07

Let’s avoid any boring intro and go straight to the fact: Brandy (from brandywine, derived from Dutch brandewijn, gebrande wijn or “burned wine”) is a spirit produced by distilling wine.

The ultimate report about BCB 2019

2019-10-232021-11-13

Here is a long overdue post about BCB, Berlin Bar Convent 2019, the biggest and loudest event of the spirits industry. If you couldn’t go here are the three key learnings distilled for you.

The story of Fernet and other Swedish bitters finally revealed.

2019-10-092021-11-07

Fernet Branca is the most famous of Fernet’s brands, itself is a cousin of the Swedish bitter aka Elixir du Suedois. What? What are Swedish bitters? Also called Swedish tincture, is a bitter and a traditional herbal tonic, the use of which dates back to the 15th century. Or even before. A Fernet is a […]

What’s the difference between proof and abv.?

2019-09-122021-11-07

Being French I tend to refer to abv more than proof when discussing the alcohol content of a drink. Proof appears from time to time through. But what is the difference ?

What does sustainability mean in the world of fine liquors and spirits?

2019-07-172021-11-07

A while ago, in the article about the takeaways from Destille Berlin 2019, I mentioned that I would get back to an intervention that deserved more time than a five-line paragraph. And that time has come, please meet Erwan Castain and Eleonore Tavernier from Pimlica to answer one question: What does sustainability mean in the […]

How can Mezcal and Tequila be made sustainably?

2019-06-192021-11-07

As promised some weeks ago, after the post on Destille Berlin, I am getting back on the topic of sustainability with a focus on sustainability in the world of the agave based spirits. What should you care? Because if there is no more agave, you can forget about drinking Tequila. And do you really want […]

Which instagram account should you follow?

2019-06-052021-11-13

Spiritsfully hasn’t found an account to follow to learn about spirits in a systematical manner yet ?Did you? Please tell me. Even Liquor.com which does great Youtube videos is all about cocktail.

What is a craft distillery?

2019-05-232021-11-13

When asking around to my friends, as i wanted to write that post, what a craft distillery was, I often heard the following response: craft must mean “small” and “carefully done.” Hum. Hum. Hum.What is small? What is careful? There are terrible distillers working in small quantities, I have friends producing a terrible calvados. Yes, after […]

Are bitters still a thing?

2019-05-092021-11-07

Did you notice that everyone is talking about bitter, but do everyone know what it is? Bitters are made by infusing a neutral spirit with botanicals, like seeds, bark, aromatic herbs, roots, fruit as well as coffee or chocolate. Sometimes sugar is added. The alcoholic strength of bitters varies widely across different brands and styles. […]

What’s a shrub?

2019-04-042021-11-07

I don’t know about you but I always wondered by shrubs were. For any reason I believed for a long time that it was a sort of sorbet or a natural juice. I’m nerdy about spirits, I’m naive about bartending practices. So I never really knew what it was until i read this article below, […]

What did we learn from Craft Spirits Destille Berlin 2019 ?

2019-03-062021-11-07

A few days after Destille Berlin closed its door of its 8th Edition. What did we learn from Destille Berlin 2019 ?

A discussion with Derek Sandhaus or how Baijiu will expand your senses

2018-12-192021-11-07

December 2018, Spiritsfully got lucky and met with Derek Sandhaus a few days after BCB 2018 in Berlin, We talked Baijiu evangelism, biais and stereotypes and how unlearning anything you know about distillation can help you to understand distillation better.Ready?

Which fine spirits related books to read in 2018

2018-12-132021-11-13

Don’t you want to end 2018 with new books on the shelves? But which ones? There are so many books about cocktail getting released these days that someone could literally post one picture of a new book a day. We love cocktails at Spiritsfully but our focus is more about being informed about fine liquors […]

5 facts about Vodka you’re dying to know

2018-11-282021-11-13

Does vodka expire? Or cure diseases? or can vodka freeze? Let’s dive to find out!

The drinkstagrammers you need to know

2018-11-212021-11-13

We all spend way too much time on Instagram, but are we spending that time the right way? To make sure we’ll go in the right direction, here are some accounts you may like to follow.

Why is a bar called a bar?

2018-11-142021-11-13

Ever thought about it? If not that’s the occasion to find out. This is not about spirit making stricto sensu but this is a good story to take away and impress people at dinner. Maybe. Actually it is not such a random fact as it may seem: it tells a lot about our societies. So […]

How to say Cheers in every language?

2018-10-242021-11-13

Earlier this summer, VinePair worked on the greatest translation cheatsheet you can imaging, and I couldn’t not not tell you about it.

The Tasting you should have not missed at BCB 2018

2018-10-182021-11-07

To inaugurate a series of posts about Bar Convent Berlin 2018, let’s start with the best and rarest tasting that took place on that sunny Wednesday 10 of October 2018. I’m talking about the BAIJIU tasting hosted by Jürgen Deibel, Paul Mathew and Derek Sandhaus. I can already hear you: WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT […]

6 Take Aways from BCB 2018

2018-10-102021-11-07

BCB 2018 closed its doors last evening at 7PM after intense three days. What is it to remember ? 1. There are still so many gins out there Most of the booths again were gin related, specially the smaller stands. The question is: do we need another gin with other ingredients we never heard about? […]

Pondering on Destille Berlin 2018: what you should have not missed.

2018-10-072021-11-13

Destille returned March 3rd and 4th, 2018. It was one of the coldest weekend of the year in Berlin but the warmest spirits connoisseurs of the city all joined. Here is spiritsfully’s snapshots.

When cocktails become fictions

2018-09-122021-11-13

A great news we are happy to share through this post: for a couple of months Spiritsfully started a collaboration with fictions’ Franck Audoux.

The gin you have never heard about.

2018-06-272021-11-13

We have to go to Belgium to find it. It is named Peket! The word Peket means “spicy” in old Walloon. According to other sources, this word comes from the language of the coal workers. It probably comes from the Walloon word pèke which, in certain regions of Wallonia, means juniper berries.

Same but different. A quick tour of Prowein 2018 focusing on spirits

2018-03-222021-11-13

Same but different was the name of the Hall where many craft spirits were gathered at Prowein this year. The “Same but different” Hall welcome new trends,, or innovations in the wine and spirits world at Protein since 2015. And this year it was “craft”.

Pondering on Destille Berlin 2018: what you should have not missed.

2018-03-142021-11-13

Destille returned March 3rd and 4th, 2018. It was one of the coldest weekend of the year in Berlin but the warmest spirits connoisseurs of the city all joined. Here is spiritsfully’s snapshots.

Why we need to change the way we talk about drinks.

2017-11-302021-11-13

Lately at the Feminist Food Club of Berlin, I discussed how the way we speak about drinks is still very full of stereotypes and what we can do about it. In 2017 ? Yes, in 2017. What did we talk about?

What do you know about the fastest growing category in the spirits industry?

2017-11-012021-11-13

Do you want to know about the fastest growing category in the drink industry ? Me too, so to start questioning and exploring this hot topic I went to hear what distill ventures’s COO Dan Gasper had to say on the subject. Read on !

Bar convent 2017: the 4 niche spirits you should have tried.

2017-10-182021-11-13

Bar convent was already a week ago !!! Crazy. Time to remember about what we could learn from this edition. Deibel consultant came back this year with 5 “exquisite” niche spirits to watch for 2017. Curious to know which one ? Read on !

Are urban distilleries the new trends?

2017-10-022021-11-13

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS URBAN DISTILLERIES OR ARE THEY URBAN LEGENDS? To find out : let’s start right now with a new series focusing of URBAN DISTILLERIES, and let’s start with BROOKLYN.

Which You Tube channels you need to follow?

2017-09-112021-11-13

Yes there are a few ! And here is our ongoing/in progress selection. #1 LIQUOR.COM Check their “spirits in 60 sec series” It seems this is the only comprehensive chanel. If Spiritsfully were on you tube, it may look like this. OTHER CHANNELS – more specific A great video about distillation. Scientific. Also about the […]

Where are Craft spirits going? The future!

2017-06-262021-11-13

At least some potential future! Wonder about craft spirits ? How would you define it though ? Is it handmade or made in smaller batch ? Is it reviving traditions and reawakening all spirits? What is exactly that makes the definition starts and ends ?

How many forgotten spirits do you know?

2017-06-192021-11-13

Did you ever imagine how spirits from the past taste like ? Sour ? Sugary ? Herbal ? Low or High proof ?How to find out ? If you do not have access to old manuscripts a good solution would be to meet Guillaume Ferroni (more HERE).

What’s up with women and the bar scene today : a great talk by Maria Canabal at Pour symposium

2017-06-062021-11-13

This talk happened at the POUR symposium within the Cocktail Spirits Paris 2017 this year. Why was this talk very important? Let’s find out!

What you should not have missed at Destille Berlin 2018

2017-04-052021-11-13

Did you make it to Destille berlin this year. It was a glorious weather this weekend, felt more like summer than Spring. Many exhibitors from … … everywhere again.

The Art of Alchemy

2017-02-282021-11-13

The Art of Alchemy is an exhibition that started at the Getty research institute in the Fall of 2016. There would have been no distillation, none of the beautiful liquid this website is dedicated too without alchemists. As an introduction to many posts to come on the often mysterious always thought-provoking alchemy, here are a […]

What are the key 2017 trends in the spirit industry ?

2017-01-132021-11-13

So what will happen in 2017? Let’s try to formulate some hypotheses!

Do you know the best websites to learn about liquor?

2017-01-042021-11-13

In this article I am sharing with you websites i like to check regularly to keep learning and to be informed about the industry.

A visit at the Bols museum in Amsterdam (yes, this is where Genever is coming from!)

2016-12-022021-11-13

Bols is the oldest Genever making company, and probably the oldest distillery still in existence today. It is located in the center of Amsterdam, at least the House of Bols is. Writing or reading about the history of Bols is like exploring the history of Gin. Bols was making juniper based alcohol before gin became […]

Which twitter account you need to follow

2016-11-172021-11-13

This month I am focusing on sources and resources. Whether you are just starting with the diploma WSET program preparations and about to pass the spirits exam or whether you are new in the business and you want to fast track : you landed onto the right website for you. Here are some advices about… […]

Spiritsfully’s favorites at Bar Convent Berlin 2016

2016-10-232021-11-07

From the gin category, again very widely represented with any bottles more beautiful than the other to the rice wines from Japan, 5 products that you should have tried at Bar Convent 2016 ! And as a bonus: the new trendy spirits!

Two facts you probably never knew about Grappa

2016-09-082021-11-07

With 100 kg of grapes, you “make” up to 100 bottles of wines, with grappa, only 3!!! This is a highly labour intensive fine spirits. And…

A visit at the Beefeater distillery in London!

2016-08-112021-11-07

Some times ago, I went to the Beefeater distillery in London. It opened in 2014 and offers information about the history of gin (where you are free to move at your own pace and where you learn how gin was consumed throughout history, fame and fall and renaissance) before a quick guided tour through the […]

A rare central America spirits to try (no, this is not Ayahuasca)

2016-07-022021-11-07

This is singuani.

What you need to know about pisco styles in a nutshell

2016-06-022021-11-07

There are many categories of Pisco, reflecting the incredible diversity of the category, and richness of this spirit. In addition one category in one country may mean something different in another. So check out the definitive guide of taste and impress your bartender ?

What do Cognac, Grappa and Pisco have in common ?

2016-02-012021-11-07

Grapes! They are all grape based spirits. Some are straight wine distillates and other are made from the must. First, some are straight wine distillates, such as the ones below. This category of spirits is named brandy. Let’s explore this today!

Something you may not know about gin

2016-01-022021-11-13

Yes. Mahon is a wine distilled Gin made only on the island of Menorca, off the Spanish coasts in the Mediteranean sea.

Let’s explore the borders of gin

2016-01-022021-11-13

For example: do you know what is Sloe Gin?

A special for gin fans who like History

2015-11-062021-11-07

Ready for a controversial history ? The history of gin is fascinating and parallel to the history of alcohol in Middle Age Europe.

Spiritsfully’s favorites at Whiskie Live 2015

2015-10-212021-09-28

Today, let’s dive into a Paris based trade show. In no order, what you had to taste :

Bar Convent 2015 and 3 surprising spirits

2015-10-182021-11-13

You haven’t been this year? Then here is a slide show of the beverages you should have not missed!

A fantastic vermouth class by the not less fantastic mixellany duo

2015-10-142021-11-13

Jared Brown and Anastasia Miller aka Mixellany gave a fantastic master class on Vermouth at Bar Convent 2015. It was a generous and wide approach and here are some of my highlights…

All you need to know about Pulque

2015-09-292021-11-07

Pulque is fermented and has nothing to do with Mezcal or Tequila. Being part of Mexico’s famous beverages, let’s dive into it!

Which alcohol is made with a desert spoon ?

2015-08-292021-11-07

Sotol is technically not a Mezcal (it is not made from agave) anymore but… still an alcohol worths trying for its delicate aromas and subtle taste.

The truth about insects in Mezcal

2015-07-242021-11-07

True !Is this traditional?NoSo why is there worms?

Do you want to know the Truth about Mescaline ?

2015-06-142021-11-07

There are people who argue that mezcal is made with mescaline. But it is not! This is a myth ! Or more exactly a confusion. Mescaline* is the psychoactive component of the peyote cactus. This cactus is unrelated to agave, but the words are close hence the confusion.

Why are some Mezcal unsuitable for vegan ?

2015-05-292021-11-07

Pechuga is an old Mezcal technique which varies from producer to producer and is most of the time only produced in tiny amounts for personal consumption. It is made by redistilling a finished mezcal with a mix of wild, seasonal fruits, often grains and always a raw, skinless chicken breast. As the chicken breast is […]

When Tequila makers look on the wine side

2015-04-142021-11-13

Tequila is aged in the plant, and not in a barrel nor a bottle as we explained in that course and this explains why more and more quality minded producers are looking to express terroir.

Tequila vs. Mezcal: The Battle

2015-01-142021-11-07

All tequilas are mezcal but not all mezcal are tequilas. Mezcal are any agave-based liquor produced in Mexico, and therefore Tequila is a subcategory of Mezcal. They do share a lot of common points for that reason (agave based and Mexican to start with), but here are where they differ.

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The final gin quiz

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Spiritsfully is dedicated to the knowledge and appreciation of spirits and fine liquors.© 2015-2025 Spiritsfully and guests. Illustrations by Ana Briceno. All rights reserved

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Spiritsfully is dedicated to the knowledge and appreciation of spirits and fine liquors.
© 2015-2025 Spiritsfully and guests. Illustrations by Ana Briceno. All rights reserved