Author: Jonathan

Deep Dive(1000ish words) You raise your drink, make eye contact, smile like a dork, say “cheers,” and tap glasses. It’s a routine as old as beer itself—and we’ve all done it without really asking why. So let’s dive into one of the most common barroom rituals that nobody questions—until now. Welcome to your new party… Read more

Deep Dive(1000ish words) There are few drinks that have caused as much drama as absinthe. You’ve got art, hallucinations, government bans, wild parties, and a liquor that was basically blamed for society’s moral collapse. That’s one heck of a resume for a green-tinted spirit made from plants. So let’s take a seat at the bar… Read more

Deep Dive(1000ish words) Before Wi-Fi, neon signs, or $15 craft cocktails garnished with herbs you can’t pronounce, there was the colonial American tavern—a rickety, smoky, often rowdy gathering place where revolutions were whispered, beer was warm, and everybody knew your business. Welcome to the original watering holes of American independence. What Was a Colonial Tavern,… Read more

Deep Dive(1000ish words) Ah, Happy Hour – the time of day when the world collectively sighs in relief and reaches for a cold drink. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or gathering with friends, there’s something magical about those post-work hours when the drinks are cheap, and the laughter flows freely. But have you… Read more

Deep Dive(1000ish words) Let’s get one thing straight before we start: if you think BBQ is just “grilled meat,” please kindly step away from the tongs and rethink your life choices. Barbecue—real barbecue—is slow-cooked meat, kissed by smoke, bathed in sauce (or not), and fiercely defended by regional loyalists who’d rather fight than switch styles.… Read more

Deep Dive (Whole Version, 1000ish words) Picture this: It’s a Thursday afternoon in March. The boss mysteriously schedules a 2-hour meeting (a.k.a. hits the bar early), half the office is “working remotely,” and TVs are suddenly more common in conference rooms than whiteboards. Yes, it’s that magical time of year again: March Madness. But where did… Read more

Deep Dive (Whole Version, 1000ish words) If you’ve ever watched a movie set in the 1920s, chances are you’ve seen a speakeasy—or at least some version of it. Dark, secretive, and cool as a cucumber, speakeasies have become synonymous with jazz, flapper dresses, and a sort of rebellious charm. But before they were romanticized in films… Read more

Deep Dive (Whole Version, 1000ish words) Bourbon whiskey — the amber nectar that’s been gracing our glasses for centuries. Whether it’s neat, on the rocks, or mixed into your favorite cocktail (hello, Old Fashioned), bourbon holds a special place in the hearts of whiskey lovers around the world. But how did this beloved spirit come to… Read more

March 10, 2025 Talking Points Version The Quick Read (500 words): The History of India Pale Ales – The Beer That Conquered the High Seas A Tale of Hops, Empire, and Thirsty Soldiers If you’ve ever taken a sip of an IPA and thought, “Wow, this tastes like someone bottled a pine forest and added… Read more

Deep Dive (Whole Version, 1000ish words) The Boozy Evolution of St. Patrick’s Day: From Solemn Feast to Green Beer Bonanza Every March 17th, the world throws on green shirts, downs pints of Guinness, and toasts to the memory of St. Patrick—a man who, if he were around today, might be equal parts horrified and impressed by… Read more