What if everything you’ve ever heard about booze was wrong?

This episode isn’t just about spirits: it’s about truth, myth, and the fight to preserve real history in a world flooded with marketing fluff.

Today, I’m joined by Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller, two of the most prolific drink historians alive. Between them, they’ve authored nearly 40 books, deciphered 17th-century distilling manuals written in code, advised the world’s top bars, and even uncovered bottles worth half a million dollars!

But more than that, they’ve dedicated their lives to one mission: cutting through the noise and rewriting the story of alcohol, one verified fact at a time.

We talk about everything from the real origins of gin and Cuban rum to Julia Child’s martini habits, to why most bartending history is based on drunk people telling stories to drunk journalists.

Whether you’re in the service industry, obsessed with cocktails, or just fascinated by the hidden truths behind everyday culture—this episode will change how you think about what’s in your glass.

This is the real story behind the drinks. Let’s get into it.

Links to find out more about Jared Brown & Anistatia Miller

Mixellany (Check out the free library at the top too!)

00:00 Introduction to Cocktail Historians · 00:55 Legacy and Truth in Cocktail History · 04:56 Researching Spirits and Cocktails · 10:01 The Journey into Cocktail Writing · 14:57 The Role of Education in Cocktail Culture · 19:59 Favorite and Least Favorite Spirits · 24:52 Vermouth and Martini Making · 30:00 Books and Resources for Cocktail Enthusiasts · 34:50 The Importance of Historical Accuracy in Cocktails

Service starts now.

I talk mostly to people in and around the service industry space. I'm looking to hear from the people I wish I could have talked to when I was coming up in restaurants. Said another way: I am trying to make sense of this wild, beautiful mess of a life, and help others that are feeling similarly confused and/or lost. You can find more of my work at my blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and all my social links are at the bottom of that page.

Classic Episodes You May Like:

-#3:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My 1st and Most Powerful Conversation with Shane Alexander⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-#10:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nat Harry, cocktail expert!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-#14: ⁠⁠Dr. Shalini Bahl, mindful marketing⁠⁠

As always, I’m just here taking notes, trying to figure out what it all means.

Cheers