Intoxicating History
Chartreuse To ‘wreck-The-Hoose’ Juice: Monks And The Art Of Distillation
Published: 6 March 2025 at 06:00 Europe/London
Listen on
Episode notes
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.
