The Blog
Welcome to the Whistling Andy blog, while we are craft distillers by trade, we are passionate about many things. Here you will find stories about things near and dear to us. Such as great cocktails, food, nature, history, and made in USA goods! Enjoy!
History of Stickley Furniture and Scaling Up Craft
Gustav Stickley, the eldest of five brothers and the proud son of first-generation German immigrants, was born in Wisconsin on March 9, 1858. He started to train as a stonemason when he was eleven and started work in his uncle’s chair factory in Pennsylvania when he was seventeen. Gustav and his brothers Charles and Albert founded the Stickley Brothers Company in Pennsylvania in 1883. After traveling to Europe, Gustav returned home and opened his Craftsman Shop in 1898. This is where he first began experimenting with new and distinct designs.
History of Stickley Furniture and Scaling Up Craft
Gustav Stickley, the eldest of five brothers and the proud son of first-generation German immigrants, was born in Wisconsin on March 9, 1858. He started to train as a stonemason when he was eleven and started work in his uncle’s chair factory in Pennsylvania when he was seventeen. Gustav and his brothers Charles and Albert founded the Stickley Brothers Company in Pennsylvania in 1883. After traveling to Europe, Gustav returned home and opened his Craftsman Shop in 1898. This is where he first began experimenting with new and distinct designs.
The Journey of the Charred Whiskey Barrel
While the exact origin of charring whiskey barrels may never be known, one thing is for sure: it’s responsible for the signature flavor of bourbon. Some historians claim that Elijah Craig’s barrels caught on fire and, to save money, he continued using them anyways. Others believe he charred them to remove the remnants of whatever was previously stored in them.
The Journey of the Charred Whiskey Barrel
While the exact origin of charring whiskey barrels may never be known, one thing is for sure: it’s responsible for the signature flavor of bourbon. Some historians claim that Elijah Craig’s barrels caught on fire and, to save money, he continued using them anyways. Others believe he charred them to remove the remnants of whatever was previously stored in them.
Bourbon Festivals of America: The unique alcoholic beverage not just for Kentucky
Bourbon may have been born in Kentucky, but it is a beverage enjoyed across the nation, indeed around the world. Whisky is one of the world's oldest beverages, originating in Scotland over 1000 years ago, and could be considered the father of bourbon. Bourbon itself didn't come into existence until 1789 when Elijah Craig invented bourbon by aging corn whisky (also known as moonshine) in newly charred oak barrels.
Bourbon Festivals of America: The unique alcoholic beverage not just for Kentucky
Bourbon may have been born in Kentucky, but it is a beverage enjoyed across the nation, indeed around the world. Whisky is one of the world's oldest beverages, originating in Scotland over 1000 years ago, and could be considered the father of bourbon. Bourbon itself didn't come into existence until 1789 when Elijah Craig invented bourbon by aging corn whisky (also known as moonshine) in newly charred oak barrels.
History of the Old Fashioned
Ever sit down to relax and enjoy your favorite drink and wonder what led to these particular ingredients coming together in a glass? Let’s look at the history and origins of one of America’s favorite cocktails, the “Old Fashioned.” Let’s start by introducing the idea of a cocktail. You’ve probably heard of a cocktail dress, a cocktail party, cocktail napkins — and for football games, cocktail weenies. These are all related. The idea of a cocktail as a drink is a simple mix of a spirit, sugar, water, and some bitters that blend well together.
History of the Old Fashioned
Ever sit down to relax and enjoy your favorite drink and wonder what led to these particular ingredients coming together in a glass? Let’s look at the history and origins of one of America’s favorite cocktails, the “Old Fashioned.” Let’s start by introducing the idea of a cocktail. You’ve probably heard of a cocktail dress, a cocktail party, cocktail napkins — and for football games, cocktail weenies. These are all related. The idea of a cocktail as a drink is a simple mix of a spirit, sugar, water, and some bitters that blend well together.
History of the Sazerac
Each cocktail has its own unique history and story. Often, they were the product of what was available at the time and place they were invented. Enter the Sazerac, the iconic New Orleans cocktail. Let’s dive into this cocktail’s history and origins and the sometimes surprising history that is lingering in your glass. The Sazerac has its roots in an agricultural blight in France in the mid-19th century. French immigrants in New Orleans traditionally made their cocktails and beverages with Cognac, a French brandy made from twice-distilled grapes.
History of the Sazerac
Each cocktail has its own unique history and story. Often, they were the product of what was available at the time and place they were invented. Enter the Sazerac, the iconic New Orleans cocktail. Let’s dive into this cocktail’s history and origins and the sometimes surprising history that is lingering in your glass. The Sazerac has its roots in an agricultural blight in France in the mid-19th century. French immigrants in New Orleans traditionally made their cocktails and beverages with Cognac, a French brandy made from twice-distilled grapes.
The Role of TTB and ATF: Why This Simon & Garfunkel of Regulatory Bodies Split
Simon & Garfunkel were arguably one of the greatest duos of all time – until they split up. Paul Simon had a successful career as a respected and popular singer/songwriter, while Art Garfunkel focused on traditional opportunities for soundtracks, Broadway shows, and other technical compositions. Both were successful in their own ways, much more than they ever could have been together. In the same way, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was great at having taxes and regulations under one roof, but splitting them into two separate entities makes each division more successful on its own. Here’s the story of the ATF and how tax collection activities were transferred to the new Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in 2003.
The Role of TTB and ATF: Why This Simon & Garfunkel of Regulatory Bodies Split
Simon & Garfunkel were arguably one of the greatest duos of all time – until they split up. Paul Simon had a successful career as a respected and popular singer/songwriter, while Art Garfunkel focused on traditional opportunities for soundtracks, Broadway shows, and other technical compositions. Both were successful in their own ways, much more than they ever could have been together. In the same way, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was great at having taxes and regulations under one roof, but splitting them into two separate entities makes each division more successful on its own. Here’s the story of the ATF and how tax collection activities were transferred to the new Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in 2003.
