The Mixology – Spirit Vibes

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores the fascinating world of Gin—one of the most versatile and globally loved spirits. Tracing its origins back to medicinal preparations by monks and alchemists in Europe, particularly in regions like Salerno, the Netherlands, and Flanders, gin evolved from a healing tonic into a cultural icon and eventually the national spirit of...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores Maraschino, the historic cherry liqueur born from the marasca cherries of the Dalmatian coast. Originating in the 18th century in Zadar (modern-day Croatia), Maraschino is crafted through the distillation of sour cherries and is known for its delicate balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and aromatic complexity. Its story is deeply...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores Nocino, a traditional Italian walnut liqueur deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Emilia-Romagna. Made by infusing unripe green walnuts in alcohol and blending them with syrup and spices, Nocino is a dark, aromatic digestif known for its bittersweet complexity and warming character. Often homemade, each family and region ad...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores Vodka—one of the world’s most iconic, versatile, and widely consumed distilled spirits. Known for its clarity and neutrality, vodka is traditionally produced from fermented grains or potatoes, though modern variations can also be made from fruits, sugar beets, and other starch-rich raw materials. Its defining characteristic is p...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores Brandy—a classic distilled spirit born from wine and shaped by centuries of tradition, trade, and craftsmanship. Produced by distilling wine or fermented fruit juice, brandy is known for its rich aromatic profile and its close connection to the world of viticulture. From Cognac and Armagnac in France to other regional styles acr...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule dives into Whiskey—arguably one of the most complex, regulated, and widely appreciated distilled spirits in the world. Made from fermented grain mash such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat, whiskey is defined by its production process: fermentation, distillation, and most importantly, maturation in wooden barrels. From sherry casks to charr...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores Rum—one of the most influential, controversial, and culturally rich spirits in the world. Made from fermented sugarcane juice, molasses, or sugarcane byproducts, rum has deep roots in the Caribbean, the Americas, and other sugar-producing regions around the globe. From its origins in colonial trade to its strong ties with naval...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule explores the diverse and aromatic world of fruit brandies—one of the most expressive and traditional categories of distilled spirits. From apples, pears, cherries, and plums to more exotic fruits, fruit brandy is crafted by fermenting and distilling the natural sugars of ripe fruit, capturing its pure essence in liquid form. Known in man...

In this episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule takes us to the sun-soaked south of France to explore Pastis, one of the country’s most iconic and beloved spirits. Born in the early 20th century after the ban of absinthe, Pastis quickly became a staple of French drinking culture—especially in regions like Marseille and Provence. Known for its distinctive anise and licorice notes, this...

In the first episode of The Mixology – Spirit Vibes , Vince Brule introduces us to Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit with deep historical and cultural roots. Dating back to the 15th century, Aquavit is distilled from grains or potatoes and infused with herbs and spices—most notably dill and coriander—which define its distinctive character. But beyond its flavor, Aquavit tells a story of h...