The Great Whisky Drought: How American Prohibition Reshaped the Global Spirits Industry
On January 17, 1920, the United States went dry. With the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passing of the Volstead Act, the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages became illegal across the country. It was the start of Prohibition, a 13-year constitutional experiment that aimed to cleanse the moral fabric of America. […]
Welcome to Barlist, where every drop tells a story
At Barlist we are passionate about the art of spirit appreciation and believe that every drop has a captivating story to tell. Barlist is an embodiment of our vision, providing a platform for enthusiasts and industry professionals to dive deeper into the flavours, histories, and craftsmanship behind tens of thousands of spirits and distilleries. […]
GlenDronach: The Sherry Giant of the Highlands
The story of GlenDronach begins in 1826, when James Allardice officially founded the distillery on the grounds of Boynsmill, a house later renamed Glen House. As one of Scotland’s first licensed distilleries, GlenDronach helped shape the legal whisky-making tradition at a time when illicit distillation was still widespread across the Highlands. Just four years later, […]
De Cort Distillery: A Belgian Farm-to-Bottle Craft Distillery
Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of Pajottenland in Pepingen, Belgium, De Cort Distillery is a remarkable example of how tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability can be blended to create exceptional spirits. Founded in 2013 by Manu De Cort and his family, the distillery operates on the grounds of a century-old farm, repurposing its rich agricultural […]
Amaro Formidabile – A Celebration of Italian Herbal Mastery
Crafted with reverence for Italian tradition and a contemporary twist, Amaro Formidabile is a distinguished herbal liqueur that embodies both authenticity and innovation. Presented in an elegant 70cl bottle, this artisanal spirit is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. What makes Amaro Formidabile truly stand out is its carefully balanced […]
Barrels of Influence: How Cask Partnerships Are Redefining the Art of Spirits
In the world of fine spirits, the phrase “it’s all in the barrel” is more than a cliché — it’s a truth rooted in centuries of craftsmanship. While distillation is the science that gives a spirit its foundation, aging in wood is the art that defines its soul. Increasingly, distilleries around the globe are turning […]
From Agave to Glass: The Spirit of Tequila Through the Eyes of Jalisco’s Agaveros
In the sunbaked highlands and valleys of Jalisco, Mexico, a quiet ritual unfolds every morning. Before dawn, the agaveros — skilled harvesters of agave — take to the fields armed with their coa de jima, a sharp, spade-like tool. With centuries-old technique and reverence, they trim the thick, spiny leaves from the agave plant, revealing […]
Armagnac: France’s Oldest Spirit with Rustic Charm
Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin Cognac, Armagnac holds the title of France’s oldest brandy, with a history that stretches back to the 14th century. Distilled in the Gascony region of southwestern France, Armagnac is deeply tied to the rural traditions and artisanal methods of its homeland. Unlike Cognac, which developed as an international […]
Fuji Gotemba: The World’s Largest Whisky Distillery at the Foot of Mount Fuji
When whisky lovers debate the world’s largest distillery, names like Glenfiddich often come up. However, nestled at the southeastern base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery claims a title few expect: the largest whisky distillery in the world. Founded in 1973 by Kirin, one of Japan’s major beverage conglomerates, Fuji Gotemba was […]
Rising from the Fields of Hesbaye: Belgian Owl’s Golden Moment on the World Stage
In the heart of Belgium’s rolling Hesbaye region, better known for golden barley fields than bold spirits, something extraordinary has taken flight — quite literally. Belgian Owl, the country’s flagship whisky distillery, has just earned a remarkable accolade: its special release « Golden Diamond » has been ranked 5th best whisky in the world in the 2023 […]