Germany Schnapps It Up!
Venture into Germany's Black Forest, home of the spirit known as schnapps, and you enter a world teeming with magic and myth. This is where Rapunzel unfurled her long locks from the prison of her tower. It's where Hansel and Gretel munched away at the gingerbread cottage of a wicked witch. And ... [more]

Kevin on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno!
The Thirsty Traveler Goes Big! He’s the guy that has the best job in the world - the job your guidance councilor never cared to mention…he’s the Thirsty Traveler: AKA: Kevin Brauch. Kevin has spent the past four years traveling around the world (15 times) enjoying the most exotic, expensive ... [more]

Saints Preserve Us!
With St. Paddy’s Day right around the corner, I got to thinking about my two trips to Ireland – neither of them, coincidentally, took place during St. Patrick’s Day, so I missed out on all those wonderful celebrations! So, for this issue of the newsletter, I thought this would be a good time to ... [more]

Yes, That's Whiskey with an E
In honour of St. Patrick’s Day which take place on Monday, we’re resurrecting our intimate acquaintance with smoky, smooth Irish Whiskey. Whether it’s with an “e” or just a “y”, the word whiskey comes from the Gaelic term “uisce beata”, meaning water of life. And who created the water of life? ... [more]

The Best of Bitter!
How sweet it is to be toasting the best of British Bitter. But this story isn’t just about beer. In England, it’s about passion. The Thirsty Traveler is on a journey through a country where Bitter is a birthright! Our search for the best bitter started in London, in the midst of the rich ... [more]

The Sweet Life in Sunny Spain!
Spain is one of Europe’s “must see” countries, and in fact, if you watch a lot of BBC Television, it seems that thousands of Brits are making Spain their new home, looking for sun, surf and a more affordable way of life! Andalucia and Costa del Sol are two prized destinations, not just for the ... [more]

Some Like it Hot! Some Like it Cold!
Destinations: Sweden / Dutch Antilles Looking for a special way to spend your holidays this year!? Well, we have two completely different suggestions. OPTION ONE – visit Sweden and book yourself a room at the Ice Hotel in Kiruna! What a sensational experience – sculpted ice rooms, a ... [more]

Recipe of the Month: Swedish Arctic Char
At just about exactly this time last year, the Thirsty Traveler and crew were filming a wonderful episode – specifically about Swedish vodka – but a big part of the show centered on wonderful Swedish cuisine. Our hosts, Yana and Ricard, treated us to a fantastic dinner of Arctic Char – Swedish ... [more]

Fear No Wine!
Recently, the Daily Telegraph reported new figures that show that millions of people are suffering from "second-cheapest wine syndrome" in an effort to cover their ignorance in front of waiters and friends, This tactic is reportedly used by one in four diners to try to give the impression they ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: No. 1, Vol. 16
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.16 By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler November 2007 PHOTO CAPTION: "A dude after my own heart! Kelly McAlonen proudly leads me through a wicked Irish Whiskey tasting (and the Guiness ain't bad either!) PHOTO COURTESY OF Debora ... [more]

Destination: Peru
Peru: there are few places on earth where yesterday and today are so completely intertwined. Except perhaps for the capital city of Lima, Peru seems locked in time, a country with an historic culture of proud peoples and traditions. Our trip to Peru was designed to introduce us (and you, of ... [more]

Of Vikings & Vodka!
Welcome to Iceland. But don’t be fooled by the name…this is one hot destination where anything goes. The geysers, volcanoes, hot springs all serve to remind us about Iceland’s fiery past and it’s red hot future! The journey to Iceland was a very special one, in so many ways! The glaciers are ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 15
By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler October 3rd, 2007 SEE THIRSTY, DRINK WITH THIRSTY: SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN! Traipsing through two great countries October 8th – 18th collecting stories for Discovery Canada. Don’t be surprised if you find me in a bar or on a patio somewhere. ... [more]

Destination: Beautiful British Columbia!
British Columbia is Canada's 'outdoor playground' - offering year-round outdoor adventures like river rafting on the Fraser River, world-class skiing at Whistler Resort, whale watching in Victoria, and wine tours (something I’ve enjoyed a few times…) in the Okanagan Valley! But there’s one ... [more]

Savor your Sambuca, Senor!
If you were to sit down and write yourself a list of the world’s great cities, a good place to start would be Rome, Italy. Rome is where I started on my quest to learn the secrets behind sambuca, an amazing liqueur that epitomizes La Dolce Vita – The Sweet Life. Some say it’s a witches’ ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 14
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.14 By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler September 4th, 2007 SEE THIRSTY, DRINK WITH THIRSTY: Appearances PARKTOBERFEST! Saturday, October 6th – Monday, October 8th, 2007 Parkdale area (Queen St. West) Toronto, ON, Canada (details ... [more]

Ai-Eeeee! We're Off to Louisiana!
STAY…PLAY…EAT…EXPLORE! That’s your invitation from the great state of Louisiana! And when you check out their tourism websites, you’ll be amazed at all that Louisiana has to offer! Among many other things, Louisiana offers up some fantastic food, the best rectified whiskey in the world, my ... [more]

Have Anoher Havana Rum!
What a glorious, sun-filled part of the world! This little island in the Caribbean, this beautiful, historical island of Cuba means sun, salt, and some of the best rum in the world. Once you’ve tried Cuban rum, life will never be quite the same. So, catch the wind and set sail for Cuba, an ... [more]

California Sparkle!
When the weather’s hot, what better way to cool off than with a tall cool glass of California sparkle!? Sparkling wine, that is. Welcome to beautiful Sonoma County, California. Way up high above Sonoma County, it’s easy to see how sea and sky combine to make create the ideal climate for ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 13
PHOTO CAPTION: Cory "The Main Offender" McGuiness is a big fan of Kevin's, but thinks he should be making his drinks a little stronger! COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.13 A List of Great Places & Things By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler July 2007 SEE THIRSTY, DRINK ... [more]

Destination: Trinidad!
Welcome to Trinidad and Tobago, a unique Caribbean paradise, where it’s summer all year round! There is no place in the world quite like this tiny twin island republic of 1.3 million ethnically diverse people. Bursting with spirit and a heady mix of cultural activities, beautiful people, ... [more]

Destination - Kentucky!
Ah, Kentucky! What does that make you think of? Horse races? Fried chicken? Well, given that I am the Thirsty Traveler, the first thing I think of is smooth Kentucky bourbon! But hey! That’s just me! Of course, everyone, including Queen Elizabeth, knows all about the world-class horses, ... [more]

Chill Out! The Ice Wine Cometh!
When you hear the term Icewine you may think of a warm day and a chilled Chardonnay! But here in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, Icewine is one of the most expertly crafted dessert wines in the world. Niagara Peninsula is said to be one of the loveliest areas in Ontario. It has a great history, ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 12
COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA – Vol. 1, No. 12 A List of Great Places & Things By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler June 30th, 2007 SEE THIRSTY, DRINK WITH THIRSTY Appearances NACUFS National Conference Seattle, USA July 11th – 13th, 2007 Sheraton Hotel more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 11
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.11 A List of Great Places & Things By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler June 4th, 2007 SEE THIRSTY, DRINK WITH THIRSTY: Appearances Cityline with Marilyn Denis (televisions across Canada) Monday, June 11th, 2007 more]

L'chaim! To Israel!
For countless millions of people, Jerusalem is the world’s religious epicenter. Jews, Christians and Arabs all consider this place sacred, and pilgrims from every corner of the globe come here to see the holy sights and seek spiritual enlightenment. Here in Israel, everyone rubs shoulders ... [more]

Set Sail for Madeira, M'Dear!
Set sail for Madeira and a spirit that’s as big and robust as the Atlantic Ocean! The island of Madeira has been called the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’ – a port of call for Chris Columbus, and for the Thirsty Traveler – in search of a wine like none other: full of mystery, intrigue and a secret ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 10
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.10 A List of Great Places & Things By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler May 7th, 2007 PHOTO: Craig Williams and The Thirsty Traveler - foraging for dinner! A LITTLE BUSHTUCKER WITH YOUR BEER? While filming in Tasmania I ran into ... [more]

Absinthe: Fact and Fiction
When The Thirsty Traveler crew set off for Switzerland and France in search of the best glass of absinthe, we were in desperate need of some serious education about this famed and fabled beverage! A lot of rumors abound about Absinthe, most of them completely untrue. Common myths are that you’ll ... [more]

Europe's Hot Spot for Holidays: Iceland!
You might not think so from the name, but it’s true – Iceland is one of Europe’s HOTTEST tourist destinations! Maybe it’s time for the rest of the world to find out why! Maybe it’s because Iceland is so easily accessible from nearly any city in Europe. Maybe because the country has an ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 9
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.9 A List of Great Places to Drink, Eat and See! By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler March 31th, 2007 NEWSLETTER COVER PAGE PHOTO: “Making television is something we’re good at but drinking beer is what we’re best at!” ARTICLE ... [more]

Viva Cuba!
In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the Cuban archipelago during his initial voyage to the New World. Between 1511 and 1515, Diego Velázquez led the Spanish colonization of the island, and Spanish domination lasted four centuries. Cuba – “the Pearl of the Antilles” - has a subtropical trade ... [more]

I'm Russian Out To Get Some!
Vodka is a drink enjoyed around the world! And vodka from Russia is known worldwide for its quality – pure, simple, special. Vodka has been a part of Russian culture and cuisine for more than 600 years. Today, there is no other spirit on earth as closely associated with the soul of its people ... [more]

Istanbul: A Turkish Delight!
Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. In its thousands of years of history, it has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Turkey has roots going back to 7500 BC. Because of it’s strategic location at the intersection ... [more]

Make It Mead!
It’s reputed to be the oldest libation on the planet…the favored drink of Egyptian pharaohs, Roman emperors, Viking gods and medieval warriors! Mead is purported to be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage and records show that mead was being consumed nearly 5,000 years BC. Mead was the drink ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: Vol. 1, No. 8
A List of Great Places to Drink, Eat and See! By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler February 28th, 2007 NEW TIPPLES! ICEBERG LONDON DRY GIN As if everything wasn’t perfect in the world once someone began taking bergy bits – the broken off pieces from icebergs – and using the ... [more]

Thirsty Appearances
SEE THIRSTY, DRINK WITH THIRSTY: Appearances EPICurean – Food and Wine Festival at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Jasper, Alberta, Canada Friday, February 2nd – Sunday, February 4th, 2007 http://www.explorejasper.com Tales of the ... [more]

Picturesque New Zealand!
Picturesque and Inviting New Zealand Experience the unique environment of these islands. New Zealand is located between two oceans and right on the Pacific ring of fire. The two larger islands, called the North and South islands (how inventive) comprise the main parts of New Zealand, but there ... [more]

COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA: AWESOME AUTUMN!
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA, Vol.1, No.4 A List of Great Places to Drink, Eat and See! Awesome Autumn! By Kevin Brauch, The Thirsty Traveler September 30th, 2006 Summer is over and as the kids return to school the Thirsty Traveler and company head back on the road for Season Five ... [more]

Northumberland: The Land of Kings!
History in Great Britain is so rich, so varied and stretches across so many years, that it’s difficult to condense it into one newsletter article. So, in honor of last year’s filming in north-eastern England, we’re going to share a little about the England you’ve always wanted to find: a region ... [more]

Saludos! To Pisco and Peru!
Follow the Thirsty Traveler on a road less traveled…all the way south to the land of the Gods, sunshine, and a little libation known as pisco! From the Home of the Gods perched high in the Andes, all the way downhill to the ocean-side city of Lima, Peru, there’s a saying in this country – that ... [more]

Destination - South Africa!
Welcome to South Africa – a country that boasts a unique cultural mix, a history marked by heroism and struggle, and an impressive array of heritage sites! Many people believe that South Africa is the birthplace of mankind – the place from which our earliest ancestors sprang. Whether or ... [more]

Grand Old Drink of the South
Rectified whisky (Southern Comfort) is a true American spirit that embodies the elegant South, in particular the Big Easy - New Orleans. Back in the 1870’s, a barrel of whiskey went for about $300 - a good-sized investment back then. But demand for whiskey after the Civil War was high! Because ... [more]

North to Alaska! The Rush is On!
As big and as bold as a gold rush! There’s no better way to describe Alaska and Alaskans! Alaskans boast a rugged individualism that sets them apart from the lower 48. But if you live in the lower 48, getting to Alaska is an easy trip – take a flight from just about anywhere, or REALLY ... [more]

SUMMER OVER THE COALS
There has been much debate over the origin of the word barbecue. To barbecue means to slow-cook meat at a low temperature for a long time over wood or charcoal. In America, barbecue (or BBQ) originated in the late 1800's during Western cattle drives. The cowboys were fed the less than perfect ... [more]

The Water of Life
Scandinavia's gifts to the world have been many - Lego, paper clips, ABBA and the cheese slicer, to name a few. But none of those gifts appeal to a Thirsty Traveler more than the gift of aquavit. Aquavit isn't as well known as schnapps, its European sister spirit. But it can be just as potent ... [more]

Czech out the Pilsner!
The exquisite city of Prague is proudly wrapped in a thousand years of history. It’s seen good times and bad times. Communism and Capitalism. But any way you look at it, this city is intoxicating. It’s not just the sights and sounds that make the capital of the Czech Republic so special — it’s the ... [more]

Viva Chilean Vino!
Perhaps it's all in the wine. That long lick of land in South America, the longest country in the world stretching over 4300 kilometers, is better known as the country of Chile, producing some of the tastiest wine around. But it's not just the vino that has people talking. This is a country ... [more]

PORTUGAL - It's All About the Port!
Portugal is famous for two products: cork and port. Before modern plastics were invented, cork (the bark of the cork oak tree) was unequalled as a strong, lightweight, buoyant material and was used for lifebelts and floats on fishing nets. Portugal produced more cork than the rest of the world ... [more]

Quebec! Vive le Maple Syrup!
DID YOU KNOW? The Canadian Province of Québec is the world's leading maple syrup producer. There are about 400 maple syrup operations not far from Québec's major cities, and all welcome visitors at sugaring off time, a time of celebration with traditional cuisine, dancing and merrymaking around ... [more]

Jamaican Heat!
Think of Jamaica and you can't help but think of heat. You feel the heat in the air each day, as the sun beats down upon this Caribbean island. You sense the heat of the music, in the sultry and sexy reggae that floats across the land. You taste the heat in the food of Jamaica - the spices, the ... [more]

Finding Newfoundland!
The iceberg cometh - and that means some tongue-tingling vodka isn't far behind. Icebergs often originate in the frigid waters of Greenland and travel with the current of the powerful Atlantic Ocean, right past the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Here, in Newfoundland, the iceberg is revered ... [more]

Raise a cup of Sake!
In the land of the rising sun, you'll find plenty of glasses being raised, too. And more often than not, they're filled with Japan's national drink - sake. Sake is a beverage that's become interwoven in the fabric of this country of rice paddies and cherry blossoms. It's consumed in mass ... [more]

Kevin's Holiday Wine Picks
Wow! Another year has come and gone. Is it just me, or is time passing more quickly these days!? It’s been an unimaginably busy year, but not so busy that I haven’t had a chance to check out some delicious new wines for the Holiday Season. These are all really good value for the dollar, too! ... [more]

There's no mistakin' Jamaica!
Think of Jamaica and you can't help but think of heat. You feel the heat in the air each day, as the sun beats down upon this Caribbean island. You sense the heat of the music, in the sultry and sexy reggae that floats across the land. You taste the heat in the food of Jamaica - the spices, the ... [more]

Skål! To the land of fjords and Aquavit!
Scandinavia's gifts to the world have been many - Lego, paper clips, ABBA and the cheese slicer, to name a few. But none of those gifts appeal to a thirsty traveler more than the gift of aquavit. Aquavit isn't as well known as schnapps, its European sister spirit. But it can be just as potent ... [more]

Brazil! A Tropical Temptation!
It’s believed that the entire indigenous population of Brazil was no more than one million souls when Pedro Cabral, the Portuguese explorer, reached its coast on April 22, 1500. Boy, things have changed. Granted there are still areas that are almost untouched; the far reaches of the Amazon come to ... [more]

Make it Schnappy!
Venture into Germany's Black Forest, home of the spirit known as schnapps, and you enter a world teeming with magic and myth. This is where Rapunzel unfurled her long locks from the prison of her tower. It's where Hansel and Gretel munched away at the gingerbread cottage of a wicked witch. Hmmm. ... [more]

Kevin's Favorite Summer Cocktails!
Summertime! And the livin’ is easy. And it gets even easier when you combine hot summer days and warm summer nights with your favorite summer cocktail – cool, refreshing, and sitting right there at your elbow! When I’m not flying to the latest Thirsty Traveler destination, one of my favorite ... [more]

It's Better with Bitters!
They say that good things come in small packages. That’s definitely the case when it comes to the lush tropical island of Trinidad and its amazing aromatic bitters. Located just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, this sister island to Tobago is the spicy melting pot of the Caribbean. Here, ... [more]

SCOTLAND'S WATER OF LIFE
For any true Thirsty Traveler, there is one trip — one pilgrimage — that must be made before you die. And that is to the birthplace of William Wallace, Robbie Burns, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the "water of life". That place, of course, is Scotland. The Scot's pride and passion for their famed ... [more]

My Old Kentucky Home
My old Kentucky home — there's nowhere else quite like it. Renowned for its cultural icons including Boone and bluegrass, this 15th state of The Union is also famous for that original American spirit, Bourbon. Old-timers in Kentucky will tell you that the early pioneers who followed celebrated ... [more]

Ice, Ice, Baby
It's time to discover that the best frozen taste treat in the world doesn't come in flavors like grape and cherry or contain two sticks. The next time you hear the word ice, instead of thinking frozen pop, ponder frozen grapes, for it's those frosty little globules that go into making the most ... [more]

IN GREECE, IT'S KEFI TIME!
Some like it Greek! And the Thirsty Traveler is no exception. This month, let’s head for some fun and sun in the Aegean paradise that brought us ouzo — Greece! It’s hard to pick one thing that attracts millions of tourists to Greece. There’s just so much to choose from. But undoubtedly, one ... [more]

CHAMPAGNE! CHAMPAGNE! CHAMPAGNE!
It’s the drink of love, success, and celebrations of every sort. Yes, my friends, we’re talking old school bubbly here — champagne! Now, just to clear up the matter once and for all, all champagne is sparkling wine but not all sparkling wine is champagne. Champagne the wine was invented in the ... [more]

Black Gold, Irish Nectar
Most Dubliners excel at “drowning the shamrock” and all Irish brewers excel at creating it. What we’re talking about here, my friends, is that darkest and most delicious of Irish beers, stout. Stout is Ireland’s national drink and, oh, how the Irish love it! I mean, consider this. Over 300 ... [more]

Falling for Connecticut's Colors
Autumn has fallen! And this month, the Thirsty Traveler wants to introduce you to the colorful offerings of the “Constitution State” — Connecticut, USA. Connecticut can boast about many things but there are two contributions that immediately spring to mind: the abundant supply of apples used to ... [more]

Tequila!
Deep in the heart of Mexico, on land that is very arid and very hot, a plant called the Blue Agave grows in abundance. And thankfully for Thirsty Travelers everywhere, from the heart of this plant comes one of the world’s most wonderful and unique spirits: tequila. Now, Tequila is not only ... [more]

Great Times Abound In Great Britain
I say, old chap, thinking of traveling to jolly olde England this year? Well, you should! Plenty of people think it’s better in Britain. Make that Great Britain. Or is it the United Kingdom? Just which one is it, anyway? Well, both. Great Britain is made up of the countries of England, ... [more]

Shafer: The Name To Know In Napa!
If San Francisco is on your travel itinerary this year, make sure you include at least one full day to explore the world-renowned vineyards of Napa Valley. And if you’re looking for winery to place at the top of your “must-see, must-taste” wine tour list, look no further than Shafer ... [more]

For Whisky Lovers, Heaven On Earth!
For the whisky purist, a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the “water of life” is an absolute necessity. And if you do make the journey to Scotland, take it from the Thirsty Traveler, you owe it to yourself to visit one of scotch whisky’s ultimate shrines: the Craigellachie Hotel. Dating back to ... [more]

Ireland! A Glorious Feast!
They say in Ireland if you want the gift of the gab, all you have to do is hang over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone. So, here’s the Thirsty Traveler, on hand to prove that it’s true! Few countries in the world pack as big an historical punch as Ireland. People have been living here since ... [more]

Domo Arrigato, Japan!
Japan may be the industrious nation that’s given us Nintendo and nori, Sony and sushi. But beneath the fast-paced bustle and buzz of its cities, lies a society that still shows gentle respect for its past. Through legends, the Japanese honor their ancestors, their history and their culture. ... [more]

Beautiful, sumptuous Italy!
Italy…the little country shaped like a boot! At its toe, Sicily! And a bit further north, the beautiful island of Sardinia! Now that we know where it is, let’s talk about what Italy is all about. One of my absolute favorite places to visit….Italy is all about excellence. Excellent food, ... [more]

Iceberg Vodka! Pure heaven!
The iceberg cometh - and that means some tongue-tingling vodka isn't far behind. After all, icebergs provide the key ingredient - pristine water - in the production of an increasingly popular spirit, fittingly called Iceberg Vodka. Icebergs often originate in the frigid waters of Greenland and ... [more]

ICEBERG VODKA! Pure Heaven!
The iceberg cometh - and that means some tongue-tingling vodka isn't far behind. After all, icebergs provide the key ingredient - pristine water - in the production of an increasingly popular spirit, fittingly called Iceberg Vodka. Icebergs often originate in the frigid waters of Greenland and ... [more]

Oporto! Oh, Port! Oh, Portugal!
Portugal offers visitors a glimpse of its rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, picturesque towns and a landscape that offers up olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. One of the oldest nations in Europe, and graced by one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals, Portugal also ... [more]

Cold & Crisp! That's Alaskan Beer!
Alaskans boast a rugged individualism that sets them apart from the lower 48. And when you think Alaska, you think, cold and crisp, right? Just like their beer; and with its near-Arctic environment, beer masters tend to make a heartier blend. Alaskans like their beer big, bold, and brash. ... [more]

Bourbon! The Frontier Spirit!
It's home to a famous horse derby, bluegrass music and bourbon. Especially bourbon. We're talking Kentucky here, of course, a destination rich with heritage, where Southern hospitality rules and where 90 per cent of the world's bourbon is born. It's no wonder why. Just travel within the ... [more]