State history isn’t just a list of dates and names of explorers and pioneers who staked their claim in our hometowns, but it is also about the little details. These little details make up who we are as Wisconsinites, and you can’t avoid the scoop on how and what we drink. After all, Wisconsin repeatedly ranks up in the top numbers for alcohol consumption in the nation.
No doubt about it — we are serious about our drinks and the history of some of these drinks is an important part of our history. This brings us to the topic of one of Wisconsin’s favorite old fashioned co*cktails, the Brandy Old Fashioned. You can find these co*cktails at the Hotel Seymour Supperclub as well as many other Wisconsin locations. But how did this twist on the Old Fashioned even get started? Why brandy and not sugar, whiskey, and bitters like you’ll find in most other regions of the country?
Freelance writer Jeanette Hurtunravels the mystery for us.
The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893
You can’t talk about Wisconsinite drink preferenceswithout talking about brandy. In part, Brandy Old Fashioneds are credited with the impression that Korbel Brother Brandy made on German Wisconsinites who visited the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The California brandy made such an impact on those visiting from Wisconsin that many took it back to their home state and started selling it on the regular. This popularized brandy drinking throughout the state. But there is more to the story. As Ms. Hurt dove deeper into the drinking history of Wisconsin, she found that Brandy Old Fashioned was deeply intertwined with American history and WW2!
WW2 and Good Booze!
The author uncovered a connection between Wisconsin brandy and WW2. According to old articles published in the Milwaukee Journal, post World War 2 was not a great time for liquor distributors. Many distilleries had shut down as grain and men were being sent overseas for the war effort. With the legitimate distilleries stalled, bad booze was produced on the down-low. Americans didn’t have much to choose from at the time when it came to their spirits. But Wisconsinites were in for a bit of good luck whena group of Wisconsin liquor distributors came across a cache of 30,000 cases of well-aged, Christian Brothers Brandy. What a find when the rest of the country was settling for bad booze. The brandy was quickly bought up for distribution in Wisconsin.
This windfall of good booze changed the way co*cktails were made for a while. If you had to choose between good brandy and rotgut rum, well, that’s a no-brainer. Brandy was incorporated into many co*cktails that had never been used before, including Old Fashioneds.
While many of these hybrid co*cktails did not make a lasting impression, The Brandy Old Fashioned certainly did. It has endured as a staple amongWisconsinite drink preferrences.
I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the rich history and culture of beverages, particularly in the context of Wisconsin. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a passion for uncovering the intricate details that contribute to the unique drinking traditions of various regions. Allow me to delve into the evidence and concepts related to the fascinating article you provided.
The article explores the history of Wisconsin's favorite old fashioned co*cktail, the Brandy Old Fashioned, shedding light on its origins and the factors that have contributed to its enduring popularity. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893:
- The article suggests that the Brandy Old Fashioned's roots can be traced back to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 in Chicago.
- Korbel Brother Brandy is credited with making a significant impression on German Wisconsinites at the exposition.
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Impact of Korbel Brother Brandy:
- The California brandy, particularly Korbel Brother Brandy, left a lasting impact on visitors from Wisconsin.
- Many Wisconsinites brought this brandy back to their home state, leading to its popularity and widespread consumption in Wisconsin.
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Connection to WW2:
- The author unveils a connection between Wisconsin brandy and World War II.
- Post-WW2, liquor distributors faced challenges as many distilleries had shut down due to the war effort, leading to a scarcity of spirits.
- A group of Wisconsin liquor distributors stumbled upon a cache of 30,000 cases of well-aged Christian Brothers Brandy, providing a fortunate solution during a time when quality spirits were hard to come by.
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Incorporation into co*cktails:
- The discovery of good brandy during a time of limited spirit options led to its incorporation into various co*cktails, including the Old Fashioned.
- The Brandy Old Fashioned emerged as a lasting and beloved co*cktail among Wisconsinites.
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Enduring Legacy:
- Despite other hybrid co*cktails that may not have stood the test of time, the Brandy Old Fashioned has endured as a staple in Wisconsinite drink preferences.
In summary, the Brandy Old Fashioned's journey from the World’s Columbian Exposition to its role in post-WW2 co*cktail culture showcases the fascinating interplay between historical events, regional preferences, and the availability of specific spirits. This historical perspective adds depth to the appreciation of Wisconsin's unique drinking traditions.
