about
about
THE PODCAST
Intoxicating History is a brand-new podcast that uncorks the rich and storied past of alcohol, exploring how our favourite drinks have shaped—and been shaped by—history. Every drink has a story, and every story started with a drink!
Was champagne really invented by a blind French monk? Did Vodka-politics contribute to the Russian Revolution? Was Hogarth part of a secret anti-gin conspiracy? Did the Ancient Greeks invent drinking games?
We’ll be decanting all this and more, guided by your fabulously witty hosts and award-winning authors: Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys.
Episodes are released weekly on Thursdays. So tune in for some rich storytelling blended with expert tasting notes.
Brought to you by the team that made the hit global TV series The Wine Show.
OUR ANCHOR SPONSOR: TAYLOR’S PORT
Taylor's, established in 1692, is one of the oldest and most esteemed Port houses, dedicated exclusively to crafting exceptional Port wines. Known for setting the standard in Vintage Port, Taylor’s wines are celebrated for their elegance, power, and longevity. The house sources its finest grapes from its own iconic estates—Vargellas, Terra Feita, and Junco—each contributing unique character to its distinct house style.
In addition to Vintage Port, Taylor’s is respected for its wood-aged Ports, with an extensive reserve of rare cask-aged wines that form its renowned aged Tawny Ports. The company also pioneered the Late Bottled Vintage style, in which it remains the leading producer.
An independent, family-run company, Taylor’s values continuity and expertise passed down through generations. Based in Oporto and the Douro Valley, the house oversees every stage of Port production, from vineyard management to bottling, maintaining the highest standards. Committed to the future of Port, Taylor’s invests in sustainable practices to protect the unique Douro Valley environment, ensuring a legacy of excellence for generations to come.
OUR SPONSOR: WYLDE MARKET
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Wylde Market as a sponsor of Intoxicating History. And this isn’t just any partnership—Wylde is a business we genuinely use, love, and shout about to anyone who’ll listen. It’s the UK’s only online farmers’ market, delivering the very best food and drink from small-scale producers, direct to your door. Think regenerative veg, wild shellfish, rare breed meats, handmade sauces, even excellent wine and spirits—all beautifully sourced and all in one box.
Tom’s been ordering from Wylde since long before they came on board, and Henry’s equally smitten. From Cantabrian anchovies to biodynamic lamb and chilli sauces that mean business, Wylde is what supermarkets wish they could be—transparent, personal, and properly delicious.
We’re thrilled to be working with a company whose mission aligns so closely with our own: championing quality, provenance, and the people behind the products. Whether you’re stocking your drinks cabinet or planning your next dinner party, you’ll find what you need on Wylde. And we’re not just saying that—we shop there too.
Go on, treat yourself to something exceptional: wylde.market
Because food—and drink—this good deserves a proper story.
Let me know if you'd like a shorter or longer version for other uses!
TOM PARKER BOWLES
Tom Parker Bowles is one of Britain's most respected food writers and critics. His weekly column in The Mail on Sunday won a Fortnum & Mason Award for restaurant writing in 2020. As the author of nine cookbooks, including works on British food culture for which he won a Guild of Food Writers Award in 2010, he brings both expertise and irreverent humour to exploring the intersection of food, drink and history.
Known for his engaging and authentic voice, Tom brings warmth and wit to his writing, and is celebrated for his passion and deep knowledge of global and British cuisine. He has a regular cooking column in Country Life, is a judge on BBC MasterChef and is the son of Queen Camilla.
His latest book, Cooking and the Crown is out now.
HENRY JEFFREYS
Henry Jeffreys is the 2022/23 Fortnum & Mason Drink Writer of the Year and author of four acclaimed books including "Empire of Booze: British History Through the Bottom of a Glass" and "Vines in a Cold Climate", shortlisted for a James Beard award. With wit and scholarly insight, he brings drinks history to life through his writing in The Guardian, The Spectator, and as drinks columnist for The Critic. With a unique blend of wit and expertise, he brings historical context and contemporary insights to the world of drinks.