Shows
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 11: SakeWell everyone, it's that time, time to finish off your drinks, pay your tab and call the Uber. It's the last episode of Thirst for Knowledge and this time we tackle an ancient alcohol, sake. Join Dr. Lex and Ben as we discuss the history of this storied alcohol. We learn about why the water composition is important to sake brewing, how the fungus and bacteria work to make the alcohol and whether or not glazing the pots for fermentation impacts the sake taste.So pour something, shake something or stir something nice and come...2025-06-2726 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 10: LiqueursWelcome to the penultimate episode of Season 1 of Thirst for Knowledge. In this episode we're exploring the wide world of liqueurs. This episode is packed full of information, fun facts and science.Join us (Ben and Dr. Lex) as we go on an audio tour of liqueurs. We explore the science of the ingredients, the secrets of the recipes and of course some recipes for cocktails.Pour yourself a glass and learn along with us. And always remember to drink, and science, responsibly.Thirst for...2025-05-3018 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 9: TequilaWell, it's late and out of schedule but we had to release Tequila for Cinco de Mayo. Join us (Ben and Dr. Lex) as we go beyond the sombreros and vaguely Mexican-themed decor to dive into the heart, soul, and science of this fascinating liquor. We explore the science of the agave plant, discover how the appellation of tequila came about and even discuss the infamous tequila worm.Dr. Lex even shares her favorite margarita recipe.Pour yourself a glass and learn along with us. And always remember...2025-05-0522 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 8: AbsintheWelcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.Join us (Ben and Dr. Lex) as we sip some cocktails and discover if there is such a thing as a little green fairy. This episode we're covering absinthe, the myth, the legend and the science. We explore how absinthe got so popular, how you're supposed to drink it and of course, the science behind this electric green liquor.Pour yourself a glass and learn along with us. 2025-03-2832 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 7: Whiskey, Bourbon and ScotchWelcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.Join Ben and Dr. Lex as they sip some cocktails and discover what the difference is between whiskey, scotch and bourbon, what the heck phenols are and why brown liquors might give you a worse hangovers.Pour yourself a glass and come and learn along with us. And always remember to drink, and science, responsibly.Thirst for Knowledge is an Erevna...2025-03-0634 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 6: Gin
Welcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
We are feeling the fancy vibes in our recording studies so it's time for martinis.
Join Ben and Dr. Lex as they stir some martinis, because that's the correct method. Learn with us juniper berries, phenols and all sorts of gin-related science and history.
Pour yourself a glass and come and learn along with us.
And always remember to drink, and science, responsibly.
2025-01-2424 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 5 - Vodka
Welcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
It's frosty and chilly, at least where one of us lives, and that calls for something that will warm your belly. In this episode we talk all about the science, history and fun facts of vodka.
Join Ben and Dr. Lex as they stir some martinis, because that's the correct method. Learn with us about distillation versus fermentation, what monks have to do with vodka and whether certain alcohols produce worse...2025-01-0930 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 4 - ChampagneWelcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
Happy Holidays from the Thirst for Knowledge crew! What better way to celebrate and ring in the new year than with champagne.
Join Ben and Dr. Lex as they pop some bottles and clink some glasses, well..virtually at least. Discover why there's a whisp of vapor when you pop a bottle of champagne and what the fastest recorded cork exiting a bottle was clocked at.
Pour yourself...2024-12-0527 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 3: Wine
Welcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
This round is wine. Wine has a long and fascinating history and tons of science behind. For example, why does wine made from the same grape grown in two different soils taste different. Can the size of a wine glass influence how much you drink? Join us as we learn all sorts of interesting facts about wine.
In this episode, Ben comes prepared with the history and fun facts...2024-11-1531 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 2 - CiderWelcome back to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
This round is cider. What better beverage to discuss in the fall. It conjures up images of apple picking, apple cider donuts and lots, and lots of plaid.
In this episode, Ben comes prepared with the history and fun facts and of course Dr. Lex has to bring parasites into the discussion. Hot tip: Make sure your cider is pasteurized!
So pour a pint and join us for some...2024-10-1727 min
Thirst for KnowledgeRound 1 - BeerWelcome to Thirst for Knowledge where two nerdy people try to answer all your (and our) questions about your (and our) favorite alcohols.
The season opener is all about one of the most popular beverages worldwide, beer! Ben teaches us how to properly pour a Guinness, and why the bubbles seem to go the wrong way during the pour. Dr. Lex shares all about yeast and the amazing products they make that give beer it's flavor. And of course, there's great conversation along the way as we both learn new and fun facts about beer.
...2024-09-2641 min