title: The Thirsty Traveler

status: ReturningSeries

title: Scotland: Scottish Whiskey

overview:
Scotland – The Water of Life

Through the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Speyside Valley to the salty water of the Island of Islay, The Thirsty Traveler searches this lush and historic country for its fine whiskey on the "Whiskey Trail." And while on Islay he helps a local B&B owner prepare a whiskey-laced meal.

title: Scotland: Scottish Whiskey

title: Шотландия - вода жизни

title: France: Champagne

overview:
The Sparkle of France

The French have always been known for their flare for the elegant. Champagne is just one of their many aristocratic passions. Our Thirsty Traveler journeys through the heart of the French Champagne region, picking grapes, pressing, bottling and even sabering the odd bottle. He'll take you under ground, through miles of caves that house millions of fine bottles. Plus he's invited to dine at one of Europe's finest restaurants.

title: France: Champagne

title: Французское шампанское

title: Ireland: Irish Stout

overview:
Black Gold, Irish Nectar

There is nothing more Irish than a pint of stout. The Thirsty Traveler explores the history of this dark ale and makes his way from the crowded streets of Dublin, through Waterford and lands in Cork. From haunted castles to yacht sailing to the local pub for a caleigh, the Irish nectar is there.

title: Ireland: Irish Stout

title: Черное золото Ирландский нектар

title: Belgium: Belgian Beer

overview:
Belgium – Beer Paradise

Beer, beer and more beer! The Thirsty Traveler journeys to Belgium, beer capital of the world. Everyone here is making beer and have been for generations. Some of the world's tastiest and most unique beers can be found among the naturally fermented lambics and wheat beers. Our Traveler's zest for the history of the drink leads him to the Orval Monastery. Join him as he leads you to the rarely-seen abbey in the Ardennes Mountains of Belgium.

title: Belgium: Belgian Beer

title: Бельгия - Пивной рай

title: Kentucky: Bourbon

overview:
Kentucky – The Frontier Spirit

Some say there is nothing like good Bourbon after a home cooked meal. Our Thirsty Traveler heads to Kentucky and bourbon country. Folks around these parts have been distilling since Daniel Boone settled here in the 1700's. Today fine Kentucky Bourbon goes hand in hand with this regions southern hospitality. Sit down to a true home cooked meal in a local mansion, and then sip on a bourbon while enjoying your cigar after dinner, now that's the life!

title: Kentucky: Bourbon

title: Кентукки - Бурбон

title: Canada: Ontario Icewine

overview:
Ontario – Vin Glace

Burrr, picking grapes in the middle of a Canadian winter night, what could be more fun than that? Our Thirsty Traveler bundles up to show you how frozen grapes turn into Canada¹s premium dessert Icewine. This sweet winter grown wine is fast becoming an International favorite. Plus The Thirsty Traveler and a local chef prepare a decadent meal using these Icewine grapes.

title: Canada: Ontario Icewine

title: Онтарио Ледяное вино

title: Mexico: Tequila

overview:
Mexico – Tequila Taco Bell

Ariba, ariba! The Thirsty Traveler takes you to the heart of the Mexican desert where ground covered by volcanic ash makes perfect growing conditions for the agave plant. You¹ve seen the sun, sand and beaches of Mexico but not the Tequila making haciendas and burro riding Jimadors who cultivate this national drink. Join him as he explores the true Mexican spirit.

title: Mexico: Tequila

title: Мексика Текилла

title: Jamaica: Rum

overview:
Jamaican Rum Man

During the Second World War, whiskey was in short supply and a Jamaican company experimented on a drink that would serve as a substitute. Their smooth, light, fragrant rum proved to be very popular. Today sugar cane fields still adorn the landscape of Jamaica as rum is a worldwide favorite. Join The Thirsty Traveler as he travels in search of the secrets behind this sugar-based elixir.

title: Jamaica: Rum

title: Ром с Ямайки

title: California: Sonoma Wines

overview:
Wine of the Valley

California brings a vision of sun, surf, sand, and the Beach Boys. Travel a little further up the coast and you're in wine country. Sonoma County is a mass of fine Californian Wineries. It all started in the 1800's when a Spanish Priest planted the first vines. Then a Hungarian Count brought vine cuttings, then the Russians, Italians and Germans hopped on. Join our Thirsty Traveler as he explores the history of America's melting pot.

title: California: Sonoma Wines

title: Japan: Sake

overview:
Japanese Sock’em To Ya Sake

Well the Japanese live longer than North Americans and Europeans, could it have something to do with what they are eating and drinking? Our Thirsty Traveler examines how they take their national food staple to a higher level and create Sake. Plus incorporating this rice wine into sake-laced sushi. Does the Thirsty Traveler go lo-cal?

title: Japan: Sake

title: Япония - сакэ

title: Greece: Ouzo

overview:
Greece is the word. Ouzo

The island of Lesvos is a mecca for making the traditionally Greek spirit, ouzo. Part of the Aegean Archipelago nestled close to Turkey, Lesvos locals make 100's of unique ouzo's. It begins with 100% alcohol made from raisins, then the local anise and herbs are distilled into it. And you can't drink ouzo without Sardines - or "sardeles pastes", raw with salt and lemon, Yum! Join the Thirsty Traveler as he takes you to the many villages of this unspoiled and rich island of ouzo.

title: Greece: Ouzo

title: Греция - Узо

title: Canada: Iceberg Vodka

overview:
Newfoundland “Screech” and Iceberg Vodka

Have you ever tried to lasso an Iceberg? They do just that in the cold waters around Newfoundland Canada. Once this snow covered, air pocketed mass of ice is captured by boat they use the clear virgin contents to make Iceberg Vodka. Plus our Thirsty Traveler will introduce you to the local moonshine, Newfie screech! Hold onto your toque.

title: Canada: Iceberg Vodka

title: Ньюфаунленд Водка Айсберг

title: Season 1

Season 2

title: Portugal: Ports

overview:
Ports of Pleasure

From the red and white port lodges of Oporto to the hillside vineyards of the Douro Valley, there is no better place to find world class port than in Portugal. As refined as cognac or single malt scotch but with half the alcohol content, tawny port is full of delicious flavors like caramel and peanut brittle, apricot, plum, raisin and walnut - all knit harmoniously together. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he explores Portugal’s sun-drenched Douro Valley in search of the world’s finest tawny and ruby ports.

title: Portugal: Ports

title: Португалия Порты удовольствия

title: Italy: Grappa

overview:
Grabba Grappa

From the romance of Venice’s canals to the granite spires of the mighty Dolomite Mountains, northern Italy offers an awesome palette of sights, experiences, food and drink. Here, one of Italy’s lesser-known pleasures is grappa - a colorless, high-alcohol eau de vie distilled from the grape skins and seeds left in the wine press after the juice is removed for wine. There are literally hundreds of highly individual styles of this complex and fiery distillation, and the Thirsty Traveler will do his best to get to the bottom of many of them.

title: Italy: Grappa

title: Италия - граппа

title: Connecticut: Apple Cider

overview:
Apple Cider House Rules

Tucked away on a winding country road in Old Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the only remaining steam-powered cider mills in the world. The Clyde family has been making hard cider for six generations. Back in 1881, B.F. Clyde sold the fresh cider out of his basement…well, some things never change and today you can bring your own cooler to fill or buy their plastic gallon or half-gallon out of the mill’s basement.

title: Connecticut: Apple Cider

title: Правила приготовления яблочного сидра

title: England: Gin

overview:
Gin Joint Jive

Come and explore the site where, in 1793, the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night before setting sail on the Mayflower. Ever the inquisitive explorer, the Thirsty Traveler makes his way to the port town of Plymouth, England - the only city outside the USA that celebrates American Thanksgiving - to talk turkey about why Plymouth Gin is one of the world’s greatest spirits. “I say…Cheers!”

title: England: Gin

title: Джин - Плимут

title: Trinidad: Aromatic Bitters

overview:
It's Better With Bitters

The World’s Best Kept Secret Aromatic bitters have been around for centuries, but what exactly goes into bitters, is one of the world’s best-kept secrets. First used as a medicinal aid to combat indigestion, bitters has evolved into an incredible enhancer for both food and drink. Good things come in small packages and the Thirsty Traveler intends to find out exactly what goes into this little bottle of flavour packed lightning.

title: Trinidad: Aromatic Bitters

title: Горькие настойки неразгаданная тайна

title: Brazil: Cachaca

overview:
Catch Some Cachaca!

When you think of Brazil, what comes to mind is soccer, samba and of course Brazil’s national drink, Cachaca! What is this sugar cane elixir? Join the Thirsty Traveler as he ventures into the hills of Brazil to find out more about this intoxicating country (and drink!).

title: Brazil: Cachaca

title: Бразилия - кашаса

title: Germany: Schnapps

overview:
Make it Schnappy

Say the word “schnapps” and Germany instantly springs to mind. But what exactly is schnapps? Where does it come from? And how do you choose the proper lederhosen to wear when drinking it? Watch as the Thirsty Traveler answers these questions and many more.

title: Germany: Schnapps

title: Германия Пиво

title: Chile: Chilean Wines

overview:
Chile Wine

The first vintage in Chile was recorded back in 1551 when priests who swiftly followed the conquistadors south pressed grapes to make sacramental wines. Three centuries later, prosperous landowners sent their sons for education to Europe, notably to France, Spain and Italy, and then returned home with a taste for wine - and brought skilled European winemakers and architects with them. Today, Chile is regarded as a rising force in the world of wine and the Thirsty Traveler fully intends to show us why. Ole!

title: Chile: Chilean Wines

title: Чили - Вино

title: Quebec: Maple Licquer

overview:
Maple Syrup Licker

Merveilleux! Maple syrup isn’t just for breakfast anymore. Intrepid entrepreneurs in Quebec have turned a Canadian classic into one of the most interesting and delicious new liquors on the market. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he traipses across old Quebec and taps into a truly unique story and spirit.

title: Quebec: Maple Licquer

title: Квебек Ликер из кленового сиропа

title: Russia: Vodka

overview:
True Russian Vodka

The history of vodka reads like the history of Russia. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he retraces the epic footsteps of czars and revolutionaries alike. We’ll visit the palaces and promenades of Moscow before catching a train to the formerly "closed city" of Kirov and the birthplace of true Russian Vodka. Here, the Thirsty Traveler will visit a typical country dacha and discover the vodka-laced joys of banya. Don't forget to sniff the bread, comrade!

title: Russia: Vodka

title: Россия Водка

title: Czech Republic: Pilsner

overview:
Pilsner - The Golden Elixir

On October 5th, 1842 in the City of Pilsen, in what is now known as the Czech Republic, the world’s first golden beer was brewed - Pilsner Urquell! Literally translated Pilsner Urquell means “Pilsner from the original source” and that is as true today as it was in 1842. Follow the Thirsty Traveler as he ventures through beautiful and historic Prague to the city of Pilsen, to find the story behind this golden liquid.

title: Czech Republic: Pilsner

title: Чехия Пилснер

title: Scandinavia: Aquavit

overview:
Absolutely Acquavit

Scandinavia is known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Here, under the constant bombardment of summer’s 24-hour sunlight, men and women like their drink strong, their song loud, and their fish fresh. So it’s an absolute given that they also love acquavit, and the ceremony of herring and singsong that accompanies its consumption. Who knows what adventures lie in store for the Thirsty Traveler as he makes his way through Denmark and Sweden, fueled by acquavit’s fiery bite.

title: Scandinavia: Aquavit

title: Лапландия Аквавит

title: Alaska: Alaskan Beer

overview:
Alaskan Beer

Alaskans boast a rugged individualism unlike those of the lower 48. What comes to mind when you think of Alaska, cold and crisp? Just like their beer! And with its near Arctic environment, beer masters tend to make a heartier blend. So couple Alaskan Smoked Porter Ale with an ice fishing trek for king salmon, and the Thirsty Traveler is in for quite an adventure.

title: Alaska: Alaskan Beer

title: Аляскинское пиво

title: Season 2

Season 3

title: Africa: Marula Fruit

overview:
Fruit Of Africa

With its roots deep in the heart of the sub-Saharan bushveld, the Marula tree has ancient ties to South Africa’s indigenous people - and animals. As the Marula fruit ripens and falls to the ground, its fragrance is carried on the African breeze and picked up by eager, voracious elephants. They will walk for days to gorge themselves on its luscious fruit. Throughout history the Marula fruit has been used for medicinal purposes, fertile ceremonies and local rituals. Today, six South African companies are creating marula beers and marula cream liqueurs. Such is the popularity of marula cream liqueurs that they are now the world's number three selling cream liqueur behind Bailey's and O'Darbys. Our own Thirsty Traveler embarks on an amazing journey of discovery, revealing ancient tribal customs, exotic animals and the delicious enigma of the Marula.

title: Africa: Marula Fruit

title: Mexico: Mescal

overview:
Marvelous Mescal

There's a popular saying in Mexico that goes, "Para Todo Mal, Mezcal y Para Todo Bien Tambien", which translated means, "For everything bad, Mescal, and for everything good, too!" Here in Mexico's torrid southern state of Oaxaca, mescal has been a part of the indigenous Zapotec culture for more than an thousand years. Long considered the rough, unsophisticated cousin to tequila, mescal is, in fact, its predecessor and equal. What rye whisky is to scotch, mescal is to tequila. The difference lies in the process. While tequila piñas - the sugar-rich heart of the agave - are baked or steamed in above-ground ovens or autoclaves, mescal piñas are baked in a conical, rock-lined pit oven (palenque) over charcoal, and covered with layers of palm-fiber mats and earth, giving mescal a strong, smoky flavor. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he battles the stifling heat and investigates the strong character behind the myriad of mystical and savage flavors that is mescal.

title: Mexico: Mescal

title: Мексика Мескаль

title: Korea: Soju

overview:
This is So Soju

From soccer to music to food to soap operas, Korea is overtaking Japan as Asia's pop-culture capital. And riding this new wave of Korean "Kim-Chic" cool is the traditional Korean table spirit - soju. Introduced from China in the late 13th Century, soju quickly became the preferred toast of the upper classes and royalty. Unlike sake, soju is made from rice, barley and sweet potatoes along with a host of taste modifiers. But just like sake, soju is enjoying a huge spike in popularity across North America and is now one of the biggest selling spirits in the world. So what's the scoop on soju? Come along with the Thirsty Traveler as he ventures into the soul of Seoul on a fearless quest to find the answers.

title: Korea: Soju

title: Корея - соджу

title: Italy: Vermouth

overview:
A Mouthful of Vermouth

It's that secret ingredient in that secret agent's favourite drink; vermouth is what makes a martini the classic cocktail it is. But just what the heck is vermouth? Why is it so popular around the world? And what makes it so special? To find the answers, our intrepid Thirsty Traveler plies his way through the sun-drenched Mediterranean and discovers the many pleasures of many vermouths. From exquisitely dry French vermouths to the sweet yet sophisticated Italian versions - both red and white - this is a journey of delicious discovery filled with 200 years of cocktail concoctions and culinary surprise.

title: Italy: Vermouth

title: Ireland: Whiskey

overview:
That's Whiskey With an 'E', Boyo!

If the castle-crowned crags lining the coast of Northern Ireland could speak, they'd tell tales of nomadic boatmen and Christians and Vikings, of Normans and giants and ghosts and banshees wailing through the sea mist. And of a certain Thirsty Traveler prowling through the world's oldest licensed distilleries - distilleries that produce Ireland's famed Irish Whiskey! The Irish have been making their own distinct whiskies for nearly 500 years. What better remedy to the chilly sea air than a healthy dram or two of Irish Whiskey? The Thirsty Traveler will most certainly find out.

title: Ireland: Whiskey

title: New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc

overview:
Catch a Kiwi If You Can

New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning, unspoiled landscape. And equal to the international acclaim for its beauty is that for its fine wines. Here in the land next door to the Land Downunder, climate, geography and human skill have combined to produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines, such as their Sauvignon Blanc - now considered the world benchmark. Of course, you can count on the Thirsty Traveler to meet up with a few colourful Kiwi characters who will help him explore the very best of New Zealand's wonderful wines - and the best from the Kiwi kitchen.

title: New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc

title: Switzerland: Absinthe

overview:
ALL ABOUT ABSINTHE

Perhaps no other spirit sports a reputation as notorious as absinthe. The intoxicant of choice for many decadent fin-de-siecle Paris-based artists including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Verlaine and Oscar Wilde, absinthe, or as it was known back then, “La Fee Verte” -The Green Fairy - was highly sought after for its perceived opiate-like intoxicating qualities. How will the Thirsty Traveler react to this green goblin’s concoction? Join him as he ventures into central Europe to harvest wormwood - the mysterious root responsible for absinthe's mysterious properties - and helps to create a new batch. Of course, much sampling is necessary to appreciate the pleasures of absinthe.

title: Switzerland: Absinthe

title: Britain: Bitter Beer

overview:
Bitter Beers of Britain

The British are famous not only for their love of all things Royal, but also for their love of bitter beers. Across the Mersey River lies the working class city of Manchester, home of famed footballers and renowned bitter brewers. Originally brewed to a lower alcohol level to quench the thirst of hard-working men fresh from their shift in the local factories, bitter beers have been brewed in England for at least 600 years. The traditions continue in modern-day Manchester - a vibrant, raucous city where good music and good times are as easy to find as the corner pub. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he wanders the streets of Manchester in search of the perfect pint of bitter beer.

title: Britain: Bitter Beer

title: France: Cognac

overview:
Ga-ga for Cognac

There are fine wines, and there is champagne. There are also fine brandies. And then there is cognac. Perhaps epitomizing the grape's journey from ground to glass, cognac stands royally tall as the preferred drink of princes and powerbrokers around the globe. With a thousand years of history behind it, the Cognac region of France is home to this very special spirit, and the Thirsty Traveler draws yet another lucky card as he explores Normandy's ancient castle towers, vast aging cellars - and a king's kitchen - in this ultimate quest for cognac.

title: France: Cognac

title: Portugese Island: Maderia

overview: If it cooks – it must be Madeira! For more than 500 years, Madeira has been pouring its heart and soul into making the unique fortified wines that are named after this sub-tropical island. Madeira’s mountainous vineyards skirt the island in terraces high above the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North Africa. As The Thirsty Traveler discovers, Madeira producers today won’t mess with an old trick. Madeira was a popular port of call for the early traders who stocked up on the Island’s wines destined for the colonies. They found that the further south they traveled, the hotter it got. The wine was literally cooking in the barrels but instead of a fiasco, the result was fantastic. Why it was even used to toast the signing of the American Declaration of Independence! Today, they don’t send the wine to the Equator to ‘cook’, they use the Estufa (Hot House) Method to maintain Madeira’s distinct flavour. And if you ever wondered about the origins of Madeira Sauce ... well, don’t miss this trip!

title: Portugese Island: Maderia

title: Моя дорогая мадейра

title: California: Sparkling Wine

overview:
Sparkling Wines of Carneros

Nestled between the Sonoma Mountains to the west and the Napa River to the east lies California's much-lesser known county of Carneros. But this small, sparkling jewel creates some of the world's finest sparkling wines. Here in Carneros, the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay are overwhelming, bringing cool temperatures, fog and wind that increase the acidity of the Pinot Noir grapes - so necessary to produce a world-renowned sparkling wine with structure and finesse. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he rides the rails to Carneros county and lights up the dark Champagne Caves with glass after glass of vintage sparkling wine.

title: California: Sparkling Wine

title: British Columbia: Wine

overview:
Ogopogo & Okanagan Wines

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east, is the 124-mile stretch of Lake Okanagan that begins in a true desert and moves through a variety of micro-climates. It’s Canada’s hot spot for wine lovers, producing French and German vinifera grapes from big, ripe reds to fresh, cool whites. And The Thirsty Traveler can’t leave the valley without a boat trip on the lake to catch a glimpse of the legendary Ogopogo - maybe a little wine for the journey is in order!

title: British Columbia: Wine

title: Italy: Sambuca

overview:
The Sweet Scent of Sambuca

They say that Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the secret recipe for Sambuca, one of Italy's - and the world's - most popular beverages. The medicinal properties of anise have been known for thousands of years. And the ancient Etruscans were among the first to infuse aniseed into a delicious, medicinal spirit. Today, it's said that Sambuca gets its name from Sambucus nigra, the scientific name for elderberry, another of this sweet licorise-flavoured liqueur's key indredients. It's here in Rome that the Thirsty Traveler experiences his first sweet sip before catching the "Buca Train" in search of elderberry groves, sambuca stills, and the very best in Italian cuisine.

title: Italy: Sambuca

title: Рим Сладкий запах самбуки

title: Season 3

Season 4

title: Australia: Wines

overview:
Wines Down Under

Just a one-hour drive north of Sydney lay the lush rolling vineyards of Australia’s renowned Hunter Valley. And while it might have taken a couple of hundred years to get it right, Aussies today are rightly proud of the Valley’s benchmark shiraz and Semillon varietals - making every day a G’day for tasting some of the world’s finest wines. The Thirsty Traveler goes way down under to quench this thirst for adventure in wine’s new frontier, Australia.

title: Australia: Wines

title: Австралия Новое месторождение вина

title: Louisiana: Whiskey

overview:
A River of Whiskey

The story of the Mighty Mississippi is the story of American Whiskey - Bourbon. But the story doesn’t end there. As bourbon gained popularity and made its way south from Kentucky, some of it evolved into a sweet, strong liqueur now loved by millions worldwide. These “rectified” American whiskies have been tantalizing taste buds and invading kitchens for over a hundred years. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he savors the sweet southern comforts of New Orleans, from backroom bars off Bourbon Street to the stinky swamps of the Louisiana bayou! Cheers, I do declare!

title: Louisiana: Whiskey

title: США Сладкое виски из Миссисипи

title: Peru: Pisco

overview:
Pisco – The Spirit of Peru

It’s one of the oldest drinks in the new world. And for millions of people, Peruvian pisco is an ancient treasure to be savored. The Thirsty Traveler ventures south of the equator to Peru’s port city of Pisco. Here, the people of this quaint old town have for centuries produced a namesake spirit that has become Peru’s national drink. Quicker than you can say Machu Picchu, our fearless host retraces pisco’s Inca roots as he introduces us to the fiery, aromatic brandy made from local Quebranta grapes. But being the Thirsty Traveler he is, he’ll also have to sample several pisco sours: a heady cocktail containing two ice cubes, a dollop of beaten egg whites, a little lemon juice, and enough pisco to cauterize a wound. Salud!

title: Peru: Pisco

title: Перу Виноградное бренди Писко

title: England: Mead

overview:
Make it Mead!

Bully to Beowulf! Hail Valhalla and the spirit of the Vikings! Once the favored drink of Nordic Kings across medieval Europe, mead is today enjoying a renaissance in popularity around the world. In perhaps his sweetest assignment yet, the Thirsty Traveler journeys across Britain's heather-covered moors in search of modern-day alchemists who transform fermented honey into goblets of delectable mead.

title: England: Mead

title: Хмельной мед

title: The Thirsty Traveler: Behind the Scenes

overview:
On this special episode we take a behind the scenes look at the "Best Job in the World"-- that of the Thirsty Traveler!

Over the course of one season, you'll see every behind-the-scenes nook and cranny to give the home viewer an inside look at what it takes to be the Thirsty Traveler. From the travel, to the partying, to the people? all of the things you ever wanted to know about the Thirsty Traveler behind the scenes will be revealed!

title: The Thirsty Traveler: Behind the Scenes

title: Лучшие моменты

title: Canada: Rye Whiskey

overview:
Rye Whiskey Rocks!

"Go West, young man!" was a popular cry during the late 1800s. And the Thirsty Traveler takes this advice to heart as he ventures across the prairies of western Canada in search of Canadian Rye Whisky. Back in the day, American bootleggers favored Canadian whisky and frequently crossed the border to conduct "business", eventually leading to the Northwest Mounted Police being called in to restore order. Today, there is global allure to this popular libation. And the Thirsty Traveler will do his best to uncover the fascination behind Canadian Whisky.

title: Canada: Rye Whiskey

title: Исландия

title: Iceland: Vodka

overview:
Of Vikings & Vodka

Don't let the name fool you - there's much more to Iceland than, well, ice. Here in the land of Vikings and volcanoes, wily Icelanders have had centuries to perfect their own distinctive beverages like brennevin, and the new kid on the block, Icelandic vodka! These fiery spirits have become an integral part Icelandic culture and cuisine. Of course, he might just have to bite into the infamous once-a-year traditional delicacy of rotten shark!

title: Iceland: Vodka

title: Germany: Beer

overview:
PROST! To German Beer!

The northeastern German town of Bremen has a rich legacy of brewing beer. In fact, it was the early Bremen brewers, inspired in their search for a beer that could withstand long sea journeys, who created a recipe for a heavy barley beer nearly 1,000 years ago. This ultimately led to the implementation of the renowned “German Purity Law” - or Reinheitsgebot - of 1516, requiring that beer only be made from barley malt, hops and water. The Thirsty Traveler is on a quest, not just for any beer, but for some of the world’s best beers. Did we mention there’ll be dancing at Oktoberfest? Ein prosit, indeed!

title: Germany: Beer

title: Германия Пиво в Бремене

title: Israel: Wine

overview:
An Old Testament to Wine

According to the book of Genesis, the first thing Noah did after disembarking from the Ark was to plant a vineyard. Presumably, he planted two! Shalom, fellow Thirsty Travelers, and welcome to Israel - where winemaking is as old as the bible itself. Today, Israeli wines are finally coming into their own, especially the award-winning wineries of the Golan Heights region of Galilee. And it goes without saying that the Thirsty Traveler is on a wine-tasting mission of biblical proportions!

title: Israel: Wine

title: Ветхий завет о вине

title: The Best of . . .

overview:
It's the Thirsty Traveler Revisited! Show host Kevin Brauch answers some of the most often asked questions about the drink, the food, the fun he's had and the characters he's met over the past four years.

Exotic locations and unforgettable people, here are the best of the bunch from all over the world.

title: The Best of . . .

title: Виноделие во всем мире

title: Cuba: Rum

overview:
Hurrah for Havana Rum!

Arriba! For nearly 300 years, sugar and tobacco were the engines driving Cuba’s economy. And cultivation of these crops led to the development of Cuba’s two most sought after products: rum and cigars. No wonder the buccaneers and pirates of old liked this Caribbean paradise so much! Join our intrepid host as he salsas his way from the sugar cane fields to the nightclubs of the nation’s capital, Havana, in a quest to find the best barrels of Cuban rum - the finest in the world. Bring it on, amigos!

title: Cuba: Rum

title: Куба Лучший в мире ром

title: Turkey: Lion's Milk

overview:
Livin' On Lion's Milk

Now, one might not initially think of the Turks as imbibers of precious alcoholic spirits. Not so, my friends. Here from ancient ruins of Troy to the lush vineyards of Izmir to mosques and bazaars of Istanbul, the Thirsty Traveler soon discovers Turkey’s rich traditions associated with liquor, and the Turks’ fondness for one very special home-grown spirit - raki. This deliciously sweet cousin to Greek ouzo and French pastis is a Turkish staple when sharing good times with friends and family. The question is, however, how much Lion’s Milk can the Thirsty Traveler down?

title: Turkey: Lion's Milk

title: Турция Ракия мужской напиток

title: Season 4

Season 5

title: Spain: Amazing Andalucia

overview: Here’s the story of Spain’s sensational sherry!  Join Thirsty in the heart of the Sherry Triangle. Here Spanish sherry flows through the streets to the passionate heart beat of flamenco.   And where The Thirsty Traveler is ready to take the bull by the horns!

title: Spain: Amazing Andalucia

title: Sweden: Absolut Thirsty!

overview: The Thirsty Traveler makes his way to the Kingdom of Sweden.  To Stockholm to Ice Castles and to the vast areas of their scenic coastline, Thirsty discovers that the legendary summer land of the midnight sun needs something to warm the cockles of your heart in the winter months. And it’s got to be something more than a sauna or a warm herring. How do you survive a Swedish winter? - VODKA – pure Swedish VODKA.  Bring it on!

title: Sweden: Absolut Thirsty!

title: Taiwan: Made in Taiwan

overview: Asia: mysterious and exotic. Strange tastes, strange customs, strange drinks. This sounds like the perfect place for the Thirsty Traveler. Come along as Thirsty hits Taiwan.  It’s a modern industrialized island megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture. It’s a feast from the Far East.

title: Taiwan: Made in Taiwan

title: Дальневосточный пир - Тайвань

title: Wales: A Wale of a Brew

overview: Celebrating one of the world's oldest civilizations, Wales has a rich history and an unforgettable range of sights and tastes to explore: Ancient burial chambers, Roman forts and more than 400 castles. And part of that culture is the diversity of the exploding microbrewery industry. Not to mention the only single-malt Welsh Whiskey on the planet. Join the Thirsty Traveler as he follows the legendary King Arthur and Merlin the magician to Carmarthen and toasts all that is Wales.

title: Wales: A Wale of a Brew

title: Aruba/Curacao: Caribbean Liquers

overview: Thirsty heads for the sun as he looks to the Caribbean’s ABC Islands for amazing beaches, amazing island food and secret liqueurs. To Curacao and the mysterious blue liquor that made this island and the blue Hawaiian famous. Then to Aruba to discover the origins of their local coecoei. Bring your taste buds and your sunscreen and get ready hit the islands!

title: Aruba/Curacao: Caribbean Liquers

title: Tasmania: A Devil of a Drink

overview:
150 miles off the southern coast of Australia across the Bass Strait, lays Tasmania.

In this episode the Thirsty Traveler searches out Tasmania’s best wines and discovers what just might be the next big thing in the grape world!

title: Tasmania: A Devil of a Drink

title: Cocktail Special: The Story of the Cocktail

overview: Thirsty has been around the world 15 times, so far, and in that time he’s found some amazing, extravagant and even bizarre places to have a drink. Come along with the Thirsty Traveler as he takes us on a journey of the world’s greatest cocktails and the stories behind each one. From the obscure, the unique, the extravagant and the unknown. Come and hoist a drink with the Thirsty Traveler in search of the worlds best cocktail!

title: Всемирная история коктейля

title: Wine Special: Wine Travels

overview: It’s now the number one drink in the world. Today on the Thirsty Traveler we dive head first into the land of the grape and discover some of the best the world has to offer in the new world of wine. We’ll also showcase some of the best wine travels a thirsty traveler could ever dream of.

title: Wine Special: Wine Travels

title: Season 5

overview:
The Thirsty Traveler, hosted by Kevin Brauch, is a weekly journey into the heart of the world's greatest wine, beer, and spirit producing regions. Each episode explores the land, people, production, companies, customs, traditions, food, and stories connected with the alcoholic beverage that a region is known for.

The Thirsty Traveler was created by Susan Cardinal and produced by Grasslands Entertainment.

title: The Thirsty Traveler

title: Жаждущий странник

title: The Thirsty Traveler

overview: The Thirsty Traveler, gepresenteerd door Kevin Brauch, is een wekelijkse reis naar het hart van 's werelds grootste wijn-, bier- en sterke drank producerende regio's. Elke aflevering verkent het land, de mensen, de productie, bedrijven, gebruiken, tradities, eten en verhalen die verband houden met de alcoholische drank waar een regio bekend om staat.

original_title: The Thirsty Traveler