Welcome to another unruly chapter of Intoxicating History with hosts, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles. In this episode, we’re unraveling the wild, head-spinning days of America’s Prohibition era. We discover how a noble quest to curb alcohol ended up giving birth to a veritable carnival of bootleggers, speakeasies, and legal loopholes that only the richest could exploit.

We get into the nitty-gritty of how temperance morphed from high-minded ideals into a rollercoaster of absurdity. We meet the indomitable Carrie A Nation, hatchet in hand, storming saloons and leaving a trail of smashed barrels in her wake—she’s not your everyday protester. And who could forget Al Capone? His notorious reign in Chicago, complete with jaw-dropping escapes and tax evasion will make your head spin. And that’s all before we meet ‘the Real McCoy’...

We also dive into the quirky, sometimes downright dangerous world of homemade spirits, the unexpected social melting pots that were speakeasies, and the bizarre laws that let the wealthy stockpile booze for years. So, pour yourself something nice, settle in, and join us for a spirited, unfiltered journey through one of history’s most tumultuous—and deliciously entertaining—eras. 

Supported by Taylor’s Port.

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In this episode of Intoxicating History Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys get together for another round of wine-fuelled storytellin, delving deeper into the indulgent, decadent world of Ancient Rome. In the The Empire Strikes Bacchus we  explore the lavish and legendary banquets of Roman high society.

Step into the extravagant dining hall of Trimalchio—a nouveau riche freed slave famous for his legendary feasts, bizarre culinary theatrics, and, intriguingly, a wife who might have been Rome's version of a pole dancer. Discover how this fictional feast influenced F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' and learn what truly went down in these over-the-top Roman dinner parties, from pastry thrushes to wild boar served with theatrical flair.

Tom and Henry also journey through the kitchens of Apicius, the Roman world’s first celebrity chef, whose surprisingly modern recipes still tantalize the taste buds today. From dormice garnished with honey and poppy seeds to flamingo served in rich sauces, Roman tastes were anything but subtle.

Amidst tales of Caligula’s infamous banquets and the culinary extravagance that marked the decline of Roman austerity, the presenters unpack the politics of seating arrangements, wine quality, and the social drama playing out around every decadent dish. This is Roman history served up with flair—and perhaps just a hint of excess.

Intoxicating History is brought to you in association with Taylor's Port.

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In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry, Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles travel back  2,000 years to ancient Rome to ask the big question: What did the Romans ever do for us—wine‑wise? From Pliny the Elder’s hangover cure of raw owl eggs in wine (yes, really) to the scandalous Bacchanalian rites that terrified senators into banning women from drinking, we’ll reveal how Rome invented luxury vintages that cost more than a modern Château Yquem—then aged them for a century and more. We meet Cato the Elder, the original frugal influencer who refused imported Falernian wine for his guests (but probably savored it in secret). And discover how Mark Antony entered Ephesus in a wild bacchic parade—think Pride float meets reality show—to cement his power and reputation as one of history’s most notorious party animals. If you love historical gossip, tales of Ancient Roman excess, and a side of scandal worthy of the Senate, tune in for a glass‑raising romp through Rome’s vinous legacy—no time machine required.

Supported by Taylor’s Port.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Intoxicating History, we get up close and personal with everything Martini as we chat with our brilliant guest, author, FT Columnist and Martini Queen, Alice Lascelles. Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys dive into the quirky history of the martini—from its early days as a medicinal elixir with a dash of ginger, to the iconic cocktail that inspired Hemingway and Dorothy Parker’s legendary wit - or not. There are  personal martini ‘mishaps’, like Tom’s first three-martini lunch at Kensington Place. And we reveal fun secrets like why freezing your glass is the ultimate hack while  reminiscing about the “Flame of Love” cocktail that Frank Sinatra adored. As ever we are pouring a liberal measure of historical tidbits, personal anecdotes, and useless information essential to understanding  the art and joy of a perfectly crafted martini.

Supported by Taylor’s Port

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Intoxicating History, hosts Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles unscrew and pour a liberal measure of the scandalous saga of Johnnie Walker—a Scotch that started as a modest blend in a small Ayrshire grocers and skyrocketed to become a global currency of power and prestige.

We dive into the racy world of whisky where a simple bottle wasn’t just a drink, but a ticket to high-stakes boardrooms, secretive backroom deals, and even diplomatic breakthroughs in colonial India. Discover how Johnnie Walker’s iconic Striding Man—reborn from a cheeky 1908 advertising idea—came to symbolise relentless ambition. Imagine English officers engaged in rowdy drinking contests where the stakes were as high as the hangovers, or bribery sealed not with cash but with a case of the coveted Black Label.

The episode peels back layers of intrigue—from a family’s obsession with quality and ingenious blending methods to the whiskey’s unlikely status as the drink of choice for dictators and deal-makers across the Middle East. Even non-drinkers in conservative cultures couldn’t help but have strong opinions about it. We hear about a notorious incident of an officer so intoxicated by the spirit that he literally “lost his skin,” and our Tom and Henry reveal a world where every sip tells a tale of rebellion, ambition, and high-flying luxury.

Get ready for a spirited journey that’s as informative as it is intoxicating—a tale of how one brand transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of global power. Cheers to a history poured straight from the bottom of the glass!

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It was the wine that took the world by storm—then became a punchline. But behind the once brown and now blue bottle’s retro reputation lies a fascinating story of global wine culture, clever marketing, and unexpected historical twists.

In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles dive into the rise and fall (and maybe rise again?) of Blue Nun, the German white wine that introduced millions to the joys of wine drinking. From Hollywood stars and rock legends to aspiring dinner party hosts in the 1970s, Blue Nun was once the go-to drink for those looking to add a little European flair to their glass.

But how did a once-respected Riesling turn into a supermarket staple? Why did British wine drinkers move from Blue Nun to bold Australian reds? And what does a Cold War spy and CIA operative have to do with its success?

Expect hilarious anecdotes, surprising history, and a few shocking revelations as we uncork the past of one of the world’s most famous (and infamous) wines.

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The Nazis are retreating, the Allies are advancing, and the fate of France’s most prized vineyards hangs in the balance. What happens when a desperate army turns to scorched earth tactics? Could centuries of winemaking history be wiped out in an instant?

In this gripping follow-up to our deep dive into wine and war, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles uncover the high-stakes battle to save France’s greatest vintages. From the Champagne Campaign to daring acts of resistance in Bordeaux, they reveal the hidden stories of courage, collaboration, and sabotage that shaped the future of French wine.

Join us as we explore the extraordinary role of wine in World War II—how it was looted, hidden, fought over, and ultimately preserved. With secret cellars, last-minute betrayals, and even a German soldier saving Bordeaux’s port from destruction, this is history at its most intoxicating.

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When the Nazis stormed into France, they weren’t just after land—they had their eyes on the ultimate spoils of war: France’s legendary vineyards became battlegrounds, not just for soldiers, but for winemakers fighting to protect their lifes’ work  from the clutches of the Third Reich.

In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles look at the dramatic, and often absurd, true story of how the Nazis tried to loot France’s finest vintages—and how the French fought back, sometimes with nothing more than a well-placed spider web. From vineyards bricked up behind false walls to daring escapes through underground wine cellars, this is history as rich and intoxicating as a fine Burgundy.

Meet the so-called Wine Führers—German officials who were meant to “manage” the French wine trade but often found themselves duped by the very vintners they sought to control. Learn how entire vintages were hidden beneath haystacks, mislabelled as vinegar, or sent to Hitler’s personal stockpile—where he barely touched a drop. Meanwhile, the French Resistance wasn’t just blowing up bridges—they were sabotaging Nazi wine shipments, stealing back barrels, and in one case, using a staged Fête du Vin to cover up an escape tunnel from a POW camp.

With betrayal, bravery, and a whole lot of booze, this is the story of how wine became a secret weapon of war—and how France’s most precious vines survived the darkest days of history. Join us for a vintage tale of resistance, deception, and the ultimate toast to liberation.

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In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles tell the remarkable story of how Admiral Nelson, fresh from beating the French at the Battle of the Nile, stumbled upon a Sicilian wine that would fuel the Royal Navy and become the most famous wine in the world - for a while at least. Marsala wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of empire, ingenuity, and excess.

But that’s just the start. From the scandal of Nelson’s affair with Lady Hamilton to his brutal actions in Naples, the episode unpacks the messy mix of heroism and controversy that defined the man. You’ll meet John Woodhouse, the Liverpudlian who made Marsala famous, hear about naked vineyard escapades, and learn how sailors balanced their biscuits and rum  on the high seas.

It’s a story of wine, war, and a little bit of scandal. Pour yourself a glass—this is history worth toasting.

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