Bottle-In-Bond: The First Whiskey Guaranteed to Be Safe to Drink

19th century illustration of men drinking whiskey indoors during early American distilling era

By: Renita Reavis Wandering the numerous bottles in the American whiskey aisles of any whiskey store can be overwhelming, with label graphics and words that catch the eye and grab your attention. One of the boldest typefaces and words out there is “Bottle-In-Bond”. Whiskey menus will shorten it to “BiB”. What does this mean? Why … Read more

Ernst Beseler (1841–1862): A Young Life, A Lasting Legacy

Treue der Union Monument in Comfort Texas honoring German Unionists including Ernst Beseler who died in the 1862 Battle of the Nueces

In the quiet folds of the Texas Hill Country, where limestone bluffs rise above clear creeks, and the breeze carries the scent of cedar and wild grass, history often hides in plain sight. It lingers in the names of old families, in the weathered stones of pioneer cemeteries, and in the stories passed down through … Read more

The Mighty Pecos and The Singing Shaman

Hunters standing beside a mature Aoudad ram on rocky terrain near the Pecos River in West Texas

The 30,000 acre Continental Ranch sits just outside of Comstock Texas. Flanked by the mighty Pecos River on her west and no man’s land on her east. In 1836 Texas won its independence and the battle to settle a claim of your own was an appealing offer to young, tough ambitious men. It’s thought that … Read more