First instant coffee

The first reference to instant coffee was for a ‘coffee compound’ created and patented by an Englishman called John Dring in 1771.

Jul 22, 20215 min read

FEATURED POST

Got a thirst for firsts? Don't miss future blogs

A thirst for firsts

First wine cork

How and why did a bit of tree bark start being used for closing wine bottles? And who was the first person to think it was a good idea?

Oct 1611 min read

First drinks ‘toast’

Where did the ritual of the drinks toast come from? And why is it named after a burnt bit of bread?

Sep 2810 min read

First 0,0% ABV beer (alcohol-free)

This is the story of the first 0,0% ABV beer, commonly known as ‘alcohol-free’.

Jul 287 min read

Ludwig Roselius, decaffeinated coffee inventor

First decaffeinated coffee

Who would have thought a product as wholesome and seemingly innocuous as decaffeinated coffee would have such a strong Nazi subplot?

May 119 min read

Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, Veuve Clicquot

First vintage champagne

The world’s first vintage champagne was made in 1810, just outside the city of Reims in northeastern France, by a bright, bold, business-savvy trailblazing widow (‘veuve’ in French) called Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, forever immortalised as Veuve Clicquot.

Apr 2111 min read