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THE THIRSTY TRAVELLER
This is a fast- paced, visually stimulating, humorous, educational and informative food and drink show. Our very own Thirsty Traveller, Kevin
Brauch, travels the world experiencing the rich and wonderful diversity of each country. He meets interesting and entertaining people along his journey, samples some of the best food each stop has to offer and of course finds out the true passion behind the libation of the region.
The Thirsty Traveller has the opportunity to experience first hand the bustling streets of Dublin and the grape-laden valley's of France. This series brings to the viewer a fresh look at travel, not the bus tour or museum stops that many see, but the lush country, rich heritage and most importantly the people that make each country what it is. With each episode the viewer is Kevin's companion. Together the Thirsty Traveller takes you on a journey of firsts! You can almost taste the dishes being prepared. Each one is indigenous to the region and each one incorporating a special twist in the recipe.
You learn everything from culinary arts to glass blowing, grape picking to barrel making. The Thirsty Traveller thirsts for the unexpected and sniffs out the perfect character to add to the travel experience. Join The Thirsty Traveller as he searches for the secret behind the people, their history and their passion for food and drink around the globe.
SERIES FIVE
Episode 1: Amazing Andalucia - Spain’s Sensational Sherry
Join Kevin Brauch in the heart of the Sherry Triangle. Here Spanish sherry flows through the streets to the passionate heart beat of flamenco. And it’s where The Thirsty Traveller is ready to take the bull by the horns! Episode 2: Aruba & Curacao - Caribbean Liqueurs Kevin Brauch 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 onto Aruba to discover the origins of their local coecoei. Bring your taste buds and your sunscreen and get ready hit the islands!
Episode 3: Sweden & Lapland - Ice VodkaThere’s more to Sweden than Ingmar Bergman and ABBA. From Stockholm to Ice Castles and to the vast areas of their scenic coastline, Kevin Brauch 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!
Episode 4: Tasmania - A Devil of a Drink150 miles off the southern coast of Australia across the Bass Strait, lays Tasmania. In this episode Kevin Brauch searches out Tasmania’s best wines and discovers what just might be the next big thing in the grape world!
Episode 5: Taiwan - A Feast From the Far East
Asia, mysterious and exotic, strange tastes, strange customs, strange drinks; this sounds like the perfect place for the Thirsty Traveller. Come along as Kevin Brauch 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.
Episode 6: Wine Travels It’s now the number one drink in the world. Kevin Brauch dives head first into the world of the grape and discovers some of the best the world has to offer. We’ll also showcase some of the best wine travels a thirsty traveller could ever dream of. Episode 7: Wales - A Wale of a Brew
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 micro-brewery industry. Not to mention the only single-malt Welsh whisky on the planet. Join the Thirsty Traveller as he follows the legendary King Arthur and Merlin to Carmarthen and toasts all that is Wales.
Episode 8: Story of the Cocktail
Kevin Brauch 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 Traveller as he takes us on a journey of the worlds greatest cocktails and the stories behind each one; from the obscure, the unique, and the extravagant to the unknown. Come and hoist a drink with the Thirsty Traveller in search of the world’s best cocktail!
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SERIES FOUR
Episode 1: Australia - Wine's New Frontier
More adventures with Kevin
Brauch as he explores some of the world's greatest wine, beer and spirit producing regions. Just a one-hour drive north of Sydney lay the lush, rolling vineyards of Australia's renowned Hunter Valley. From Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains and deep into the outback, the Thirsty Traveller quenches his thirst for adventure.
Episode 2: Cuba - the World's Best Rum
Ariba! For nearly 300 years, sugar and tobacco were the engines driving Cuba's economy. Join our intrepid host as he salsas his way from the sugar cane fields around Santiago to the nightclubs of Havana.
Episode 3: USA - Sweet Mississippi Whiskeys.
The story of the mighty Mississippi is the story of American Whiskey - Bourbon. Join the Thirsty Traveller as he savours the sweet southern comforts of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Episode 4: Canada - Rye Whisky.
"Go West, young man!" was a popular cry during the late 1800s. And the Thirsty Traveller takes this advice to heart as he ventures across the prairies of western Canada in search of Canadian Rye Whisky.
Episode 5: Turkey - Livin' on Lion's Milk.
More adventures with Kevin
Brauch, as he explores some of the world's greatest wine, beer and spirit producing regions. In this episode Kevin travels across Turkey, from the ancient ruins of Troy to the lush vineyards of Izmir and the bazaars of Istanbul, exploring the rich traditions associated with liquor and the Turks' fondness for their homegrown spirit - Raki.
Episode 6: Peru - Pick a Patch o' Pisco.
Here Kevin ventures south of the equator to Peru's port city of Pisco to try out one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world. Quicker than you can say Machu Pichu, our fearless host retraces Pisco's Incan roots as he introduces us to the fiery, aromatic brandy made from local Quebranta grapes.
Episode 7: England - Make it Mead!
In perhaps his sweetest assignment yet, the Thirsty Traveller journeys across Britain's heather-covered moors in search of modern-day alchemists who transform fermented honey into goblets of delectable mead.
Episode 8: Iceland - an Icey Ode to Eau de Vie.
In this episode the Thirsty Traveller visits Iceland, the land of Vikings and volcanoes, whose wily inhabitants have had centuries to perfect their own distinct brands of eau de vie. It's the perfect accompaniment to the local once-a-year delicacy, rotten shark!
Episode 9: Germany - Bremen Brews it Better
More adventures with Kevin Brauch, as he explores some of the world's greatest wine, beer and spirit producing regions. In a Teutonic adventure not to be missed, the Thirsty Traveller joins the merrymaking of Bremen's 950-year-old Freimarkt Fair and satisfies his quest for not just any beer, but some of the world's best beers. Did we mention there'll be dancing in the Ratskeller? Ein prosit, indeed!
Episode 10: Israel-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 Travellers, and welcome to Israel, where winemaking is as old as the Bible itself.
Episode 11: Best Of..
In this special episode we take a 'behind-the-scenes' look at the 'Best Job in the World', that of the Thirsty Traveller. From the travel to the partying to the people. we'll be giving you a fly-on-the-wall insight into our intrepid globetrotter's off-camera exploits.
Episode 12: Peru..Behind The Scenes
'Behind-the-scenes' look at the 'Best Job in the World', that of the Thirsty Traveller. From the travel to the partying to the people. we'll be giving you a fly-on-the-wall insight into our intrepid globetrotter's off-camera exploits.
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SERIES ONE
Episode 1: Scotland – The Water of Life
A journey through the cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Speyside Valley, and the salty water of the Island of Islay. Kevin Brauch searches this lush and historic country for its fine whisky on the “Whisky Trail.” And while on Islay he helps a local B&B owner prepare a whisky-laced meal.
Episode 2: 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. Kevin Brauch journeys through the heart of the French Champagne region, picking grapes, pressing, bottling and even savouring the odd soupsant. 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.
Episode 3: Black Gold, Irish Nectar
There is nothing more Irish than a pint of stout. The Thirsty Traveller explores the history of this dark ale and makes his way from the crowded streets of Dublin, through Waterford, and lands in Cork. His journey takes him from haunted castles to yacht sailing to the local pub for a caleigh.
Episode 4: Belgium – Beer Paradise
Beer, beer and more beer! Kevin Brauch journeys to Belgium, beer capital of the world. Everyone is making beer as they have been for generations. The naturally fermented lambics and wheat beers here are unique. Our Traveller’s zest for the history of the drink leads him to the Orval Monastery. Join him as he leads you to a rarely seen abbey in the Ardennes Mountains of Belgium.
Episode 5: Kentucky – The Frontier Spirit
Some say there is nothing like good Bourbon after a home cooked meal. Kevin Brauch 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 region’s 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. That’s the life!
Episode 6: Ontario – Ice Wine
Burrr…picking grapes in the middle of a Canadian winter night, what could be more fun than that? Our Thirsty Traveller bundles up to show you how frozen grapes turn into Canada’s premium dessert tipple, Icewine. This sweet winter grown wine is fast becoming an International favorite. Plus The Thirsty Traveller and a local chef prepare a decadent meal using these Icewine grapes.
Episode 7: Mexico – Tequila Taco Bell
Ariba, ariba! Kevin Brauch takes you to the heart of the Mexican desert where ground covered by volcanic ash makes perfect growing conditions for the agave plant. You’ve 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.
Episode 8: Jamaican Rum Man
During the Second World War, whisky 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 Traveller as he travels in search of the secrets behind this sugar-based elixir.
Episode 9: 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 Traveller 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 Traveller go lo-cal?
Episode 10: Wine of the Valley
California summons up visions 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 and it all started in the 1800s when a Spanish Priest planted the first vines. Then a Hungarian Count brought vine cuttings over, then the Russians, Italians and Germans hopped onboard. Join our Thirsty Traveller as he explores the history of America’s premier winegrowing region.
Episode 11: Greece is the Word – Ouzo
The island of Lesvos is a centre of production for the traditional Greek spirit, ouzo. It’s part of the Aegean Archipelago and nestles close to Turkey. Lesvos locals make 100’s of unique ouzos. The process 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 Traveller as he takes you to the many villages of this unspoiled and rich island of ouzo!
Episode 12: Newfoundland “Screech” and Iceberg Vodka
Have you ever tried to lassoo an Iceberg? They do just that in the cold waters around Newfoundland Canada. Once this snow covered, air pocketed mass of ice is reeled in by a boat, they use the clear virgin contents to make Iceberg Vodka. Plus our Thirsty Traveller will introduce you to the local moonshine, Newfie screech! Hold onto your toque.
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