Free Republic

One brand of gin, the Dutch drink par excellence, has fans in an unlikely corner of the world – West Africa. It's especially popular in Ghana, and not only for drinking. Number one in the Ghanaian gin market is the Dutch distiller Bols, from the town of Schiedam. The distillery exports some 63,000 litres of gin annually to Ghana. Bols produces an extra strong blend of gin especially for the West African market, with an alcohol percentage of 42%. The drink is sold under the name Henkes Schnaps, and is so popular that a Bols employee in Ghana has...

Most of us simpletons have to settle for a glass of water after a workout. But, the lucky people of Germany’s Black Forest get to reward themselves with locally-made schnapps. Nestled along its nine-mile loop through the Black Forest, the hiking route Oberkircher Brennersteig offers little schnapps fountains to thirsty hikers. They are tubs filled to the brim with bottles of schnapps in icy cold water to keep them cool. An adorable little ‘honesty box’ on the side asks for the visitors to pop some money in before they enjoy a delicious shot or two. There are even trays for...