Historical Overview
Dark Oak Distilling is one of the oldest of The Promenade's distillery companies. Founded early in its history, Dark Oak Distilling was originally a small company serving local taverns and minor exporters. However, over time, the Firewater district consolidated under two distilleries, Dark Oak and their competitors, Armada Brewing. Competition was fierce, and Dark Oak Distilling spawned the Hogs, a gang which dominated the eastern half of Firewater.
Competition with Armada Brewing's gang, the Brewery St. Boys, came to a sudden end when they were forced to band together against the encroaching Cutlass Crew. Despite this groundbreaking alliance, they were defeated and forcibly pacified as constituent gangs of the Cutlasses. To their eventual benefit, however, this peace gave Dark Oak Distilling a monopoly over sales to land-based clients, such as taverns in Dogshead and the Portion, while their former competitors received whaling fleets and ships as clients.
As a monopoly on sales to ships is easier to enforce, Dark Oak Distilling is often at a disadvantage to their western rivals. Dark Oak faces intense competition from wine merchants coming west from the Vinelands, as well as Underdeck smugglers.
Drinks
Whilst Armada Brewing's Firewater has given the district its iconic name and been sung in chanteys since the city's early days, Dark Oak has a number of iconic beverages as well.
Dark Dragon Bone
A dark ale with a strong and slightly bitter taste, Dark Dragon Bone is one of Dark Oak Distilling's three signature brews. Popular in more rural taverns, it is exported to villages throughout House Prominere's territory, and its higher caloric value has always marked it as a poor man's drink. Originally, Dark Dragon Bone got its name from crushed whale bones, which used to be added to casks, although this practice has ceased.
Peculiar Peninsular Nectar
With a spicy taste and medium coloration, Peculiar Peninsular Nectar brings a taste of the seas to land-based establishments. Brewed with spices from
al-Tahat and the islands of the
Unknown Tides, Peninsular Nectar is a warming brew in the oft-cold weather of The Promenade.
Wild Vale Pine
As the name implies, this ale has a piney taste, with hints of citrus, and is of a lighter coloration. Traditionally brewed with meltwater from the Coquet Heights collected in Vestria's Grounds, the exclusive ingredients of this brew require governmental permission and is generally sold to higher-end establishments in the Landside.
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