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Percentage of U.S. adults who drink wine, spirits and/or beer, according to a recent Gallup report. Interestingly, the percentage of adults who drink some form of alcoholic beverage has not changed drastically in the last 80 years. The lowest percentage was in the late 1950’s and the early 1990’s when only 55% and 56%, respectively, of adults drank alcohol. The highest percentage occurred in the late 1970’s when over 70% did.

What was the purpose of this metal attachment during the late 19th century?

A. To preserve a lady’s lipstick

B. To keep a gentleman’s mustache wax from melting into his tea

C. To protect wooden teeth from staining

D. To strain botanicals from herbal tea

The Detachable Mustache Guard was designed to be affixed to the rim of cups, tumblers, and wine glasses, in order to protect well-waxed whiskers from tea steam, beer foam, and red wine stains. Patented by, the presumably long-suffering and hirsuit, C. H. Barrows on May 28, 1878, the invention’s popularity spread throughout Europe, until potters began featuring a cup with a mustache guard built right in. For many decades, famous china manufacturers such as Limoges, Meissen, Royal Bayreuth, and others created their own versions. Mustache cup production slowed after 1920 and finally faded from cups altogether by the later 20th century. However, as facial hair returns to fashion, a plethora of protective paraphernalia has hit the market including the “Mo’ Guard”, “Whisker Dam,” and “Lipmaster.”

“The golden liqueur of Tokay
While caressing the fibers of the brain,
Carries a fire that breathes witticism
As brilliant as the liqueur is light.”

—Voltaire (1694-1778), referring to Tokaji Aszú, the rare, extraordinary dessert wine from Hungary made with botrytised furmint grapes.

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