Big Shots

You may consider Jack Daniel an old friend, Jose Cuervo a long-respected adversary, and Captain Morgan a trusted companion on many a foggy yet unforgettable adventure. But, as with so many drinking buddies, you probably don't know a thing about who they really are.

A.J. Baime, a former senior editor for Maxim, has compiled a crash course on the men behind our favorite labels, including:

Jim Beam • Jack Daniel • Jose Cuervo • Johnnie Walker • Baileys • Smirnoff • Bacardi • Captain Morgan • Dom Perignon • Beefeater • Hennessy.