Unlicensed gin production in Britain, during the 17th century, was a free-for-all, with many people consuming the drink in favour of water, which was thought to be unclean. It was also seen as a cheap medicine for stomach complaints and various ailments. “Spirit of Spices”, as it was referred to before the name gin was more widely used, was cheaper than beer due to the low cost of grain and a heavy government tax on imported spirits. The veritable river of gin on the streets of London at this time, led to the nickname ‘Mother’s Ruin’ and inspired the famous painting ‘Gin Lane’ by William Hogath in 1751, drawn to highlight th debilitating effects of too much gin on society at the time.
In much, much more recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of beautifully crafted, small batch gins with their own unique stories. It is back in fashion with a bang, though, to be sipped and savoured. Don’t be like the lady above!