American Whiskey Charms - Part II - The Dry Regime in America 1920-1933
Whiskey production in early 20th century America was not the easiest task. Many of the producers were forced to make it in harsh conditions, far from cities, high in the mountains, with primitive stills and with much fear of being fined and punished by the authorities. Thus was born the whisky in a jar, produced by moonlight and without barrel ageing. Hence its name Moonshine whisky. It's colourless, rough tasting, like vodka with a decently high proof. It bore no resemblance to the tasty distillates of today, but was easily sought after and sold, leading to quick profits and even quicker prosecutions by the authorities.
Criminal groups and the Mafia took control of the import, production and distribution of the "Water of Life", but there was a strong public backlash against alcohol consumption and in 1920 the government imposed the so-called Prohibition. During these not-so-dry years, consumption did drop, but the state lost serious tax revenue, crime increased, and the public became increasingly unpleased. The Prohibition dealt a severe blow to the production of American whiskey brands as well as those imported from Ireland and Scotland.
Like all forbidden things, there were some people who saw opportunities in the newly implemented laws and made loads of money.
One of the legal channels for sale and consumption was through pharmacies and hospitals.
Pharmacists began to issue prescriptions prescribing the use of alcohol - whisky - for medicinal purposes. The records were staggering - 400 prescriptions dispensed in one day by one doctor, and over 200,000 prescriptions in a year. One of the few whiskies to make it through pharmacies was the Isle of Islay Scotch Beauty Laphroaigwhich tasted similar to medicine even up to this day, due to its smoked character.
Besides pharmacies, some restaurants also experienced a boom in the sale of cocktails because of skilled bartenders who disguised the alcoholic flavors well, and the service was not recognizable by the authorities, or the authorities were also treated to be quiet.
Cruise ships with trips outside the US were offered to the high class, which made alcohol consumption on them legal.
Many Americans became religious because alcohol consumption during Christian holidays was allowed. Pastors became favorites of the communities, similar to the monarchs in Ireland centuries later.
Not everyone was fortunate in hiding from or tricking the law. During the 13 years prohibition period, over 10 000 people died from the consumption of low class alcohol.
The Prohibition taught people about moderation, or at least temporarily. After 1933, a serious production and import boom, which will be a topic during our next blogs.
No Prohibition website and you can find a small section of the American whiskey wonders, as well as in whiskey bar Caldo - www.caldo.bg.
