The History of Gin | From mother's ruin to sophisticated cocktail

Рет қаралды 50,072

Жыл бұрын

In this video, The History of Gin | From mother's ruin to sophisticated cocktail, discover how this popular drink has evolved throughout time. Gin, or genever, has had many nicknames and many more dubious ingredients. Kevin Hicks shares with you, the fascinating history of how gin was discovered and how the gin craze took off in the 17th and 18th centuries. Filmed on location at the award winning Black Fox Distillery, Saskatoon, Canada. www.blackfoxfarmanddistillery...
#Historyofgin #Gin #Genever #SophisticatedCocktail #gincocktail
For more Random History videos check out this playlist..... • Random History
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OTHER LINKS:
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IMAGE CREDITS:
Maria the Jewess: Courtesy Wellcome Images.
Medieval Distillation still: Courtesy Wellcome Images.
Nicholas Culpepper: Courtesy Wellcome Images
Juniper illustration: Courtesy @Magnus Manske
Feeding the Moelots, Paris: Courtesy Wellcome Images
Diseased prostitute: Courtesy Wellcome Images
Street Brawl: Courtesy Wellcome Images
Singapore Sling: Courtesy Sheba_Also 43,000 photos, CC BY-SA 2.0

Пікірлер: 504

@michaelwhite8031 Жыл бұрын

I remember flying back from the US years ago and l overheard the stewardess say to her colleague, 'You can tell this flight is full of English people, as we have run out of gin already.

@shaunmorrissey7313 Жыл бұрын

What utter bull crap, gin has only become trendy over the last few years.

@michaelwhite8031 Жыл бұрын

It was back in 1989 and l can assure you it was true......try to keep a civil Tonge in your head matey !

@jo-annacrowner3791 Жыл бұрын

Trends come and go and they come about again.

@bostonrailfan2427 Жыл бұрын

sounds right, probably said Soviets if they ran out of vodka or Irish or Scottish if they ran out of whiskey 😳

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

🤣

@simonhumphreys8707 Жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin, The Officers in the British navy had to drink Navy Strength gin (57% or above). This was because if the gin spilt onto the gunpowder it would still ignite. (under 57% it didn't work).The officers had the keys for the stores for gunpowder and alcohol. Ratings still drank rum. Only in the 1970's were the rations converted to a financial allowance.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that gem Simon, brilliant 👍🏻

@TheChipmunk2008 Жыл бұрын

Interesting fact, the gunpowder proof thing is real... I've tried it (still legal to make gunpowder in the UK just not make an explosive device)... 57% is about the gunpowder proof, below that, the gunpowder will not burn, above it, it will.

@mottthehoople693 Жыл бұрын

@@willemsma you dont believe

@lordeden2732 3 ай бұрын

Not legal to make it@@TheChipmunk2008

@mitchel8522 Жыл бұрын

Thats quite the history of Gin Kevin, I do know that the Dutch in the 1600's had 'Jenever' and the English later used it to ease the nerves before a battle. Thats why the English called it 'Dutch Courage'. The English later adopted Jenever and turned it into the well known Gin. Kind regards from the Netherlands!

@keithskelhorne3993 Жыл бұрын

well, thats my lesson for today, I always thought it was "Geneva" as in Swiss, thank you for new real knowledge, Typical Brit that I am :)

@ilari90 Жыл бұрын

My friend brought few bottles from Den Haag, one was "young jenever" and one "old jenever". Young was like the british gins and old was like Jägermeister type of drink. They were sold in only one shop, iirc, and both were really good.

@rutisharoni9249 Жыл бұрын

👍🇳🇱🇳🇱

@TomvdVeen Жыл бұрын

thats how i know the story ! groeten! Now i like both spirits|! in the old days they dipped the passies for the babies in the Jenever, dont think its a English thing ;)

@keithskelhorne3993 Жыл бұрын

@@TomvdVeen it was in Liverpool in the 1950s!!! just to ease the teething of course :D although it did depend of the spirit of the household, could have been either rum, brandy or whiskey as well as gin lol

@calinesanu9995 Жыл бұрын

This video reminded me of my great grandmother. She is the only one I know in the family who managed to live 98 years and die of pure old age. Her secret? She said that every morning she had a finger of our own equivalent of gin - Romanian moonshine made from plums. I guess that every culture has it's equivalent of a ''fortifier'' :D we do seem to love a drink no matter where we are from

@paulmanson253 Жыл бұрын

Ah yes. Depending on the language, slivovitza. Plum brandy. Marvellous stuff. One of my neighbours distilled his own,it was fabulous. Kept his still,handmade from sheet copper and kept squeaky clean in a small workshop next to his garage. Sure miss him,he was competent at just about everything he touched.

@keithskelhorne3993 Жыл бұрын

Slivovitz!! oh yes please!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

What a wonderful comment Calin, thank you. I've actually drunk something like that myself whilst serving in Germany. A plum schnapps 👍🏻

@als3022 Жыл бұрын

That does sound rather nice. Although gotta be careful myself, learned that from some apple cinnamon moonshine.

@Cormano980 Жыл бұрын

Țuica power

@lanzknecht8599 Жыл бұрын

What an unexpected contribution to "thehistorysquad"! Instead hearing of smashed skulls we enjoy a Strawberry Gin Smash. Like always very informative and exciting to listen. Cheers Kevin!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Just trying to keep it fresh 😜

@shallowgod5539 Жыл бұрын

Love how you're really expanding your history topics for the videos. Really makes the channel worth following

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! I like to keep it fresh and step out of my comfort zone now and again.

@als3022 Жыл бұрын

I knew about the story of beer, and because of where I have lived I definetly knew the culture of the moonshiners and American whiskey. But gin had always been something I read about in some of the classics. Nice to learn the story of another drink. And that there were those who considered it a social ill too. And to see it come full circle.

@kenbiemac337 Жыл бұрын

Great video! The juniper is good for repelling mosquitos, so Gin is a must during the summer months for safety reasons.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, brilliant! I'll be sure to have a bottle on standby for just that purpose next summer 👍🏻

@kenbiemac337 Жыл бұрын

@@thehistorysquad I'm sure its a myth, but a believable one.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

@@kenbiemac337 Well it's one I'm prepared to put to the test 😜 purely for research of course.

@lindsaydrewe8219 Жыл бұрын

Is that why it was so popular in the British colonies in the East? Or a bloody good excuse😁

@graememorrison333 Жыл бұрын

I thought it was the quinine* in the tonic you mix gin with, but I'm happy to go with your theory! *Or maybe that staves off malaria. Anyway, something something to do with mosquitoes...

@MrTwunders Жыл бұрын

Another great video from The History Squad. Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into your research. It is vital to have people like you on KZfaq. Cheers!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

My pleasure 👍🏻

@SarahGreen523 Жыл бұрын

Well! Now I know all about Gin! I had no idea of all the tie ins like 'Dutch Courage' and had never even heard of whiskey barrel gin! I must try it! Also, I absolutely love all of Kevin's facial expressions while he tells us his story! Thanks!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, cheers Sarah 😂

@davidstrother496 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative, energetic, and entertaining video. I never think much of distilled spirits, but the history story you give about gin is a reason I love your history stories so much. Cheers from Texas.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening again David & your support as always 👍🏻

@jimhattery4348 Жыл бұрын

I watch many history presenters. Kevin, you're the best!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Gosh, how lovely, thanks Jim 👍🏻

@rusa5052 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the history lesson on Gin. cheers! 😊

@taylorsnyderutube Жыл бұрын

You have a hidden gem of a channel here. Awesome story telling, very charming and informative.Keep it up and wish you the best, you will see more success very soon. :)

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks Taylor, I appreciate that 👍🏻

@arthurdoucette1786 Жыл бұрын

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, I enjoyed that. I learned some fascinating history, and had fun to boot. My best to you both, cheers. Arthur

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Cheers Arthur!

@xFlow150 Жыл бұрын

I never knew the history of gin ran this deep. Thanks for the story! I will think it over again the next time when I'll have a glass.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Cheers!

@JagerLange Жыл бұрын

The importance of juniper berries in Roman Judea is highlighted in the documentary Life Of Brian, if anyone's interested.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

😜 absolutely

@teresat.6386 Жыл бұрын

Interesting history. Thanks, Kevin. 🙂❤

@kathleenhill5838 Жыл бұрын

So informative and interesting? Thank you 😊

@atheistsince1210 3 ай бұрын

Artist and social satirical genius extraordinaire William Hogarth forever immortalized the societal dangers and addictions of his Beer Street vs Gin Alley masterpieces we studied it for my undergraduate art classes and Hogarth remains on my bucket list for a vintage compilation of his works including the hysterically funny Rake’s Progress. 😂😂😂😂😂

@thehistorysquad 3 ай бұрын

I'd love to visit the museum dedicated to him when I'm next in London 👍🏻

@Dutch1951x Жыл бұрын

GREAT video, thanks!

@enjoythedecline3616 4 ай бұрын

Really loved the last few episodes. It was awesome seeing you at our National Parks! Thank you for all you do!

@MonsterMania74 Жыл бұрын

Great video Kevin

@richardlilley6274 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing

@PeterDay81 Жыл бұрын

cheers sir just great.

@Nozylatten Жыл бұрын

excellent Kevin

@stevemolina8801 Жыл бұрын

My Gramps from my moms side was from Dundurn, never got to meet him as he passed in his late 20's. Another great presentation. Thank you!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Steve 👍

@keithclayton654 Жыл бұрын

Love your channel, always interesting and well researched, keep them coming

@ildlyn8966 Жыл бұрын

Great video really enjoyed it cheers indeed.

@ragecharacter4743 Жыл бұрын

How very interesting thanks for the Video.

@christopherbalmer350 11 ай бұрын

Nice, another amazing informative lesson, and delivered so eloquently. Can't wait for the next one.

@JCOwens-zq6fd Жыл бұрын

Beautifully done as always sir. God bless.

@tomhirons7475 Жыл бұрын

very interesting Kevin.

@peterrussell9231 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@markcolyer1989 10 ай бұрын

Well done it was very informative thank you Kevin

@keefsmiff Ай бұрын

TV quality as with every video iv seen with this guy, that was fascinating, iv got a lot of binge watching to do

@thehistorysquad Ай бұрын

Thanks very much! Welcome to the channel 👍🏻

@dhireshnandha3319 Жыл бұрын

An excellent vid ,again thks kev. 👍

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

@nickwebb9290 Жыл бұрын

What a fascinating history lesson on a much enjoyed spirit and skilfully presented. Thank you 🙏

@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas 2 ай бұрын

Once again! Brilliant story-telling.

@boydauspeditions Жыл бұрын

very interesting Kevin, thanks mate...

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome

@samanthawoodward7551 Жыл бұрын

Love Kevin Hicks's voice, so calming but informative. First video I watched of him was with a longbow at Warick castle. He should be on TV.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

How lovely, thank you!

@calebswanson462 Жыл бұрын

Very thoughtfull

@Jones-xx2gc Жыл бұрын

Great video. Who knew gin had such a history.

@MrHarrytheJew Жыл бұрын

Great video! Nice to see your content expanding, and excellent production. Keep up the amazing work.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton! I appreciate that 👍🏻

@dariixxiv5371 11 ай бұрын

I love your spirited content. Very glad I subscribed.

@thehistorysquad 11 ай бұрын

😜 nice pun, thanks!

@blueneeson9888 Жыл бұрын

Thanks For This Brilliant Video From Blue

@michaelpage4199 Жыл бұрын

As always your videos are always so amazing. Cheers

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

@polartechie 7 ай бұрын

@4:00 thanks for sharing the cool art as always. How enchanting ^^

@nerdworld4043 Жыл бұрын

Kevin, you kick butt.

@davidc6510 Жыл бұрын

Cheers mate! A great historical video. Thanks for sharing

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

@stoicgradstudent3976 Жыл бұрын

exactly what i was looking for, thank you kindly.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Excellent, glad it was helpful....cheers!

@Sam_Hannam Жыл бұрын

Never knew I needed to know about the history of Gin until you started telling the story. Completely captivated!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, cheers Sam, every day is a learning day 👍🏻

@tomdasilva2060 8 ай бұрын

Great story-telling... Again!!!...

@thehistorysquad 7 ай бұрын

Thanks again!

@tterbay Жыл бұрын

Great video! Very informative. I found it fascinating. Keep up the great content, please!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do 👍🏻

@peteroldham8788 Жыл бұрын

What a great pod cast keep em coming bro

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Cheers! Will do!

@aureaphilos Жыл бұрын

You should go to Halifax and film the history of India Pale Ale at the Alexander Keith Brewery. Went there in 2003, and the history and experience has never been forgotten.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Oooh I like a drop of IPA, I might have to add that one to my list 😜

@knowshet313 Жыл бұрын

Thank you I love the way you tell history. Informative and fun! God bless you and yours

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Thanks

@garlicgorilla6540 Жыл бұрын

Great channel. Glad i discovered you today.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Garlic Gorrilla - I love that handle LOL. Welcome to the channel 👍🏻

@andrewjohnson-hr6qv Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kevin. I have just started watching your channel and find your Historical information entertaining, informative and educational.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, thanks Andrew 👍🏻

@HanoiHustler Жыл бұрын

That stained glass window is awesome!

@trime1851 Жыл бұрын

WOW! Another amazing video! I was mostly ignorant about gin, but now I am educated (more or less) 😬

@beanie1792 Жыл бұрын

I've only just discovered this channel and it's absolutely brilliant!! I'm learning something new every day.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it Beanie, thanks & welcome aboard!

@hemaccabe4292 Жыл бұрын

This is a step away from normal. still fascinating. Thank you.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Indeed, I like to keep it fresh and step out of my comfort zone now and again. 👍🏻

@robscoggins 3 ай бұрын

Cheers!!

@floydstowe Жыл бұрын

That was intoxicating history

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, I like it 😜

@davidbmason Жыл бұрын

Kevin, this is so interesting. I love early science and medicine. Thanks.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@kenijonesESQ 9 ай бұрын

Great episode Kevin, Slings are delish shout out to Julie

@marcosaraiva9205 Жыл бұрын

You hit the Gin Kevin! Cheers!

@thedevilinthecircuit1414 Жыл бұрын

What a wonderful history of gin. And *good onya* for promoting a local distiller that's making a splash on the world market. That's why we love The History Squad.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Cheers! Credit where it's due, that Oaked Gin is something else...I just had to treat myself to a bottle 👍🏻

@shadixyt Жыл бұрын

Always knew Gin was a big British Empire drink but never knew why, thanks Kevin.

@davidroman1342 Жыл бұрын

Great channel. TY. I remember my nan always had a big bottle of beefeater gin.

@johnpauldavis1967 Жыл бұрын

nice one team Hicks. Very interesting :-)

@MarkHansen1990 Жыл бұрын

That was fantastic storytelling. Cheers 🍻. What is so rewarding is i bought some of this blackfox mustard gin about 6 months ago. And, I agree, it is absolutely awesome.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Excellent, their Oaked Gin is something else too 👍🏻

@MarkHansen1990 Жыл бұрын

@@thehistorysquad i am looking forward to trying it next.

@YorkistRaven Жыл бұрын

Kevin, nicely elucidated as usual. I am not much of a drinker at all; but a high quality gin made with local herbs + elder flower tonic is exquisite.

@alexpluff Жыл бұрын

Wow you are a great story teller, all of your videos grab me, this one included. I think I'll celebrate with gin and tonic. Thanks for all the stories.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, cheers Alex 👍🏻

@mikeford1273 Жыл бұрын

There's always been animosity between England and France!.. I love you channel ..!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, it goes way back. Cheers Mike 👍🏻

@hemaccabe4292 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting. One of the big controversies of the day is legalization of drugs. Useful to think about the history of drug use and how various policies played out.

@Key212 Жыл бұрын

I love this subject I never would’ve thought this would be something you covered and this is something I actually know nothing about so cool to learn!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, I like to dip into some odd topics sometimes, it keeps it fresh. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

@squimmysquam Жыл бұрын

Amazing video!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@nancybradford8514 Жыл бұрын

We really enjoyed your story, you're a great story teller, 😀😊, thank you

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

You're welcome, glad you liked it 👍🏻

@nozrep 9 күн бұрын

Texan I am, and west Texas has millions of acres of cedar trees (Texas juniper). I was recently googling curiously, found out I can eat the little cedar berries or juniper berries, but they are pretty bitter tasting. And the Indian tribes used the cedar trees for all sorts things. They made tea out of the berries and leaves, had other medicinal things too. They even smoked the cedar leaves! 😅 I forgot what the smoking does but the article I read didn’t really say anything about hallucinogen or getting high. Fast forward now I’ve been looking for a Texas company that makes “Texas” gin using only our native “Texas cedar” juniper berries because I am a typical blustery, braggadocious Texan and I would go find all the Brits I could and brag about Texas Gin if I could find some. hahaha but I don’t think anyone makes it yet

@thehistorysquad 9 күн бұрын

Sounds like a missed opportunity 😜

@TWOCOWS1 11 ай бұрын

i love gin, and i love your video. soooo nice

@thehistorysquad 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! A good combination eh? 😊

@TWOCOWS1 10 ай бұрын

@@thehistorysquad deffinately

@travisadams4470 Жыл бұрын

Cheers! 🍹

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

🤣

@jefflatham3247 28 күн бұрын

Cheers Fine Sir !

@Bonkers4Hex Жыл бұрын

I was an alcoholic for 11 years, luckily I never got round to gin, too expensive for me 😄 never fancied a hangover from juniper berries either.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Lucky you weren't around in the 18th century when it was cheaper than beer eh? All the best 👍🏻

@timtucker9108 Жыл бұрын

Cheers,mate! Tim

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

That's an interesting angle. The fact is though if she was not at court, but in her own home, I'm almost certain she wouldn't figure in popular history. A brief search on Google doesn't turn up much. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

@jackmunday7602 Жыл бұрын

Hi again Kevin. A quick question if I may? Throughout the ages Armies have had various methods of upholding law, order and discipline within the ranks. Today for example you have the military police. In Wellingtons time you have the dreaded provost's. So how was order and discipline upheld in the English army during the hundred years war? Did you have designated enforcers, or was the common soldier expected to uphold the standards himself? You may of gone over this before, but if you haven't, maybe this could be a good topic for a future video. Thanks again. 👍👍

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Yes it's a good suggestion for sure Jack, I'll take it onboard and add it to my list. 👍🏻

@phildicks4721 11 ай бұрын

Years ago I was watching an emisode of James Burke's Connections show on my local PBS station, and it was about how Gin and Tonic helped prevent malaria in Malaysia and Burma. Another great video.

@gloworm6387 Жыл бұрын

I 💕 looooove Bombay Sapphire Gin! MMmmmm. Thanks for the history. I learned something new today.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

I like a drop of Bombay myself, great with a tonic but that Oaked gin I tried after filming this was something else 👍🏻

@luisdavid_1990 Жыл бұрын

This is so well explained, with such good oratory and so many richness of interpretation and detail that i got hooked until the end. That's a professor speaking, not some silly fool of a digital influencer... Awsome class, professor... Cheers from Brazil! 🏳+BR

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks Luis, that's very kind. I'm glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻

@jeffturner8927 8 ай бұрын

Thank you. I’m not a drinker myself but very interesting.

@briandoyle667 Жыл бұрын

Cheers Kev. Very enjoyable bit of history, but Gin isn't my favourite tipple ever since i got drunk on it in my late teens at a works Christmas do. I was so bad the whole world was spinning and my mum had to put a bucket next to my bed. The smell was horrendous!! I also love the fact i can relate to where you are. I used to deliver to Pepsico on the industrial estate there in Saskatoon. Nowt as grand as gin though eh mate!! Keep up with the excellent work fella!! great entertainment, i wouldn't mind paying a license for your show old chum!!

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Haha, cheers Kev, I think most of us have been in that position at some point in our lives. If you're really interested, you can support the channel through Patreon, the link is in the video description. 👍🏻

@briandoyle667 Жыл бұрын

@@thehistorysquad will do fella

@Ammo08 Жыл бұрын

I like gin....I really do...good stuff...my favorite is an uncomplicated martini...

@lcpltpow5870 Жыл бұрын

First time I've ever enjoyed a lecture about gin from an MP, very interesting

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

😜

@tonynapoli5549 Жыл бұрын

Nice one Kevin go easy on the Jin lol 👌

@480pilot 6 ай бұрын

I have had many jobs in my life, presently bartender is prescient. This is wonderful!

@gubbins1933 3 ай бұрын

My martini and I thank you for that history. Cheers.

@thehistorysquad 3 ай бұрын

😜

@jennyhunter9346 Жыл бұрын

Amazing !!! and sad. 😢

@SJutigard Жыл бұрын

I live in Saskatoon. It sort of blows my mind that this is "right on" your doorstep! Great video! I had heard a bit about people drinking gin for the health benefits a couple centuries ago, so good to get some more info on that! Love your videos, you always seem find a new angle to tell the story from.

@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын

Cheers Justin, it's something I enjoy 👍🏻

@fangslaughter1198 Жыл бұрын

Hello from Swift Current. I lived in Stoon for 20 years. ❤

@randalmayeux8880 9 ай бұрын

Cheers Kevin! I live in Texas, and it's even hotter than usual this summer, but a Bombay Sapphire and tonic really helps make it bearable. Have a great day!

@thehistorysquad 9 ай бұрын

Sounds great! Stay cool 👍🏻