Genevieve KellerThe history of spirits and hard alcohol traces back to ancient fermentation and distillation techniques, possibly developed by Middle Eastern alchemists. Monasteries in medieval Europe initially used these methods for medicinal purposes, but by the 15th century, they were producing spirits like whiskey and brandy for consumption.
The global spread of spirits accelerated in the 16th century with maritime trade, introducing rum in the Caribbean and vodka in Eastern Europe. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the rise in spirit consumption led to social challenges, sparking movements like the Temperance Movement. The U.S. Prohibition era (1920-1933) tried to curb alcohol use but inadvertently boosted illegal speakeasies and bootlegging.
Post-Prohibition, the spirits industry shifted towards quality and craftsmanship, shaping the diverse and sophisticated market we see today.
