Prohibition era whiskey refers to the whiskey that was produced and consumed during the period of Prohibition in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. However, there was a loophole that allowed whiskey to be obtained with a doctor's prescription for medicinal purposes.
To meet the demand for medicinal whiskey, the US Government granted licenses to six whiskey producers to bottle and sell liquor specifically for medicinal use. These producers were authorized to produce and distribute whiskey that was government-stamped and Bottled-In-Bond at 100 proof.
The fact that whiskey was still available during Prohibition may come as a surprise to many, but it was a way to ensure that those who genuinely needed it for medicinal purposes could access it. However, it is important to note that the majority of the population did not have access to this whiskey unless they had a legitimate medical need and a prescription from a doctor.
The whiskey produced during this time was typically of high quality, as it had to meet the Bottled-In-Bond Act requirements. This act mandated that the whiskey be produced by one distillery in one distillation season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. These regulations were put in place to ensure the safety and quality of the medicinal whiskey.
The Bottled-In-Bond designation also meant that the whiskey was subject to strict government oversight and taxation. It was labeled with a government stamp, indicating that it was produced under the supervision of US officials. This helped to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit or adulterated whiskey during Prohibition.
While the medicinal whiskey was legally available, it was not easily accessible to the general public. Physicians had to prescribe it, and patients had to obtain it from a licensed pharmacy. However, it is worth mentioning that some doctors were known to prescribe whiskey rather liberally during this time, leading to some abuse and misuse of the medicinal exemption.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have come across stories and anecdotes about Prohibition era whiskey. It is fascinating to learn about the creativity and resilience of individuals during this time, as they found ways to continue enjoying alcoholic beverages despite the ban. The availability of medicinal whiskey is one such example of how people navigated the restrictions imposed by Prohibition.
Prohibition era whiskey refers to the whiskey produced and consumed during the period of Prohibition in the United States. It was available through a doctor's prescription and produced by six licensed whiskey producers. The whiskey had to meet strict regulations and was government-stamped and Bottled-In-Bond at 100 proof. While it was legally available, it was not easily accessible to the general public and was primarily intended for medicinal use.