In the 1920s, during the era of Prohibition in the United States, the Volstead Act of 1920 was passed, which banned the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. However, there was a loophole in the law that allowed for the production and distribution of certain alcoholic beverages for medicinal purposes. This loophole created a unique situation where “medicinal whiskey” became popular among those seeking legal ways to consume alcohol.
Under the Volstead Act, permits were granted to six distillers in Kentucky to continue bottling bourbon for medicinal purposes. One of these distillers was Old Forester, a renowned brand that had been producing bourbon since the 1800s. Old Forester was located on Louisville's famed Whiskey Row, which was a hub for the bourbon industry.
The concept of medicinal whiskey was rooted in the belief that alcohol had certain health benefits when used in moderation. During this time, whiskey was believed to have medicinal properties and was often prescribed by doctors for various ailments. It was seen as a way to alleviate pain, stimulate appetite, and even treat certain diseases.
Old Forester, like other distilleries with medicinal permits, continued to produce and bottle bourbon during Prohibition. However, it had to be labeled and sold specifically for medicinal purposes. The bottles were often marked with phrases like “For Medicinal Use Only” or “Prescribed by a Physician” to meet the legal requirements.
It is important to note that the medicinal whiskey produced during this time was not significantly different from regular bourbon. The production process remained the same, and the whiskey was made using the same ingredients and techniques. The only difference was the labeling and the fact that it was legally permitted to be sold during Prohibition.
The demand for medicinal whiskey grew rapidly during this period, as many people sought ways to obtain alcohol legally. Some individuals would even fake illnesses or bribe doctors to obtain prescriptions for medicinal whiskey. This led to a thriving black market for these medicinal prescriptions and created a whole new industry surrounding the distribution and sale of alcohol under the guise of medicine.
Personal experiences during this time would have varied greatly depending on one's involvement with alcohol. For those who enjoyed the occasional drink, obtaining medicinal whiskey may have provided a legal and socially acceptable way to continue consuming alcohol. However, for those who were heavily dependent on alcohol or involved in illegal activities, the availability of medicinal whiskey may have had little impact on their drinking habits.
Medicinal whiskey in the 1920s referred to bourbon that was produced and sold legally for medicinal purposes during Prohibition. Old Forester, among other distilleries, was granted a permit to continue bottling bourbon under the guise of medicine. While the concept of medicinal whiskey was based on the belief in the health benefits of alcohol, it ultimately created a loophole that allowed for legal consumption of alcohol during a time when it was otherwise banned.