Sipping Through Time: A Spirited Journey into the History of Liquor

The history of fermented beverages, including alcohol, dates back thousands of years. The earliest scientific evidence, found in China around 7,000 BCE, reveals that people were fermenting rice, millet, grapes, and honey to create alcoholic drinks. But this practice had roots beyond this time line. Alcohol has witnessed more history than any documented religion known to date. It was present in Egypt before pyramids, it was in China before the great wall, it was worshipped in Babylon, desired in Greece, and it found Americas before Columbus. Liquor has been part of medicines, government revenue plans, celebrations, and calamities. The evolution of alcohol is a tale of its integration into cultures, its uses, and its eventual challenges. This weekend let’s toast for the history of liquors.

People have been making and enjoying alcoholic drinks for ages, precisely since the stone age (~10,000 BC). There were celebratory fermented drinks.

The oldest known evidence of human production of liquor are found in cave in Israel, where the traces of 13,000 old beer are found- which was speculatively made in honor of the dead. People were making drinks from things like grapes, berries, honey, and rice in China about 9000 back. This is when they started making beer and wine in the Middle East too. As time went on, people all around the world learnt the craft and there are evidences of alcoholic drinks being made in Iran, Egypt, Babylon, Mexico, Sudan, and even way back in Georgia around 8,000 years ago. In places like Greece and Rome, they drank wine and would mix it with water to make it less strong. In medieval Europe, everyone, including nuns, drank beer regularly. People also enjoyed cider and grape wine, but that was more for rich people.

When Europeans came to the Americas in the 15th century, they found that the native people had been making their own drinks. For example, the Aztecs had a special drink for religious ceremonies. In South America, they made drinks from things like cassava and maize, and they had a clever method, like chewing, to help turn the starch in those plants into sugar to make the drinks.

In summary, people across the world have been enjoying alcohol for a really, really long time, and they’ve had different reasons and ways of doing it.

Alcohol through the ancient and medieval world.

The earliest signs of wine go back to China, where around 7000 BC, they made a type of wine from rice, honey, and fruit. This early wine was used for various purposes and was considered important in Chinese culture. They believed that moderate alcohol consumption was recommended by the heavens, and even had a law about it. In China, they preferred rice wine over grape wine and beer. It played a significant role in religious ceremonies and daily life, like memorials, celebrations, and more. Historical records from Marco Polo’s time show that grain and rice wines were widely consumed. Considering the misuse of alcohol production and consumptions, laws against making wine were introduced and removed many times over centuries. Despite attempts to control it, people valued alcohol and China actually invented distillation on its own in Eastern Han dynasty.

In a place called Hajji Firuz Tepe in Iran, a jar with traces of wine from around 5400–5000 BC was found. There were kitchens with similar jars that were used for winemaking to save grapes, but we’re not sure if they made it to get drunk or just as food.

In ancient Egypt, making drinks like beer and wine was super important. They started brewing beer around 3400 BC in a city called Hierakonpolis. They believed gods like Osiris, who was a god of life, death, and even wine, liked these drinks. They offered beer and wine to gods and had special places to make them.

The Egyptians made many types of beer and wine, and they used them for lots of things like enjoying themselves, getting nutrition, for rituals, and even in burials. They thought these drinks could be used in the afterlife. Even though they liked drinking, they also talked about being careful and not drinking too much. The process of distillation was first mentioned by alchemists in Alexandria, Egypt, around the year 1 AD.

The Romans liked wine, and thought it was so important that everyone, from slaves to rich people, should have it. They made sure wine was everywhere in their empire, so even soldiers and settlers had it. They used wine for religious ceremonies too, like offering it to their gods. The Romans even had a word for their beer, “cerevisia.”

Many Native American civilizations had their own special alcoholic drinks, and some of these drinks are still made today. European settlers brought their alcohol traditions to the Americas. Distillation of spirits, such as rum and whiskey, became important economic activities. Alcohol consumption was deeply intertwined with daily life and social customs. Muslim chemists like Jābir ibn Ḥayyān and Abū Bakr al-Rāzī were experimenting with distillation in the 9th century. They learned to distill wine and shared their knowledge in writings. In India, distillation came from the Middle East and was used widely by the 14th century. From the Middle East, the process of distillation reached Europe. Italy had evidence of alcohol distillation by the 12th century. Alchemists like Hieronymus Braunschweig wrote books about distillation in the 1500s. These methods helped make strong alcohol like whisky and eaux-de-vie. People also used alcohol to avoid drinking dirty water, especially when sanitation was poor.

Alcohol in 16th to 20th century.

During the early modern period (1500–1800), religious leaders and thinkers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Anglican Church leaders shared views on alcohol with the Catholic Church. They believed that alcohol was a gift from God meant to be enjoyed in moderation for pleasure, health, and enjoyment, but excessive drinking was considered a sin.

Attitudes towards drinking during this time were a mix of recognizing the benefits of moderate consumption and concerns about the negative effects of excessive drinking. Intoxication was seen as a danger to spiritual well-being and society due to increased self-indulgence. Despite the ideal of moderation, alcohol consumption was often quite high. People in different regions consumed various amounts of alcohol, with some places having significant daily consumption of beer.

During this period, the production and distribution of spirits slowly grew. Spirits were initially used for medicinal purposes. Sparkling champagne appeared during the 17th century, and its development is often attributed to Dom Perignon, although earlier forms of sparkling wine existed. Whisky (or whiskey) production has a long history in Ireland and Scotland, with the first confirmed written records dating back to the 1400s.

Gin production grew significantly in England during the 18th century due to government encouragement and cheap production. This led to the so-called Gin Epidemic, with high consumption levels. However, gin consumption later declined due to various factors, including the emergence of better-quality beer, rising costs of corn, taxes, and societal shifts towards sobriety and labor efficiency.

As society transitioned to the 19th century, attitudes towards alcohol changed due to increasing industrialization and the need for a productive workforce. Drunkenness was started to be seen as a threat to efficiency and growth.

The temperance movement gained momentum in the 19th century, advocating for reduced or restricted alcohol consumption. In the United States, this led to the Prohibition era (1920–1933), during which the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned.

“I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.” — Winston Churchill

After the end of Prohibition, alcohol regulation and consumption patterns varied around the world. The 20th century saw the rise of various types of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, and the establishment of regulations to ensure safety and prevent excessive consumption. In recent decades, globalization has led to increased cross-cultural exchange of alcoholic beverages. Different types of liquor, wines, and beers from around the world are now available in many places. The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a resurgence of interest in craft and artisanal alcohol production. Microbreweries, craft distilleries, and boutique wineries have gained popularity, emphasizing unique flavors and production techniques.

Chronology of Liquor.

circa 7000 BCE: Earliest evidence of fermented beverages made from honey and fruits.
circa 4000 BCE: Sumerians in Mesopotamia produce fermented beverages from barley.
circa 3000 BCE: Ancient Egyptians produce beer and wine for consumption and ritual purposes.
circa 2000 BCE: Minoans on the island of Crete engage in winemaking.
circa 1000 BCE: The Phoenicians spread viticulture and winemaking throughout the Mediterranean.
8th-9th centuries CE: Distillation of alcohol begins in the Middle East.
13th century: Alcohol distillation spreads to Europe.
14th-15th centuries: Distilled spirits gain popularity in Europe, including aqua vitae, a precursor to modern spirits.
17th-18th centuries: The colonial era sees the production of rum in the Caribbean and whiskey in Scotland and Ireland.
18th-19th centuries: Industrialization leads to mass production of beer and spirits.
19th century: Temperance movements gain momentum, advocating for reduced alcohol consumption.
1920–1933: Prohibition in the United States bans the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
Late 20th century: Globalization leads to increased cross-cultural exchange of alcoholic beverages.
21st century: Rise of craft alcohol movement, with microbreweries, craft distilleries, and boutique wineries gaining popularity.

Societies, Cultures and Religions on Liquor.

Societies and religions have reacted to liquor consumption in a wide range of ways, often reflecting cultural, moral, and religious beliefs.

Here’s a general overview of some of the reactions that various societies and religions have had to liquor consumption:

Alcoholic beverages have often been used as a means of social bonding and celebration. Alcoholic beverages like sake in Japan, tequila in Mexico, and vodka in Russia have become emblematic of cultural identity and pride. Wine, for example, had a central role in religious practices in ancient Greece and Rome.

Certain religions, such as Islam and certain sects of Buddhism, have strict prohibitions against alcohol consumption.

“They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people.’” Islam (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219)

“I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented and distilled intoxicants that lead to heedlessness.” Buddhism (The Five Precepts)

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are strongly encouraged to abstain from alcohol consumption as part of their religious teachings and practices. Jainism promotes strict non-violence and self-discipline.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Christianity (Bible, Ephesians 5:18)

While Judaism encourages moderation and responsible behavior, it does not prohibit alcohol consumption. Wine plays a significant role in Jewish rituals, such as Kiddush (blessing over wine) during Shabbat and festivals. Similarly, many Christian denominations do not prohibit alcohol consumption, and wine is often used in religious ceremonies, such as the Eucharist or Communion. However, views on alcohol vary among different Christian groups. Baptists and Methodists discourage or prohibit alcohol consumption based on their interpretations of Christian teachings.

Alcohol consumption is not strictly prohibited in Hinduism, but it is generally discouraged as it is believed to cloud the mind and hinder spiritual development.

“There is no possibility of one’s becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough.” Hinduism (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 16)

ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दु:खयोनय एव ते | आद्यन्तवन्त: कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुध: ||

ye hi sansparśha-jā bhogā duḥkha-yonaya eva te| ādyantavantaḥ kaunteya na teṣhu ramate budhaḥ||

(Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 5, Verse 22)

The joys that emerge from interactions with sensory experiences, although they might seem delightful to those focused on worldly matters, ultimately lead to suffering. O descendant of Kunti, these joys are temporary and fleeting, hence the wise find no contentment in them.

Sikhism generally does not prohibit alcohol consumption, but it encourages adherents to avoid intoxicants that hinder spiritual progress and self-discipline.

“Intoxication, attachment to women, gambling, and worthless disputes are all evil.” Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib)

On the other hand, many societies have chosen to regulate alcohol consumption through laws and regulations.

These regulations often include age restrictions, licensing for alcohol producers and vendors, and restrictions on advertising. Starting in the 19th century, temperance movements emerged in various societies, advocating for moderation or abstinence from alcohol due to concerns about its negative social and health impacts. The United States banned the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in an effort to address social issues related to alcohol. Societal attitudes toward alcohol consumption have evolved over time due to changing cultural, scientific, and social perspectives. Some societies that once embraced heavy drinking have adopted more moderate approaches, and vice versa.

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” — Frank Sinatra