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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 ;)
@@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
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!
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
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.
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.
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. 😂😂😂😂😂
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 RUclips. Cheers!
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.
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...
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!
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
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. :)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Awesome history. My friend (a plumber) bought an old bakers in a mews shop just off the North Circular Road in London, found a still hidden behind a wall. Now he's a Plumber who makes Gin. The name? Old Bakery Gin of course!! They've done really well with it.
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.
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!!
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. 👍🏻
My Grandma Martha God rest her soul loved Gin.she also made the most amazing candy like Divinity she was the only person I know who can make it from scratch at home and ahw would make it in large batches certain time of the year.
I learned that my great-great grandfather, in his old age, was listed according to the census as a "beerhouse keeper". I wondered why he wasn't called a pub keeper, and read that beerhouses were only licensed to sell beer in an attempt to lower beer prices and divert the public from drinking strong spirits, mainly gin.
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.
What utter bull crap, gin has only become trendy over the last few years.
It was back in 1989 and l can assure you it was true......try to keep a civil Tonge in your head matey !
Trends come and go and they come about again.
sounds right, probably said Soviets if they ran out of vodka or Irish or Scottish if they ran out of whiskey 😳
🤣
Jennifer Juniper. Thank you Donovan and Kevin. Cheers!
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.
Thanks for that gem Simon, brilliant 👍🏻
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.
@@willemsma you dont believe
Not legal to make it@@TheChipmunk2008
@@TheChipmunk2008bollix nothing to do with percentage its proof that counts
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!
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 :)
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.
👍🇳🇱🇳🇱
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 ;)
@@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
Love how you're really expanding your history topics for the videos. Really makes the channel worth following
Glad you like them! I like to keep it fresh and step out of my comfort zone now and again.
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!
Just trying to keep it fresh 😜
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
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.
Slivovitz!! oh yes please!
What a wonderful comment Calin, thank you. I've actually drunk something like that myself whilst serving in Germany. A plum schnapps 👍🏻
That does sound rather nice. Although gotta be careful myself, learned that from some apple cinnamon moonshine.
Țuica power
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.
Thanks for listening again David & your support as always 👍🏻
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. 😂😂😂😂😂
I'd love to visit the museum dedicated to him when I'm next in London 👍🏻
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 RUclips. Cheers!
My pleasure 👍🏻
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.
Great video! The juniper is good for repelling mosquitos, so Gin is a must during the summer months for safety reasons.
Haha, brilliant! I'll be sure to have a bottle on standby for just that purpose next summer 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad I'm sure its a myth, but a believable one.
@@kenbiemac337 Well it's one I'm prepared to put to the test 😜 purely for research of course.
Is that why it was so popular in the British colonies in the East? Or a bloody good excuse😁
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...
I watch many history presenters. Kevin, you're the best!
Gosh, how lovely, thanks Jim 👍🏻
Thank you for the history lesson on Gin. cheers! 😊
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!
Haha, cheers Sarah 😂
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
Cheers Arthur!
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. :)
Wow, thanks Taylor, I appreciate that 👍🏻
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.
How lovely, thank you!
Very thoughtfull
So informative and interesting? Thank you 😊
Interesting history. Thanks, Kevin. 🙂❤
Never knew I needed to know about the history of Gin until you started telling the story. Completely captivated!
Haha, cheers Sam, every day is a learning day 👍🏻
Cheers mate! A great historical video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
Love your channel, always interesting and well researched, keep them coming
Once again! Brilliant story-telling.
Really loved the last few episodes. It was awesome seeing you at our National Parks! Thank you for all you do!
You hit the Gin Kevin! Cheers!
@4:00 thanks for sharing the cool art as always. How enchanting ^^
This is a step away from normal. still fascinating. Thank you.
Indeed, I like to keep it fresh and step out of my comfort zone now and again. 👍🏻
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.
Cheers!
Thank you Kevin.
I have just started watching your channel and find your Historical information entertaining, informative and educational.
That's great to hear, thanks Andrew 👍🏻
As always your videos are always so amazing. Cheers
Thanks again!
There's always been animosity between England and France!.. I love you channel ..!
Oh yes, it goes way back. Cheers Mike 👍🏻
Beautifully done as always sir. God bless.
Kevin, you kick butt.
Great video. Who knew gin had such a history.
Great channel. Glad i discovered you today.
Garlic Gorrilla - I love that handle LOL.
Welcome to the channel 👍🏻
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!
Glad you enjoyed it Steve 👍
The importance of juniper berries in Roman Judea is highlighted in the documentary Life Of Brian, if anyone's interested.
😜 absolutely
First time I've ever enjoyed a lecture about gin from an MP, very interesting
😜
What a fascinating history lesson on a much enjoyed spirit and skilfully presented. Thank you 🙏
Kevin, this is so interesting. I love early science and medicine. Thanks.
My pleasure!
That was intoxicating history
Haha, I like it 😜
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.
Excellent, their Oaked Gin is something else too 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad i am looking forward to trying it next.
That stained glass window is awesome!
Thanks For This Brilliant Video From Blue
Great episode Kevin, Slings are delish shout out to Julie
Nice, another amazing informative lesson, and delivered so eloquently. Can't wait for the next one.
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.
Cheers! Credit where it's due, that Oaked Gin is something else...I just had to treat myself to a bottle 👍🏻
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.
Oooh I like a drop of IPA, I might have to add that one to my list 😜
How very interesting thanks for the Video.
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.
Thank you I love the way you tell history. Informative and fun! God bless you and yours
My pleasure! Thanks
Well done it was very informative thank you Kevin
Great video really enjoyed it cheers indeed.
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
Sounds like a missed opportunity 😜
Thank you for sharing
WOW! Another amazing video! I was mostly ignorant about gin, but now I am educated (more or less) 😬
I've only just discovered this channel and it's absolutely brilliant!! I'm learning something new every day.
Glad to hear it Beanie, thanks & welcome aboard!
Gin, one of my favorite adult beverages. 🍸 Cheers!
Great video! Very informative. I found it fascinating. Keep up the great content, please!
Thanks, will do 👍🏻
I have had many jobs in my life, presently bartender is prescient. This is wonderful!
Another lovely episode: this channel/station, whatever… NEVER disappoints!!
Cheers Susan 👍
TV quality as with every video iv seen with this guy, that was fascinating, iv got a lot of binge watching to do
Thanks very much! Welcome to the channel 👍🏻
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.
nice one team Hicks. Very interesting :-)
Great story-telling... Again!!!...
Thanks again!
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.
Cheers Justin, it's something I enjoy 👍🏻
Hello from Swift Current.
I lived in Stoon for 20 years. ❤
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!
Sounds great! Stay cool 👍🏻
Always knew Gin was a big British Empire drink but never knew why, thanks Kevin.
exactly what i was looking for, thank you kindly.
Excellent, glad it was helpful....cheers!
Great video! Nice to see your content expanding, and excellent production. Keep up the amazing work.
Thanks a ton! I appreciate that 👍🏻
What a great pod cast keep em coming bro
Cheers! Will do!
Fantastic info. I'm so glad I've found your channel. Bless 👊
Great stuff, thanks Nick & welcome to the channel.
Awesome history. My friend (a plumber) bought an old bakers in a mews shop just off the North Circular Road in London, found a still hidden behind a wall. Now he's a Plumber who makes Gin. The name? Old Bakery Gin of course!! They've done really well with it.
Oh wow! I love that entrepreneurial spirit 😜
Might be worth a film to help him out when we're next in the uk 👍🏻
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.
Haha, cheers Alex 👍🏻
Great video Kevin
very interesting Kevin, thanks mate...
You're very welcome
GREAT video, thanks!
Great channel. TY. I remember my nan always had a big bottle of beefeater gin.
excellent Kevin
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!!
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. 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad will do fella
very interesting Kevin.
cheers sir just great.
Gin isn't my drink of choice but your knowledge of its history and the ability to tie in some military history kept me entertained.
Good to hear that, cheers!
I love your spirited content. Very glad I subscribed.
😜 nice pun, thanks!
I like gin....I really do...good stuff...my favorite is an uncomplicated martini...
Thank you
My Grandma Martha God rest her soul loved Gin.she also made the most amazing candy like Divinity she was the only person I know who can make it from scratch at home and ahw would make it in large batches certain time of the year.
i love gin, and i love your video. soooo nice
Thank you! A good combination eh? 😊
@@thehistorysquad deffinately
An excellent vid ,again thks kev. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
Hey Kevin! Can you do a video on your history? Would love to see some old pictures and hear some of your personal stories
Take a look in my 'Personal Stories' playlist here on the channel, there are some stories there and as time goes by I will be adding to it 👍🏻
I do enjoy those. And the humor instilled in them always cheers me right up.
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!
Haha, I like to dip into some odd topics sometimes, it keeps it fresh. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
We really enjoyed your story, you're a great story teller, 😀😊, thank you
You're welcome, glad you liked it 👍🏻
It always surprises me that the English never hit upon the idea of distilling cider...
I learned that my great-great grandfather, in his old age, was listed according to the census as a "beerhouse keeper". I wondered why he wasn't called a pub keeper, and read that beerhouses were only licensed to sell beer in an attempt to lower beer prices and divert the public from drinking strong spirits, mainly gin.
It's cold gin time again, you know it'll always win
Thank you. I’m not a drinker myself but very interesting.
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.
Lucky you weren't around in the 18th century when it was cheaper than beer eh? All the best 👍🏻
Amazing video!
Thanks!
My martini and I thank you for that history. Cheers.
😜