Written by Ten Day Bourbon

A History of
Medicinal Whiskey.

This whiskey prescription from the 1700s features the "medical benefits" of whiskey that were perceived by the world at the time. 
What is “medicinal whiskey?”
This whiskey prescription from the 1800s features the "medical benefits" of whiskey that were perceived by the world at the time. 
An early advertisement.

Whiskey, as well as alcohol in general, being used for its medicinal properties is nothing new. In fact, alcohol was believed to help heal various ailments and diseases of the body for millennia. And even now there is a lot of medical research studies confirming multiple and various health benefits of light to moderate whiskey/alcohol consumption. However, what exactly is meant by "medicinal whiskey?"

To understand where this term originated, we have to go back to 1919. This was the year the Volstead Act was passed, clearing the way for Prohibition. Starting on January 17, 1920, the 18th Amendment made it illegal for anyone to produce, distribute or sell alcohol. Everyone, except certain medical providers.

Doctors, dentists, and even veterinarians, could write patients a prescription (from a federal government issued pad) for whiskey to help a number of illnesses. Just like today, the patient took the prescription to the pharmacy where the pharmacist would then fill it and dispense the whiskey as the doctor ordered. Similar to many medical treatments of today, the prescription would be for a certain amount (1 pint) for a specific time (10 days).

So during Prohibition, the only way a person could acquire whiskey was from their physician, thus the term - "medicinal whiskey."

This early whiskey prescription was how bourbon survived Prohibition. 
An early whiskey prescription.
This whiskey prescription is how alcohol was distributed during the Prohibition Era by doctors and medical professionals.
This Cascade medicinal whiskey advertisement says that it's whiskey is prescribed by physicians for its purity.

Enjoy what you’re reading?