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.
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. 😂😂😂😂😂
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.
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.
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.
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 UA-cam. 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!
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...
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.
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
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.
I could only wish that I could have had a teacher like you, maybe I could have fallen in love with all history earlier....but you prove that learning has no age limit and its super cool that my favorite youtuber is a charming man that dresses in period costumes and teaches me little things that I never would have known. AND he is a war veteran and I would just like to thank him for his service and for all the knowledge that he shares with us.
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.
Suggestion: you should read a chapter, every day, from a classic book and post it under a daily bed time or fire side story premise. Love the way you tell stories
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.
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.
Howdy ! While in Scotland, at the Edinburgh Castle Tea, I was introduced to "Gin and Tonic with Grapefruit Slice". Wonderful combination! My wife and I enjoy them from time to time. Oh, and we bought a bottle of Edinburgh Gin at the Castle to take home. Somehow, it evaporated while traveling the UK though.....🤠
This is so well explained, with such good oratory and so many richness of interpretation and detail that i got hooked until the end. That's a professor speaking, not some silly fool of a digital influencer... Awsome class, professor... Cheers from Brazil! 🏳+BR
I can't drink gin although I like it because it makes me feel morose 😵. You're full of such fascinating information, thank you for sharing your knowledge 😁 and thank you to your wife Julie for her hours if filming.
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 😳
🤣
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 👍🏻
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
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.
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 👍🏻
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 UA-cam. Cheers!
My pleasure 👍🏻
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 😂
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 👍🏻
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
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!
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 👍
There's always been animosity between England and France!.. I love you channel ..!
Oh yes, it goes way back. Cheers Mike 👍🏻
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 👍🏻
Really loved the last few episodes. It was awesome seeing you at our National Parks! Thank you for all you do!
First time I've ever enjoyed a lecture about gin from an MP, very interesting
😜
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!
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 👍🏻
Interesting history. Thanks, Kevin. 🙂❤
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.
Cheers mate! A great historical video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
So informative and interesting? Thank you 😊
Once again! Brilliant story-telling.
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. 👍🏻
You hit the Gin Kevin! Cheers!
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 👍🏻
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 👍🏻
As always your videos are always so amazing. Cheers
Thanks again!
Kevin, you kick butt.
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 👍🏻
What a fascinating history lesson on a much enjoyed spirit and skilfully presented. Thank you 🙏
Always knew Gin was a big British Empire drink but never knew why, thanks Kevin.
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 😜
Kevin, this is so interesting. I love early science and medicine. Thanks.
My pleasure!
WOW! Another amazing video! I was mostly ignorant about gin, but now I am educated (more or less) 😬
Beautifully done as always sir. God bless.
Love your channel, always interesting and well researched, keep them coming
Thank you I love the way you tell history. Informative and fun! God bless you and yours
My pleasure! Thanks
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.
Thanks For This Brilliant Video From Blue
Great video. Who knew gin had such a history.
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 😜
@4:00 thanks for sharing the cool art as always. How enchanting ^^
I have had many jobs in my life, presently bartender is prescient. This is wonderful!
Great channel. Glad i discovered you today.
Garlic Gorrilla - I love that handle LOL.
Welcome to the channel 👍🏻
I could only wish that I could have had a teacher like you, maybe I could have fallen in love with all history earlier....but you prove that learning has no age limit and its super cool that my favorite youtuber is a charming man that dresses in period costumes and teaches me little things that I never would have known. AND he is a war veteran and I would just like to thank him for his service and for all the knowledge that he shares with us.
Thanks so much, you're very kind! I try to read all of the comments here and especially appreciate that one. 👍🏻
That was intoxicating history
Haha, I like it 😜
That stained glass window is awesome!
Another lovely episode: this channel/station, whatever… NEVER disappoints!!
Cheers Susan 👍
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!
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.
Suggestion: you should read a chapter, every day, from a classic book and post it under a daily bed time or fire side story premise.
Love the way you tell stories
Haha, I'm looking to do one for Christmas 👍🏻
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. ❤
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!
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 👍🏻
Well done it was very informative thank you Kevin
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 👍🏻
Nice, another amazing informative lesson, and delivered so eloquently. Can't wait for the next one.
Fantastic info. I'm so glad I've found your channel. Bless 👊
Great stuff, thanks Nick & welcome to the channel.
We really enjoyed your story, you're a great story teller, 😀😊, thank you
You're welcome, glad you liked it 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing
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! Very informative. I found it fascinating. Keep up the great content, please!
Thanks, will do 👍🏻
The importance of juniper berries in Roman Judea is highlighted in the documentary Life Of Brian, if anyone's interested.
😜 absolutely
I like gin....I really do...good stuff...my favorite is an uncomplicated martini...
Great episode Kevin, Slings are delish shout out to Julie
exactly what i was looking for, thank you kindly.
Excellent, glad it was helpful....cheers!
How very interesting thanks for the Video.
Great video really enjoyed it cheers indeed.
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.
Gin, one of my favorite adult beverages. 🍸 Cheers!
excellent Kevin
Howdy ! While in Scotland, at the Edinburgh Castle Tea, I was introduced to "Gin and Tonic with Grapefruit Slice". Wonderful combination! My wife and I enjoy them from time to time. Oh, and we bought a bottle of Edinburgh Gin at the Castle to take home. Somehow, it evaporated while traveling the UK though.....🤠
😜 that happens
Great story-telling... Again!!!...
Thanks again!
Thank you. I’m not a drinker myself but very interesting.
I 💕 looooove Bombay Sapphire Gin! MMmmmm. Thanks for the history. I learned something new today.
I like a drop of Bombay myself, great with a tonic but that Oaked gin I tried after filming this was something else 👍🏻
Great video Kevin
What a great pod cast keep em coming bro
Cheers! Will do!
i love gin, and i love your video. soooo nice
Thank you! A good combination eh? 😊
@@thehistorysquad deffinately
Thank you
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 👍🏻
An excellent vid ,again thks kev. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
very interesting Kevin, thanks mate...
You're very welcome
Great channel. TY. I remember my nan always had a big bottle of beefeater gin.
This is so well explained, with such good oratory and so many richness of interpretation and detail that i got hooked until the end. That's a professor speaking, not some silly fool of a digital influencer... Awsome class, professor... Cheers from Brazil! 🏳+BR
Wow, thanks Luis, that's very kind. I'm glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
cheers sir just great.
My martini and I thank you for that history. Cheers.
😜
Great video! Nice to see your content expanding, and excellent production. Keep up the amazing work.
Thanks a ton! I appreciate that 👍🏻
very interesting Kevin.
I love your spirited content. Very glad I subscribed.
😜 nice pun, thanks!
GREAT video, thanks!
nice one team Hicks. Very interesting :-)
I can't drink gin although I like it because it makes me feel morose 😵. You're full of such fascinating information, thank you for sharing your knowledge 😁 and thank you to your wife Julie for her hours if filming.
That’s so nice of you, thanks 👍
Cheers Fine Sir !