Whiskey

Whiskey is an Irish invention. The word derives from the Irish word for water 'uisce' which when vocalised makes a sound similar to 'whiska'. This is a contraction of the full term "Uisce Beatha" meaning the water of life which in turn refers to the early beliefs that it had medicinal properties.

The first written record of Whiskey appears in the Annals of Clonmacnoise in 1405 where it attributes the death of a chieftain to "taking a surfeit of aqua vitae" at Christmas. In Scotland, the first evidence of whiskey production comes from an entry in the Exchequer Rolls for 1494 where malt is sent "To Friar John Cor, by order of the king, to make aquavitae", enough to make about 500 bottles.

The exact origins of Irish whiskey are lost in the mists of time. It is believed that the technology of distillation was learned by Irish monks when they travelled throughout continental Europe where distillation was used for creating perfumes. The monks brought the techniques back to Ireland and turned them to creating medicinal drinks rather than perfume. Whiskey probably developed from applying the process of distillation to the drink of barley beer which was common in Ireland at the time. What we do know for sure is that by the twelfth century medieval Irish monasteries were producing 'uisce beatha' and it was used as a cure for a variety of illnesses, including smallpox and colic. There is an old Gaelic proverb which translates: "What whiskey does not cure cannot be cured". To this day an Irish person will happily prescribe you a glass of hot whiskey with whole cloves floating in it if you are suffering from any kind of flu or winter chill.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that whiskey in small doses could help protect against heart disease. It has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of strokes and cataracts.

The medicinal value of alcohol was long recognised by physicians. During Prohibition in the United States physicians across the country lobbied for the repeal of Prohibition as it applied to medicinal liquor. In the pre-antibiotic days there was little else a physician could do to cure a patient's illness other than ply them with alcohol!

Image: The Irish Whiskey Still, 1840s by David Wilkie.
Whiskey is an Irish invention. The word derives from the Irish word for water 'uisce' which when vocalised makes a sound similar to 'whiska'. This is a contraction of the full term "Uisce Beatha" meaning the water of life which in turn refers to the early beliefs that it had medicinal properties. The first written record of Whiskey appears in the Annals of Clonmacnoise in 1405 where it attributes the death of a chieftain to "taking a surfeit of aqua vitae" at Christmas. In Scotland, the first evidence of whiskey production comes from an entry in the Exchequer Rolls for 1494 where malt is sent "To Friar John Cor, by order of the king, to make aquavitae", enough to make about 500 bottles. The exact origins of Irish whiskey are lost in the mists of time. It is believed that the technology of distillation was learned by Irish monks when they travelled throughout continental Europe where distillation was used for creating perfumes. The monks brought the techniques back to Ireland and turned them to creating medicinal drinks rather than perfume. Whiskey probably developed from applying the process of distillation to the drink of barley beer which was common in Ireland at the time. What we do know for sure is that by the twelfth century medieval Irish monasteries were producing 'uisce beatha' and it was used as a cure for a variety of illnesses, including smallpox and colic. There is an old Gaelic proverb which translates: "What whiskey does not cure cannot be cured". To this day an Irish person will happily prescribe you a glass of hot whiskey with whole cloves floating in it if you are suffering from any kind of flu or winter chill. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that whiskey in small doses could help protect against heart disease. It has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of strokes and cataracts. The medicinal value of alcohol was long recognised by physicians. During Prohibition in the United States physicians across the country lobbied for the repeal of Prohibition as it applied to medicinal liquor. In the pre-antibiotic days there was little else a physician could do to cure a patient's illness other than ply them with alcohol! Image: The Irish Whiskey Still, 1840s by David Wilkie.

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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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