Giant Gin

Gin emerged in England in varying forms as of the early 17th century. Numerous small distillers popularized the re-distillation of the malt spirit with juniper, and other botanicals, which was sold in pharmacies as a medicinal for kidney & stomach ailments, lumbago, gallstones & gout. It is further claimed that soldiers were drinking genever for its calming effects before battle, particularly in crude inferior forms, where it was more likely to be flavoured with turpentine as an alternative to juniper.