The Loophole in Prohibition: Medicinal Whiskey and Bootlegging

In this episode, we sit down with author and historian Garrett Peck to discuss the causes, proximal effects, and long-term ramifications of Prohibition, AKA The Volstead Act, which is a piece of legislation that still affects the way we make, consume, and talk about spirits and cocktails in the United States.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

• How Garrett evolved from a casual weekend tour guide and cocktail enthusiast to a successful historical author.
• The events and forces that paved the way for prohibition, including the temperance movement, World War I, and many strains of racial and economic strife in America.
• How the Volstead Act worked, and why it was sort of a “bait and switch” for the American people - especially those who enjoyed a good stiff drink.
• The ins and outs of everyday life during Prohibition, including bootlegging, rum running, bathtub gin, and speakeasy design.
• The fascinating story of the Man in the Green Hat
• Why Prohibition still affects the laws and sentiments concerning spirits & cocktails in the U.S. all these years after its momentous repeal.
• And much, much more.