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.
