Whiskey's Journey from 'Demon Drink' to 'Feminine Spirit'
Whiskey's reputation is linked to Irish witchcraft, evolving from a cure-all to the devil's drink.
Shamim de Brún explores the history of whiskey and its connection to witches.
When you think of witches, you picture pointy hats, long fingernails, green skin, broomsticks, and maybe some cauldrons bubbling in a thunderstorm.
The origin of distilled liquor is rooted in feminine mystique, with Maria Hebraea credited as the inventor of distillation.
- She discovered the magic of alcohol while trying to make gold from grain.
- Whiskey, or uisce beatha, translates to 'the water of life' and was seen as mystical alchemy.
- Medieval chemists viewed distillation as a spiritual act.
Author's summary: Whiskey's history is tied to Irish women and witches.
IMAGE Magazine — 2025-10-21