As with all complicated topics, there lies a broader tale. It is my  
understanding that the British legal system attempted to regulate gin  production and 
alcoholism back in the 18th century. As a result, gin makers for  the next 
century began adding twigs of herbs and claiming their products were a  form of 
medicine to get around the law. Americans carried on this fine  tradition, but 
may have actually believed in their so-called medicinal products.  Drinking 
medicinal gin was a tongue-in-cheek way of justifying drinking alcohol.  My own 
maternal grandfather, a devout Mormon, drank Christian Brothers Brandy  "for 
medicinal purposes," even though the church banned alcohol. 
 
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.



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