Alchemists believed that particular alignments

between the moon and the stars
translated to powerful and optimal conditions

for their laboratory experiments.

A CLANDESTINE HISTORY

The production of gin was inspired by the older Dutch spirit called “Genever”; both were made from juniper berries.

Gin became wildly popular in England in the late 1600s when the government liberalized spirits production. Its massive production and consumption lead to a public health disaster.

​

To stop this crisis, the government introduced very expensive distilling licenses and high taxes. Many distillers were forced to close or
produce their gin clandestinely.

MOONSHINERS

During this time,

clandestine spirits were also being produced in other places around the world.

​

Distillers would work by moonlight to hide the smoke that was given off during the production process. This secretive nightly spirit

took on the name “moonshine”.