Although consumption of alcohol fell at the beginning of Prohibition, it subsequently increased. Alcohol became more dangerous to consume; crime increased and became “organized”; the court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking point; and corruption of public officials was rampant.

At the national level, Prohibition cost the federal government a total of $11 billion in lost tax revenue, while costing over $300 million to enforce. The most lasting consequence was that many states and the federal government would come to rely on income tax revenue to fund their budgets going forward.

Prohibition was enacted to protect individuals and families from the “scourge of drunkenness.” However, it had unintended consequences including: a rise in organized crime associated with the illegal production and sale of alcohol, an increase in smuggling, and a decline in tax revenue.

Prohibition in the United States was a measure designed to reduce drinking by eliminating the businesses that manufactured, distributed, and sold alcoholic beverages.

The Anti-Saloon League, with strong support from Protestants and other Christian denominations, spearheaded the drive for nationwide prohibition. In fact, the Anti-Saloon League was the most powerful political pressure group in US history—no other organization had ever managed to alter the nation’s Constitution.

The term “moonshine” comes from the fact that illegal spirits were made under the light of the moon. In every part of America, early moonshiners worked their stills at night to avoid detection from authorities.

The word whiskey is an Anglicisation of the ancient Gaelic term “uisce beatha” which translates as “water of life”. (The Craythur is a modern Irish term for whiskey, from ‘the creature’, as in ‘created’…)

Vodka is made from alcohol that is created by fermenting some sort or high starch or sugar plant matter with yeast. The most common types of plant matter used are cereal grains, like wheat, corn, rye or potatoes.

Vodka (Polish: wódka [ˈvutka], Russian: водка [ˈvotkə], Swedish: vodka [vɔdkɑː]) is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage from Europe. It has different varieties originating in Poland, Russia and Sweden. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol, but sometimes with traces of impurities and flavorings.

Chopin Potato Vodka

Cereal grains were traditionally employed in Russia and Poland; later potatoes were used increasingly there and in other vodka-producing countries. While the name vodka is a diminutive of the Russian voda (“water”), the origins of the liquor are a matter of debate.

Although Grey Goose vodka is distilled from wheat, the extensive distilling process is said to eliminate all traces of gluten. Distilled from freshly grown Maine potatoes, the hand-crafted spirit delivers a rich taste that is perfect for your evening martini.

Vodka, by definition, is ethanol cut with water to at least 80 proof (40 percent purity). Despite its common sobriquet of “potato juice,” it’s actually pretty hard to make it from spuds—the tuber tends to produce more methanol (poison) than grain feedstocks, requiring additional distillation.

Even though ethanol is very commonly used, it is a dangerous chemical. While ethanol is consumed when drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming ethanol alone can cause coma and death. Ethanol may also be a carcinogenic; studies are still being done to determine this.

It’s heart-healthy. Vodka can increase blood-flow and circulation in your body which can prevent clots, strokes, and other heart diseases. Vodka can also help lower your cholesterol. And, for those watching their weight, it’s also generally considered a lower-calorie alcohol.

Distilled spirits (whisky, gin, vodka) usually contain 40–50% ethanol; wines contain 10–12% ethanol and beer ranges from 2–6% ethanol, while standard lager contains about 4% ethanol.

Often referred to simply as alcohol. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol or grain alcohol, is a flammable, colorless, slightly toxic chemical compound, and is best known as the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol is a flammable, colorless, and slightly toxic chemical compound.