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