The history of the 'Gimlet'
This post is dedicated to the Gimlet. A classic gin cocktail, firm favourite of mine and the inspiration for our 2nd medicinal inspired drink at the recent distillers table session. Like most origin stories there is always plenty of ‘hear say’ and differing of options, but here are the 3 main stages of the drinks creation as I believe it. SCURVY Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C. Initially it presents with fatigue, spots on the skin and bleeding and as it advances, there can be yellow skin, fever and finally death... It was at one time it was common among sailors and others aboard ships who were at sea longer than fruit and vegetables could be stored (they lived on salted meats and dried grains). It was one of the major limiting factors of marine travel, often killing large numbers of the passengers and crew on long-distance voyages. Between 1500 and 1800, it has been estimated that scurvy killed at least two million sailors! In 1740, citrus juice (usua