This post is part of our From The Archives blog series
This rather unusual note comes, unsurprisingly, from an archive box labelled ‘Miscellaneous’. It is a handwritten cure for gout – we can’t recommend that you try this at home.
This potent potable features such aromatic flavours as fennel and coriander seeds, saffron, liquorice and juniper berries infused in two gallons of the best French brandy and two bottles of mountain wine. Once that mixture has sat stewing in front of the fire for ten days, add… more brandy and wine. An attached note from Evelyn’s sister Wilhemina shows that she was just as surprised as we are at the sheer amount of alcohol involved! Perhaps this is one we should brew up for our next Thursday Late?
Emma Coleman, Museum Officer
