You’ve likely heard the term aqua-vitae mentioned, possibly in historical writing or in stories from past times. If so, you may have wondered what “the water of life” actually was. Simply put, aqua-vitae means “water of life” in Latin. And, it meant a very strong alcoholic spirit, almost always made from Brandy or other forms of distilled liquor. At the time, this was far more than a fun drink. It was considered a medicine. And, at least during the medieval and early modern periods in europe, it was thought of as a cure all. Some even believed that drinking aqua-vitae was a way to achieve immortality.
Alchemical origins of aqua-vitae
The origin of aqua-vitae lies in the history of alchymistry. We generally think of alchemy as simply converting lead into gold. But many of the earliest alchemists were also experimenting with distillation. Distillation is the process of evaporating a liquid and then collecting the vapour again as it cools and returns to a liquid state. Over the course of centuries, wine had been made. But when alchemists developed ways to distill it, they created something entirely new.
History of distillation
Distillation as practiced in europe began roughly in the 11th and 12th centuries through trade and scholarly exchange with the middle eastern Islamic world. The works of jabir ibn hayyan, an arabic scholar from the 8th century, include descriptions of rudimentary distillation for producing rosewater and essential oils. Once these ideas arrived in europe, scholars and monks — who served as caretakers of knowledge — began using those same techniques to produce wine. What resulted was a completely new substance that none knew existed.
first accounts of making and Naming aquavitae
The first written records of wine distillation in europe are found in the writings of physicians and scientists like Michele Savonarola, an Italian doctor living in italy in the 14th century. The incredible strength of this newly created spirit and its intoxicating effects caused many to believe it possessed unique properties that allowed it to extend life. As a result, they called it “aqua vitae,” reflecting both its supposed magical powers and its ability to concentrate the essence of the wine used in making it.
Medicine and Panacea
Aqua-vitae remained primarily understood as a medical product rather than a recreation beverage for over four hundred years.
Miraculous cure properties
Doctors like the Catalan alchemist Arnaldus de Villa Nova in the late 13th century heralded the virtues of aqua-vitae. He said it could resuscitate someone close to death, improve memory, restore youthfulness, and help prevent the black death. He said aqua-vitae could be used to treat heart arrhythmias, stomach cramps, paralytic attacks and fever. Due to his claims regarding its multiple cures for illness, he helped establish aqua-vitae’s position as a panacea, or general cure all.
Panacea and widespread use
However, this wasn’t an isolated idea. During the entire 14th through 17th centuries, doctors routinely prescribed aqua-vitae for every conceivable ailment — including indigestion, toothaches, dropsy, debilitating fevers and many others. In addition, because many believed that the combination of aqua-vitae with herbal remedies provided additional medicinal benefits, doctors would frequently mix aqua-vitae with various herbs and spices to create complex potions intended to enhance its medicinal benefits. Many believed that drinking aqua-vitae warmed their bodies, energized their minds and removed impurities from within them.
Aqua-vitae becomes recreation beverage
By the 16th and 17th centuries, while its medicinal use continued to exist, aqua-vitae had begun to evolve beyond its role as medicine into the role of a sought-after recreation beverage.
More efficient methods increase availability and lower cost
Advances in distillation processes increased efficiency and lowered Costs associated with manufacturing aqua-vitae. Thus, aqua-vitae began to become available on a larger scale and at a lower cost. Initially, the art of distillation was confined to monasteries and laboratories of alchemists. Later, however, as knowledge grew among dedicated distillers, so did production levels.
Regionalization
Over time, each region developed its own version of aqua-vitae based upon its native fruits or grains. Grape-based aqua-vitae became particularly famous throughout France — especially from areas now designated as Cognac and Armagnac regions. Meanwhile, scottish/irish whisky was born from barley and other grains. Eventually, each region would identify its products with separate labels rather than using the single generic label “aquavitae.”
Aquavitae leads to modern liquors
Many modern-day liquor brands have roots traced back to aquavitae. The name aquavitae is occasionally utilized today — primarily in northern europe where similar types of liquors continue to be made under that name.
Brandy: burnt wine
Grape-based aquavitae leads directly into the creation of Brandy. Brandy gets its name from the Dutch words *brandewijn,* which literally translate to “burnt wine,” referring to the method by which brundy is made through distillation. Brandy was essentially nothing more than grape-based aquavitae that had matured in wood barrels which added color to the final product and softened the harshness of aquavitae.
Whiskey: water of life revisited
Similarly when grains (such as barley or rye) are distilled — the resulting liquid is called whiskey. Whiskey shares the identical origins as aquavitae. The Gaelic phrase *uisce beatha* (“water of life”) describes whiskey — echoing aquavitae’s original description as “water of life” but providing evidence that despite differences in base materials, there remain similarities in perception about its extraordinary quality.
Akavit: a lingerin’ legacy
In nordic countries Akvavit (or aquavit), a spiced distilled liquor typically flavored with herbs/spices (such as caraway seeds or dill), continues to be sold commercially today. Akvavit provides an example of how the legacy of aquavitae lives on through its name alone.
Modern day uses and significance
today we understand clearly that high concentrations of ethanol do not represent a panacea. Rather they may harm us. Nonetheless, the historical relevance of aquavitae cannot be overstated.
Aqua vitae demonstrates how scientific investigation (even though misguided at times) will provide societies with new tools and new products that influence future generations.
Aqua-vitae’s journey from miracle cure to favorite beverages provides a story of human innovation & changing views.
Aqua-vitae represented a powerful medical treatment and later evolved into the bases for a number of current spirits including Brandy and whiskey.
Faq
What does aqua vitae mean in English?
“aquavitae” is Latin for “water of life.” this is why it was called that; it represented medicine that would give drinkers extended life.
Which specific drinks were called aqua-vitae?
Primarily Brandy (distilled wine) were considered aqua vitai. Although other spirits made from grains (which eventually became whiskey) were also called aqua vitai.
Who first created aqua vitae?
Although distillation techniques were used prior to creating aqua vitai by muslim chemists in arabia in the 7th century ad (as jabir ibn hayyan documented), europeans created aqua vitai by using distillation on wines beginning in approximately 1200 ad. Other notable contributors included physician Michele Savonarola and Catalan alchemist Arnaldus de Villa Nova.
Is aqua-vitae still produced today?
Although most people refer to “aqua vitai” as an archaic relic of history — except for Scandinavian Akvavit/akavat — it is still manufactured today by companies selling Akvavit/akavat