The Etymology of 'Red Eye' in the Old West: A Look Into Saloons and Whiskey Culture
Why Do They Call Whiskey a 'Red Eye' in the Old West? This curious term has puzzled many, but the answer lies in the history of saloons and alcohol consumption in the American West during the 19th century. Let's dive into the fascinating details behind this expression.
Introduction to 'Red Eye'
Try this test: drink 3–4 shots of inexpensive whiskey over a period of about 20–30 minutes and then go look at your eyes in the mirror. If you drank enough of it, your eyes would get bloodshot. This is the origin of the term 'red eye' in the Old West. It was a reference to the reddened, bloodshot appearance of one's eyes after consuming a lot of whiskey.
The Quality of Whiskey in the Old West
Despite at least one other person suggesting that 'red eye' was a reference to the 'good stuff', the opposite is likely true. In the hard scrabble days of the Old West, saloons often served what was described as 'bad stuff'—cheap, harsh, and often dangerous alcohol. This was made by using raw alcohol, burnt sugar, and even a little bit of chewing tobacco. No wonder it took on colorful names such as Tanglefoot, Forty-Rod, Tarantula Juice, Taos Lightning, Red Eye, and Coffin Varnish. The average cowpokes and other hardworking individuals likely wouldn't have spent their money on such 'special' whiskey. It was made to be cheap and harsh.
Good Stuff or Bad Stuff?
So, why did people order 'red eye'? The red hue in the name wasn't because the whiskey was cheap, but rather because it was aged in charred oak barrels, which gave it a reddish color. Ordering it as 'red eye' was a request for the good stuff, the higher-quality whiskey that had that distinctive red hue.
The Saloons of the American West
Saloons in the American West were more than just places to quench one's thirst. They were the social hubs of the community, where miners, cowboys, and other hardworking individuals could relax and socialize. Many saloons in the Old West were known for their rough and tumble environments, with tales of rowdy patrons, and the quality of the alcohol often depended on the reputation of the saloon itself.
Conclusion
The term 'red eye' in the Old West refers to a reddened, bloodshot appearance often caused by the harsh effects of cheap, unrefined alcohol. However, ordering a 'red eye' was a request for the good stuff, the brown, aged whiskey which had a distinctive red hue from barrel aging. This term serves as a fascinating insight into the unique culture of whiskey consumption in the American West during the 19th century.