Since I’ve begun watching Deadwood my curiousity has grown and I’ve questioned if I could’ve made it as a cowboy. The characters will occasionally finish two 750ml bottles a night (two fifths) but what proof are these guys drinking. Was whiskey any different then it is now?
See (History of) North American Whiskey
Per the article, just based on proximity and timelines I would imagine most “old west” whiskey is/was primarily corn whiskey.