Urban legend has it that the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 started when Catherine O’Leary’s cow, Daisy, kicked over a lantern, igniting the family's barn. Dry weather and high winds fueled the fire, which quickly spread across 73 miles of the city.
The O'Learys were alerted by their neighbor, Daniel "Peg Leg" Sullivan, who claimed to have yelled "fire!" and rushed to free the animals. However, some suspect Sullivan may have accidentally started the fire himself. His story had inconsistencies, particularly regarding his ability to reach the barn quickly given his wooden leg and the distance from his home.
Despite suspicions, Sullivan was only questioned once. Some historians speculate he might have been in the barn to take milk for whiskey punch, accidentally knocking over the lantern.
While alternative theories exist, Catherine O’Leary and her cow remain the most popular. In 1997, the Chicago City Council exonerated both. Today, the Chicago Fire Department training academy stands where the O'leary property once stood.
Tasting Notes: Cinnamon spice with subtle hints of citrus. Botanical Build: Cinnamon, Tangerine Peel
