blue ruin

Noun

 * 1)  Low-end gin, usually home-made.
 * 2) * 1830,, Ch. XVI:
 * ‘As soon as this "sentiment" had been duly drunk, and Mr. Bagshot had dried his tears and applied himself to his favourite drink,--which, by the way, was "blue ruin,"--the work of division took place.’
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.
 * ‘As soon as this "sentiment" had been duly drunk, and Mr. Bagshot had dried his tears and applied himself to his favourite drink,--which, by the way, was "blue ruin,"--the work of division took place.’
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.
 * 1) Complete and utter ruin, desolation.

Usage notes
Although "blue ruin" began as a generic nickname, several brands later adopted the name in different times and places.