Final answer:
The transition from beer to gin, known as the gin epidemic, occurred in the 15th century and was facilitated by the process of distillation. Distillation is the method used to produce spirits by separating compounds based on boiling points.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from beer to gin, which led to the so-called gin epidemic, is most accurately described by option B) Distillation. Before the Middle Ages, the primary alcoholic beverages were beer and wine. However, in the 15th century, the process of distillation became widespread, leading to the production of spirits such as gin. This historical transition marked a significant change in the consumption and production of alcoholic beverages.
Distillation is a method used to separate compounds based on their boiling points and is now commonly used in both laboratory and industrial settings, for purposes including refining petroleum and isolating fermentation products. During prohibition, homemade spirits like 'bathtub gin' were often produced using rudimentary distillation techniques, sometimes with harmful additives leading to serious health consequences.