Arnold Bochmove (Arnold de Villanova, 1235 - 1310),
gave recipes for liqueurs based on distilling wine with spices and herbs.
Distillation of wine to produce gin and liqueurs became known in
Paris by 1332 and spread throughout Europe.


Further info:

Essential Spirits Alambic Distilleries:
http://www.essentialspirits.com/history.asp


BBCi - The Secret Art of Alchemy:
http://www0.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A619788