Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (US) alcohol, usu. whisky.

[c.1825		‘The Humors of Whiskey’ [ballad] Oh what moderation gives hope to a nation / Or brings consolation like poteen me boys].
1863		‘Edmund Kirke’ My Southern Friends 87: The young planter bade the bar-tender [...] ‘trot out the consolation.’.

2. (Aus.) a murder.

1895

Crowe Aus. Sl. Dict. 19: Consolation, assassination.