Some authors maintain that the ancient Egyptians already distilled alcohol, others credit the Sumerians with being the first, others still the Celts; there are even those who attribute the invention of alcoholic distillation to this or that barbarian population of the steppes. Recent archaeological

What is a base liquor?Base liquor is one of the six main types of spirits. They're called base liquors because they're often used as a base for cocktails -- or enjoyed straight away. For example, unlike bitters, bitters are just a flavoring agent. You can also learn how to make bitters using the bit

BackgroundThe name brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, which means "shochu". The name is apt, because most brandy is made by heating wine (originally from an open flame). The heat dissipates and concentrates the alcohol naturally present in the wine. Because alcohol has a lower boiling poin