The word “rum” tends to conjure up images of Caribbean islands, their palm trees swaying rhythmically to the beat of the wind; marauding, peg-legged pirates causing distress to demoiselles; and dashing British naval officers dutifully drinking their daily drams. But the origin of the word “rum” rema

Even newbie whiskey lovers know that their favorite beverage is the product of distillation. But what is distillation, exactly? What’s going on inside those sculpted pots or complicated columns? And what role does distillation play in developing the ultimate character of distilled spirits?