what's the difference?

[MattyL]

This might be a dumb question but what's the difference between a rum, a whiskey, a vodka, schnapps, brandy, etc? For example, does all whiskey only come from grains? or can a true whiskey be made from something else like apples? Is the only way to truly make a vodka is to use potatoes? etc etc..I'm trying to wrap my head around some of the terminology and theory behind each recipe/drink type. this way I can sound somewhat educated when I post on the forum. If this has been discussed already, moderators please delete.


Thanks in advance

[blind drunk]

Just Wiki each type of drink and you'll get a good overview of how each is made, etc ... Or try the Parent Site ...

[frozenthunderbolt]

Try having a look through here:
http://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.php/Category:Glossary" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Should help you sort it all out

[Slow & Steady]

Rum is made by fermenting Sugar Cane products, like Molasses, Brown Sugar, Pressed Sugar Cane juice, the product of the ferment is then distilled.
Whiskey is a grain mash (ie starch to sugar) ferment then distill and aged on oak.
Vodka can be made from many different grains and fermentable sugars... it is about a very clean distilate... most flavors (Heads & Tails) have been removed resulting in ethanol and water.
Scnapps is a fruit brandy made in a german distilling tradition.
Brandy is distilled wine that gets aged in oak... however many fine brandys may be made with fruits.

The HD site is full of information about different distilled spirits, read,read,read!

Slow & Steady

[MattyL]

sweet, thanks for the info.

[Bushman]

[LWTCS]

Suh-low-N- steady,,,,,,,,,,yer alive

[MuleKicker]

I second that motion.