Use of Brown Sugar and water

[IRQVET]

Three questions as I prepare to do my first Pecan Whiskey run in a couple of weeks.

Use of Brown Sugar- Never used it before, does it behave much differently that granulated white sugar when mashing in?

Water- From what I understand, (unless I’m mistaken, which is possible) Spring water is favorable to distilled water correct? I’d use my city tap water, but we are ALWAYS getting drinking water violation notices from our water district, so they have been chlorinating the living DS out of water supply to get the dissolved solids and other water quality issues in check.

What are the best practices to keep from getting a product that “burns” when consumed?

Any info would be appreciated. Sorry if hese are stupid questions, I’m brand spanking new at this.