Did you know wine distillation was invented by an Arabian physician named Abul Kasim in the 10th century?

Question

The first recorded mention of distillation was made by Abul Kasim, a 10th-century Arabian physician. At first only wine was distilled, but soon afterward other fermented products were employed. The process of distillation not only concentrates the alcohol, but also removes from the beverage a large portion of the unpleasant-tasting impurities. If rectification (purification by repeated or by fractional distillation) is carried too far, however, all the flavoring elements are removed with the impurities, and pure alcohol is produced. Consequently, in the distillation of potable liquor, the process is only partly completed, and the remaining impurities are removed by filtration of the liquor through charcoal and by aging in charred wooden barrels. During aging, the impurities, which consist mostly of a mixture of higher alcohols, are in part oxidized to acids that react with the remaining alcohols to form pleasantly flavored esters. The flavoring material remaining in the finished bevera

is less than one-half of 1 percent; the remainder consists of water, alcohol ranging from 80 proof (about 40 percent) for mild whiskies to 150 proof or more for strong brandies and rums. Many cordials and liqueurs are made by distilling mixtures of alcohol and flavoring agents.


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Answer 1

What're you trying to say? Arabs invented wine because they needed a way counteract the taste of the Koran? Alcohol's been around for a long time. Christians needed something to help wash down their bible as well. Having said that... I like wine, and I appreciate Abdul Kasim's efforts.

Answer 2

Wine predates written history. So does Beer. The sandwich however was invented by an English Earl, its' namesake. Why it took so long is any ones guess. I'm going to guess that the bread was just a bit too chewy back then. Can you imagine what would happen to the tomatoes and roast beef, what with all the gnawing and ripping. Old Earl must have had a dandy bread recipe to go along with the hoagy. And no Mayo yet either! Talk about living rough. Am I off topic? Where were we? No, wine is really old.

Answer 3

Congratulation Abul Hasan.

Answer 4

Lecture or a question?
The question should have read "Did you know alcohol distillation was invented by an Arabian physician...." which was for medicinal purposes since wine is forbidden to drink.

Answer 5

I'm sure it was around long before that. Maybe he rediscovered the lost art.

Answer 6

Could be, could be.