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Expert: - 10/28/2007


Question
which has the most harmful chemicals-beer, wine or scotch whisky ??

Answer
Vijay:

By far, I would have to say scotch.  There is a class of chemicals in the scotch that are leached from the wood of the kegs it is aged in that are known to add to hangovers.
More highly refined spirits have lost a lot of the higher alcohols that are more toxic.  I have made beer that has retained most of the higher alcohols and caused bad hangovers.  So it really depends on how the drink was made and how sensitive you are to it.  I cannot drink Bud because the Beechwood they use does not agree with me and will give me a hangover quicker than the same amount of good ale or german lager that has not been "wood" aged.
Keith

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Keith Patton

Expertise

I have been home brewing 21 years. I followed the traditional path from kit to extract to all grain and undoubtably experience all the typical problems. I can answer questions on home Brewing Techniques, all grain, partial mash and extract brews, formulating recipes, cloning commercial beers, kegging, bottling, home brew equipment, clarifying, trouble shooting beer and conducting tastings. I have brewed just about every style imaginable.

Experience

I have home brewed for 21 years. I owned my own beer pub for 5 years. I lived in Munich, Germany for 3 years. I host a brew club at work with 10 member brewers as well a participate in another club with over 50 members. I have a all stainless steel single tier 15 gallon RIMS system.

Organizations
American Home Brewer's Association Cane Island Alers home brew club Seismic Micro Brewers home brew club

Education/Credentials
MS in geology with experience in water chemistry. I have lived abroad and have been exposed to a number of beer drinking cultures.

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