This week I have an interview with the Liquor Control Board of Canada (LCBO), for a position as temporary contract staff in the holiday season*. Not being a terribly heavy drinker myself, I decided to do a bit of background research on alcohol and was astonished to find the great diversity of beverages available; hence the growth of in-depth training programs to teach interested people about the ins-and-outs of alcohol creation and business management (e.g. the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management 2-year diploma at Niagara College).

Alcoholic beverages are drinks containing ethanol (i.e. alcohol) and are divided into three categories: beers, wines, and spirits (or distilled beverage) (Wikipedia article). The process of fermentation brings about – in undistilled form – beer, which can include ales, lagers, ciders, wine, and more exotic drinks like Kasiri or Pulque (Wikipedia article). In distilled form, fermented beverages can include drinks like vodka, gin, baijiu, tequila, rum, whisky, brandy, and soju (Wikipedia article).

Every country has a “national liquor” which is considered a standard and respected adult beverage (Wikipedia article). Canada, for example, is represented by Canadian whisky and the Caesar (cocktail) (Wikipedia article). Canadian whisky is produced in Canada by blending multi-grain liquors containing a large percentage of corn spirits, and are typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles (Wikipedia article). The Ceasar cocktail is a mix of vodka, Clamato (a proprietary blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt–rimmed glass, typically garnished with a stalk of celery and wedge of lime (Wikipedia article).

I’m frankly amazed at the number of combinations of cocktails and other elaborate mixed drinks that exist – like a lot of people these days, I’m more a fan of Ontario Craft Brews and simple, straightforward beer (BeerPulse, November 2013). Some of the great local Ontario breweries include Forked River (London), Wellington Brewery (Guelph), Brick Brewery (Waterloo), Grand River Brewing (Cambridge), and Railway City (St. Thomas).

As I’ve previously blogged about coffee and its awesomeness, I figured it was apt to point out this infographic which illustrates your brain on coffee versus alcohol. I think it’s incredible that we can drink mere liquid which has such massive and complex interactions within our human bodies. And that we’ve developed such a diversity of both beverage types!

*Disclaimer: I am not promoting alcohol consumption, and am particularly opposed to drinking and driving. Drink safe, friends!