Conjoiners

[mac]

I've discovered a new term in the strangest of places and thought I'd share the insight. Was reading Gonzo The Life of Hunter S Thompson and the discussion was on rehab and alcohol. Tim ferris advised Hunter "not to drink Dark liquors because of all the conjoiners in them. Conjoiners are the non-alcholic components of booze other than water, and typically consist of various wood poisons from the oak barrels in which things are aged, and sugars. A lot of what messes up heavy drinkers is not just the alcohol but conjoiners"
Does anyone have any thought on conjoiners ??? I'm still feeling quite chipper but just wondering. Proably need to reread the Rum Diaries or Fear and loating in Las Vegas CHEERS !!!!

[RobertBurr]

a congener is a minor chemical constituent, especially one that gives a distinctive character to a wine or liquor or is responsible for some of its physiological effects. In the alcoholic beverage industry, congener refers to impurities produced during fermentation or to metals such as zinc, added to certain sweet liqueurs in order to enhance flavor. Congeners are responsible for most of the taste, aroma, and color of alcoholic beverages. It has been suggested that these substances also contribute to the symptoms of a hangover, although the more likely cause is a more complicated mix of ethanol, dehydration, and various other factors.

[VicZinc]

I think this is why I adore JW&NOP. It seems to be completely free of these "impurities", if you will. I remember hearing something about the "heads and tails" contributing to the problem. I see many advertisers (especially of vodka) bragging about multiple distillations and and filtrations (sometimes 6 or 7 repititions.) I recently was introduced to (sorry - off topic here) Sobieski vodka - a discount brand from Poland that is unbelievable smooth and pure - but obviously lacks the flavor - or kick- of WrayOp.

For those who drink only one or two it probably doesn't matter but when you are drinking all day long, those congeners can add up.