How do distilled spirits retain flavors from alcohol before distillation?

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For example, I’ve heard bourbon is sweeter than other whiskies because it’s made from corn, rhum agricole is grassy because of sugarcane, and tequila is vegetal because of agave. What I understand is distillation concentrates alcohol because alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, so it’s heated and the vapor condenses on the other side. So how do flavors make it through? Also, aren’t sugars way bigger/heavier than alcohol and water? How do they make it all the way through?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Alcohol *and lots of other volatile molecules* have boiling points below that of water.

The volatiles come along for the ride, and many of them have distinct smells and tastes.

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