TED-ED: A brief history of alcohol - Rod Phillips

The video explores the discovery and evolution of fermentation, starting with a chimpanzee's encounter with overripe plums leading to the creation of alcoholic beverages. It traces the history of fermentation from ancient China to global practices, highlighting cultural perspectives on alcohol. The invention of distillation revolutionized alcohol production, making spirits a key trade commodity. Alcohol played a crucial role in global trade and exploration, preserving water for long voyages and becoming a form of currency.

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