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What kind of drink is Aqua Vitae?

I tried to look this up on the internet, but everything I got was unclear. I am reading a book where the main character's favorite drink is Aqua vitae. So he just drank distilled water? But in my research it also refers to wines and stronger drinks like whiskey. So what did the main character in the book really drink? The story happens in the early to mid 1700's and the main character is a pirate. (strange I know, that is why I am asking about the drink, and why he might drink it. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I vote for ethanol. But if he's in England, it's brandy.
2. It would be water of life in Latin, from the Celtic we have WHISKY and from Nahuatl we have TEQUILA. I like both flavors of aqua vitae.