They are NOT different types of alcohol. Alcohol is not digested. Unlike any other substance, other than those used intravenously, alcohol does not go through the digestion process. Because alcohol is both fat and water soluble, much of it is absorbed directly through the stomach lining into the blood stream rather than being broken down by stomach acid and enzymes and entering the blood stream through the intestinal walls. This lack of delay between ingestion and its entrance into the blood stream accounts for the rapid onset of symptoms of intoxication.
Alcohol is high in calories.
This often results in major health problems, including vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Consequently, most liquid medications are in an alcohol base to more thoroughly dissolve the solid ingredients. Alcohol is a drying agent. The burning sensation often associated with swallowing undiluted distilled liquor results from the drying out of mucous membranes in the throat. Since most of our brothers are underage during their undergraduate years, serving alcohol and permitting its use on site are subjecting our fraternity to questionable ethical and legal practices.