The Chinese (who claim to have invented everything first) invented medicines with fermented fruits at around 5000BC.
The Sumerians invented beer in 4000BC
The first isolation of alcohol (it is an Arabic word) as a pure compound was done by Islamic alchemists. It is this process which is used to make Whisky and Brandy. When the Moors were in Spain, the secrets of distilling alcohol passed through Europe , and the Irish were first to make Whisky using the process.