Description
Alcoholic fermentation byproduct
Technical
Fusel alcohols or fuselol, also sometimes called fusel oils in Europe, are mixtures of several higher alcohols produced as a by-product of alcoholic fermentation. The word Fusel is German for "bad liquor".
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
fruityfloralsolvent-likeharshpear-like
Wine Analogy
Similar to the 'hot' alcohol notes in young, high-ABV wines
Coffee Analogy
Reminiscent of over-fermented coffee fruit aromas
Perfume Analogy
Comparable to the heavy base notes in some oriental fragrances
Culinary Applications
Chinese BaijiuChinaCreates characteristic 'firey' aroma in distilled spirits
German ObstlerGermanyContributes to the complex fruit brandy profile
Caribbean RumJamaicaAdds depth to heavy-style rums
Dietary
VeganVegetarianGluten-FreePossible histamine reactions in sensitive individuals