Fusel alcohol

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Fusel alcohols are a mixture of several alcohols (chiefly amyl alcohol) produced as a by-product of alcoholic fermentation.[1] The word Fusel is German for "bad liquor".[2]

Whether fusel alcohol contributes or not to hangover symptoms is a matter of scientific debate. A Japanese study in 2003 concluded, "The fusel oil in whiskey had no effect on the ethanol-induced emetic response" in Suncus murinus. Additionally, consumption of fusel oils with ethanol suppressed subjects' subsequent taste aversion to alcohol, which suggested subjects' hangover symptoms were lessened said the journal.[3]

Classification

Hazardous alcohols

Alcohol faults

Aroma alcohols

Excessive concentrations of some alcohols other than ethanol may cause off-flavors, sometimes described as "spicy", "hot", or "solvent-like". Some beverages, such as rum, whisky (especially Bourbon), incompletely rectified vodka (e.g. Siwucha), and traditional ales and ciders, are expected to have relatively high concentrations of non-hazardous alcohols as part of their flavor profile. However, in other beverages, such as Korn, vodka, and lagers, the presence of other alcohols than ethanol is considered a fault.[7]

The compounds involved are chiefly:[8]

During distillation, fusel alcohols are concentrated in the feints or "tails" at the end of the distillation run. They have an oily consistency, which is noticeable to the distiller, hence the other name "fusel oil". If desired, these heavier alcohols can be almost completely separated in a reflux still. Freeze distillation, on the other hand, does not remove fusel alcohols.[citation needed]

Fusel alcohols are formed when fermentation occurs:[citation needed]

  • at higher temperatures
  • at lower pH
  • when yeast activity is limited by low nitrogen content

See also

References

  1. ^ http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/fusel%2Boil
  2. ^ Hazelwood, Lucie A.; Daran, Jean-Marc; van Maris, Antonius J. A.; Pronk, Jack T.; Dickinson, J. Richard (2008). "The Ehrlich pathway for fusel alcohol production: a century of research on Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism". Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74 (8): 2259–66. doi:10.1128/AEM.02625-07. PMC 2293160. PMID 18281432.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link).
  3. ^ Hori H, Fujii W, Hatanaka Y, Suwa Y. (Aug 27, 2003). "Effects of fusel oil on animal hangover models". Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 27 (8 Suppl): 37S–41S. doi:10.1097/01.ALC.0000078828.49740.48. PMID 12960505.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/
  5. ^ Wiernikowski, A; Piekoszewski, W; Krzyzanowska-Kierepka, E; Gomułka, E (1997). "Acute oral poisoning with isopropyl alcohol in alcoholics". Przeglad lekarski. 54 (6): 459–63. PMID 9333902. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |author-name-separator= (help); Unknown parameter |author-separator= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Mańkowski, W; Klimaszyk, D; Krupiński, B (2000). "How to differentiate acute isopropanol poisoning from ethanol intoxication? -- a case report". Przeglad lekarski. 57 (10): 588–90. PMID 11199895. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |author-name-separator= (help); Unknown parameter |author-separator= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Aroma of Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages
  8. ^ MERCK INDEX (10th ed.). 1983.

External links