Fusel alcohols
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Faults and hygiene”.
Explanation
Higher alcohols that form when fermentation is too warm. They taste harsh and solvent-like. A controlled, not too warm fermentation temperature and enough healthy yeast prevent them.
Test your knowledge
What causes fusel alcohols?
- Fermenting too warm
- Storing too cold
- Too many hops
Show answer
Correct: Fermenting too warm. Fusel alcohols taste harsh and solvent-like. A controlled fermentation temperature prevents them.
Why can lager be fermented warmer under pressure?
- No yeast works under pressure
- Pressure cools the beer
- Pressure suppresses esters and fusel alcohols
Show answer
Correct: Pressure suppresses esters and fusel alcohols. In pressure fermentation unwanted by-products stay low, and the beer is carbonated at the same time.