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Distillery glossary
Fusel Oils
Fusel oils are heavier alcohols produced during fermentation that carry oily, solvent-like flavors. They concentrate in the tails of a distillation run and are largely cut away from the hearts.
Fusel oils are a normal byproduct of yeast metabolism, more abundant at higher fermentation temperatures. In small amounts they add character; in excess they bring harsh, oily notes. Managing fermentation temperature and making a clean tails cut are how distillers keep fusel oils in check.
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