fusel
/ˈfjuzəl/
noun
- A mixture of alcohols (especially amyl alcohol) produced as a byproduct during fermentation, often found in poorly distilled alcoholic drinks and responsible for hangovers.
- The headache after drinking cheap liquor is partly caused by fusel alcohols.
- Distillers remove fusel during the refining process to make smoother spirits.
- Moonshine often contains high levels of fusel oil, which gives it a harsh taste.