Are you wondering how to test for methanol in your drink? Amateur distillers, commercial brewing professionals, and keen alcohol drinkers may be interested in testing for methanol in alcoholic beverages. Below, we talk about what methanol is, where we commonly find methanol, and why it’s important to test for methanol in alcoholic beverages. Later, we’ll walk{…}
Methanol (or methyl alcohol) is an alcohol commonly found in industrial solvents, including antifreeze, carburetor fluid, and canned fuels. It is hazardous and toxic. The chemical composition of methanol is CH3OH making it the shortest chain and therefore simplest alcohol. Methanol is particularly dangerous because it can be challenging to detect. It’s odorless and colorless, so it’s not{…}
Any alcohol compound containing more than two atoms of carbon is called a “fusel” alcohol. The word “fusel” comes from German, and means “bad liquor.” Fusel alcohols are sometimes referred to in chemistry texts as “higher alcohols.” Also, because of their oily sheen, they are sometimes also referred to as “fusel oils.” The following compounds{…}
Moonshine is synonymous with illegal and highly potent hooch that’s been distilled in the dead of night. As well as being illegal, it gets a bad rep for being dangerous. But what makes it dangerous? The term moonshine often refers to a homemade corn whiskey or other home-distilled spirits. If not done correctly, moonshine can{…}
In this article, we’re going to look at how much methanol there is in Whiskey and other standard alcoholic drinks. All fermentation will result in a small amount of methanol being produced, which can be carried through to the final product, and concentrated through distillation. Fermentations of ingredients with a high level of pectin, such{…}
Alcohol is well known for not being particularly good for you.. and most people understand that alcohol causes liver damage. But what is the science behind this? How does alcohol affect the liver? Is the damage permanent? In this article, we’re going to take a look at different types of alcohol such as wine, beer cider,{…}
Whether you prefer a gin and tonic, a slow gin fizz, or Bombay Sapphire on the rocks, gin lovers everywhere may sometimes wonder why gin gives them a headache? Gin is a liquor that boasts a 40 percent alcohol volume, which means it is 80 proof and strong. It is derived from grain distillation along{…}
With a rise in health awareness in modern times, it’s no wonder people are curious about what is and isn’t gluten-free (regardless of whether they are celiac, sensitive, or just making better health decisions for themselves). Beer, of course, is off-limits to gluten-intolerant people. But what about spirits like Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye? Whiskey{…}