A derogatory term (Latin fusilis = liquid) for inferior alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits. This applies in particular to spirits that have been produced in an unprofessional manner, such as by distilling for too long using primitive equipment or dubious processes. The term is associated with fusel alcohols, which can occur in large quantities in alcoholic beverages and have a toxic effect in extreme cases. Colloquially, the term "spirits" is also used for low-quality spirits. See also under alcohol.
![]()
In the past, you needed a wealth of encyclopaedias and specialist literature to keep up to date in your vinophile professional life. Today, Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one of my best helpers and can rightly be called the "bible of wine knowledge".
Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher
Lehrgangsleiter Sommelierausbildung WIFI-Wien