What's in spirits

Molecules in it 9

• EthanolC2H6O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list: ~40% alcohol by volume from source

  The alcohol in wine, beer, and spirits, and what the body reads as intoxicating.

  As a pure substance: LD50 5,628 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• Isoamyl alcoholC5H12O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  A fusel alcohol yeast makes alongside ethanol, and a big part of what makes whisky and rum smell of more than just alcohol.

  As a pure substance: LD50 1,300 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• AcetaldehydeC2H4O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  What alcohol first turns into as the body breaks it down, and a large part of a hangover.

  As a pure substance: LD50 661 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• Ethyl acetateC4H8O2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  The smell of nail polish remover and pear drops, and the solvent used to strip caffeine out of coffee beans in the naturally decaffeinated process.

  As a pure substance: LD50 4,900 mg/kg (rabbit, oral) from source

• MethanolCH4O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  Wood alcohol. Chemically the smallest alcohol and industrially useful, but the body converts it into formic acid, which is why it is poisonous to drink.

  As a pure substance: LD50 5,628 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• FurfuralC5H4O2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  The almond-and-bread smell that forms when bran, corn cobs, or oat hulls are heated with acid. It also builds up in stale coffee and old wine.

  As a pure substance: LD50 127 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• VanillinC8H8O3

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  The single molecule that carries the smell of vanilla. Most of the world's supply is made from wood pulp or petrochemicals, not from the orchid pod.

  As a pure substance: LD50 1,580 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• GuaiacolC7H8O2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  The core of smoke flavour. It is what wood smoke deposits on barbecue and smoked fish, and part of the smell of roasted coffee and whisky.

  As a pure substance: LD50 520 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• MaltolC6H6O3

  On MoleculeFinder's curated spirits list from source

  The warm, toasty, caramel smell of fresh bread crust and baked goods.

  As a pure substance: LD50 1,410 mg/kg (guinea pig, oral) from source