Discover the Top 11 Entertaining and Unexpected Facts about Ethanol You Never Knew!

1. Tiny Oak Clusters: Whisky's Secret Smoothifiers

Whisky drinkers, raise a toast to tiny oak extractive clusters – the unsung heroes of libation smoothification! Finally, it's not the size that matters, but the cluster: In the maturation process of whisky, small clusters from the extractives of oak casks are formed, which are essential for a flavorful and smooth whisky. Discovered through dynamic light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques, these clusters increase during maturation, removing the irritating alcoholic flavor and providing a delectable, smooth texture.
Source => whiskyedu.org

2. Corn-fusion: The Flexible Fuel Vehicle Dilemma

Feeling corn-fused at the gas station? Blame it on those flexible fuel vehicles: FFVs can run on gasoline or ethanol blends up to 85% ethanol and maintain equal performance while using a renewable energy source made from corn and sugarcane as their fuel.
Source => fueleconomy.gov

Did you know algae, the slimy green stuff by your summer lake house, holds a secret fuel reserve? Researchers are working to convert this renewable resource into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel at impressive prices. Discover more about this green goldmine and its uses beyond fuel!

=> Fun Facts about Biofuels

3. Ethanol: The Social Butterfly of Alcohol

Next time you're toasting with a fine beverage, remember that it's doing more than just raising spirits: Ethanol is a versatile bad boy, partying hard in fuel additives to provide cleaner emissions and mingling with pharmaceuticals, paints, and personal care items like your favorite perfumes and lotions.
Source => ashlandhealth.com

4. Planet-saving Party Drinks: Ethanol's Green Side

The next time you mix a drink, remember it might save the planet: Ethanol, a biofuel usually paired with gasoline, actually reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Source => eesi.org

5. Yeast: The Microscopic Maestros of Fermentation

Yeast: the microscopic party planners for our bread and booze bashes, but wait, there's more! These little fermenting fiends are also the secret behind transforming veggies into vroom-vrooms: through yeast fermentation, glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide, producing biofuel for our cars and gifting us with coffee, chocolate, cheese, yogurt, and bread for our tummies.
Source => ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

6. Ethanol: Alcohol's Medicinal Masterstroke

In the realm of multifaceted libations, ethanol reigns supreme, wearing the alcohol coat of many colors: from party time to saving spines, it's the life of every occasion! The serious scoop: Apart from being a well-known ingredient in your favorite tipple, ethanol's versatility extends to medical applications, such as serving as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and even an antidote for methanol or ethylene glycol toxicity. That's right – it's time to raise a glass to our friend ethanol for keeping us both entertained and healthy!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Rhum Agricole: The Sugar Cane Adventure

Feeling "cane-curious," matey? Leave that Captain Jack Sparrow life behind and set sail for an adventure in smooth rhum agricole: Unlike traditional rum, this treasure is crafted from fermented sugar cane juice instead of the ol' molasses, creating a unique blend of aromatic compounds responsible for its unmatched and tantalizing taste. Ahoy, flavor!
Source => alimentarium.org

8. Corn's A-maize-ing Ethanol Origins

Certain folks might say that corn gets a little too "a-maize-ing" after a few glasses of fermented fun, but those kernels of joy truly exceed expectations: Practically all ethanol produced in the United States comes from corn, but lesser-known feedstocks like cellulosic grass, crop residues, and even wood can also give birth to that delightful liquid called ethanol.
Source => afdc.energy.gov

9. Perfume Preservation: Ethanol's Fragrant Role

When life gives you ethanol, make perfume: Ethanol not only dilutes the perfume concentrate, but also preserves the scent and prevents microbial growth, keeping your fragrances stable and long-lasting like your favorite sitcom reruns.
Source => lesfleursdugolfe.com

10. Frosty Fun: Ethanol's Freezing Point Phenomenon

Did you ever wonder why vodka doesn't freeze in the Arctic or how Jack Frost keeps his cocktails cool? It's all thanks to ethanol being quite the socialite, mingling effortlessly with water and creating a frosty playground for libations: A 40% ethanol-water solution has a freezing point of -23°C/-9.4°F and a 10% ethanol-water solution freezes at -4°C/24.8°F, making them perfect for those chilly soirées that aren't quite ready for pure ethanol's freezing point of -173.2°F.
Source => engineeringtoolbox.com

11. Curdled Mystery: Ethanol and Protein Denaturation

Ah, ethanol: the fuel that makes our cars zoom, our drinks spirited, and our proteins perplexingly curdle like a rerun of your grandma's worst cottage cheese experiment. In all seriousness: ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, finds use in various industries as a solvent and fuel additive, but contrary to popular belief, it doesn't dissolve proteins; instead, it denatures them into insolubility.
Source => chem.libretexts.org