Definition: Denatured

Denatured alcohol is alcohol that contains an additive that makes it unusable as pure alcohol. For example, fortified wine is denatured as soon as it arrives at the cellar, under the supervision of the tax authorities, by adding an equal quantity of unfermented must. The denaturant may be a substance added to the alcohol to make it unfit for consumption and to avoid the heavy taxes levied on alcohol and spirits: for example, methylated spirits.