FROM Ask Imam :
"As stated in our previous fatwa, alcohol which is derived from grapes and dates cannot be consumed. A single drop of it will be unlawful for consumption and considered impure.
Alcohol made from other sources other than dates and grapes are permissible ONLY with the following conditions.
It is not used as an intoxicant or to an amount which intoxicates
It is not used in vain.
Alcoholic beverages fall in the category of vain, thus will not be lawful to consume. A small amount from it will also be unlawful and the person drinking it will be committing a sinful act.
Products which contain alcohol as an ingredient for intoxication will fall in the same ruling as alcoholic beverages.
Those products which have the capability to intoxicate will also be unlawful, even if a small amount of consumption does not intoxicate the consumer.
If the alcohol is derived from a source other than grapes and dates and it is not used in vain or as an intoxicant such as the alcohol found in medicines and perfumes, then it will not be unlawful or impure. One may recite the Qur’an and perform salat after using such products."