Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol with an exceptionally high proof, making it one of the most potent alcoholic beverages on the market. Known for its versatility and strength, Everclear has become a subject of interest for many, sparking questions about its uses, safety, and place in the world of spirits. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Everclear unique, its different proofs, its applications, and the precautions to consider when using it.
What is Everclear?
Everclear is a grain alcohol produced by Luxco, a company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Unlike most liquors, which are made with added flavors or distilled to a lower proof, Everclear is a neutral spirit, meaning it’s almost entirely pure ethanol with little to no flavor, color, or aroma. This purity makes it extremely versatile in both culinary and industrial applications. However, it also means Everclear is extremely strong, with proofs that far exceed those of typical spirits like whiskey, vodka, or rum.
Understanding Proof: What Does 190 Proof Mean?
To understand the strength of Everclear, it’s essential to grasp what “proof” means. The proof of an alcoholic beverage is a measure of its ethanol content. In the United States, proof is calculated by doubling the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. Therefore, if a bottle of Everclear is 95% ABV, it has a proof of 190 (95 x 2 = 190). For comparison, most standard spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey typically fall between 80 and 100 proof.
Everclear is available in two main proofs:
Everclear 190 Proof (95% ABV): This is the strongest version and contains 95% alcohol, making it nearly pure ethanol.
Everclear 151 Proof (75.5% ABV): While still potent, this version is slightly less intense, with a lower alcohol content.
The high proof levels make Everclear a powerful spirit that needs to be used carefully and responsibly.
How Everclear is Made
Everclear is made from grain, such as corn or wheat, through a distillation process that maximizes the concentration of alcohol. The grain is fermented and then distilled multiple times to remove impurities, leaving behind a pure, high-proof spirit. This process results in a neutral-tasting, odorless alcohol that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
Everclear’s Uses Beyond Drinking
Despite its classification as an alcoholic beverage, Everclear has a variety of uses beyond drinking due to its high purity and ethanol content:
DIY Extracts and Tinctures: Everclear is often used as a base for homemade herbal tinctures, vanilla extract, and other flavoring extracts. Its neutral taste and high ethanol content make it effective at extracting flavors from herbs, fruits, and spices.
Homemade Sanitizers: Due to its high alcohol concentration, Everclear can be used to make hand sanitizers and disinfectants. During periods of shortages, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, some people turned to Everclear to create homemade sanitizing solutions.
Cleaning and De-greasing: Everclear can serve as a powerful cleaning agent for surfaces and electronics, especially in areas where it’s challenging to use water-based cleaners. Its high proof evaporates quickly, leaving minimal residue.
Cooking and Baking: Everclear can be used in cooking or baking recipes that call for alcohol to enhance flavor. It’s particularly effective in candies, marshmallows, and infused spirits, where a small amount can provide a unique kick without diluting other ingredients.
Fuel for Camping Stoves: In some cases, Everclear is even used as an alternative fuel source for small camping stoves, making it a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
Drinking Everclear: Precautions and Risks
While Everclear can be consumed in small amounts, it is not intended for casual drinking. Its high proof makes it far more potent than typical liquors, and consuming it straight or in large quantities can lead to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning.
Why is Everclear So Dangerous to Drink?
High Alcohol Content: At 190 proof, even a small amount of Everclear contains a high level of ethanol. A single shot of Everclear can be equivalent to multiple shots of lower-proof spirits. Drinking it straight or in excess can quickly lead to over-intoxication, impairing motor functions, and increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Lack of Flavor or Aroma: The neutral taste of Everclear can be deceiving. Unlike other liquors that have strong flavors, Everclear’s lack of taste can make it easy to overconsume, especially if mixed into drinks where the alcohol flavor is masked.
Increased Risk of Alcohol Poisoning: The rapid effect of Everclear, due to its high ethanol content, can overwhelm the body’s ability to process alcohol safely. Many cases of alcohol poisoning are attributed to overconsumption of high-proof spirits like Everclear.
Due to these risks, many states in the U.S. restrict or outright ban the sale of 190-proof Everclear. As of recent years, some states where Everclear is banned include California, Florida, Maine, Hawaii, New York, and Nevada.
Everclear in Cocktails: How to Safely Use It
Everclear is often diluted when used in cocktails, and many bartenders and mixologists recommend using it sparingly. Here are some popular Everclear-based drinks:
Jungle Juice: Known for its potency, Jungle Juice is a mix of Everclear with fruit juices and fresh fruit. Given Everclear’s strength, it’s essential to dilute it properly, and drinkers are advised to consume it slowly.
Apple Pie Moonshine: This popular drink combines Everclear with apple cider, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a sweet, flavorful cocktail that packs a punch. As with all Everclear cocktails, it should be made with caution and served in moderation.
Punch Recipes: Due to its neutral taste, Everclear is a common choice in punches for large gatherings. However, it’s crucial to keep the amount controlled and dilute it with plenty of mixers to avoid over-intoxication among guests.
Health and Legal Considerations
With its high proof, Everclear is regulated differently in various states. Because of its potential for misuse, some states have enacted restrictions or bans on the sale of the 190-proof version. For example:
Restricted States: California, Florida, and New York are among the states where 190-proof Everclear cannot be sold. However, the lower-proof 151 version is often allowed.
Health Risks: High-proof alcohols like Everclear can have severe effects on health if consumed irresponsibly. Excessive intake can lead to liver damage, alcohol dependence, and severe dehydration.
If you are considering using Everclear, it’s important to check local laws and always consume it with caution and moderation.
Alternatives to Everclear
For those who need high-proof alcohol for cooking, tinctures, or sanitizing, there are other options available:
Vodka (100 proof): While lower in proof, vodka can serve as a decent alternative for extracts and cocktails.
Bacardi 151: This high-proof rum is another alternative, though it has a distinct flavor compared to Everclear’s neutrality.
Spirytus Rektyfikowany: This Polish spirit is over 190 proof and is available in some areas where Everclear is restricted. It’s commonly used for similar purposes, though caution is advised.
Conclusion
Everclear remains one of the most powerful and versatile alcohols on the market, used in everything from cocktails to cleaning products. However, due to its high proof and the health risks associated with its consumption, it’s essential to handle Everclear responsibly. Whether you’re using it to make tinctures, enhance cocktails, or as a cleaning agent, understanding Everclear’s potency is key to using it safely.
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