Where is Everclear Alcohol Sale Illegal?
Why is Everclear Illegal in Only Some States?
When Federal Alcohol Prohibition ended in 1933, each state established its own regulations for the sale and consumption of ethyl alcohol. As a result, every U.S. state now has its own unique laws, departments, and regulations governing the sale and use of ethyl alcohol for both beverage and non-beverage purposes.
In the United States, the specifics of alcohol regulation—covering which activities, substances, and uses are regulated, prohibited, or allowed—vary significantly from state to state. Factors such as language, legal rationale, rules, and commission votes determine whether a high-proof alcohol product like Everclear is legal or restricted in each state.
Refer to the list of states below for more details on individual state rules and regulations.
High-Proof Ethanol: Legal for "Non-Beverage" Uses in Many States.
Pure, high-proof ethyl alcohol, commonly known under many names including "200 proof food grade ethanol" or "190 proof food grade ethanol" has a wide range of common applications in today's commercial kitchens, industrial processes, organic settings, and good old fashioned DIY projects.
As a result, nearly every state in the U.S. has established specific regulations for the sale and import of pure alcohol for "non-beverage" purposes. These regulations may outline legality based on the alcohol's properties (such as a minimum of 190 proof) or by its approved uses (including toiletries, perfumes, body care products, commercial processing, medicinal preparations, educational, and institutional purposes). If you live in a state where Everclear is banned from store shelves, there's a strong likelihood that 200 proof food grade ethanol is permitted, provided it is not intended "for-beverage" purpose.
What is a for-beverage purpose?
A "for-beverage" purpose is considered by the TTB as a product who's use involves oral consumption of the ethyl alcohol product in an amount that can cause intoxication.
What is a non-beverage purpose?
High-proof alcohol has many "non-beverage" applications. Popular examples include herbal tinctures, homemade perfumes, vanilla extract, cocktail bitters, extracts, concentrates, surface disinfectants, hand sanitizer, edible decorations, precision manufacturing, shellac, electronics repair, cannabis processing, and a whole lot more.
What is "food grade" ethanol?
Food grade ethanol is pure ethyl alcohol designed for applications beyond beverages. It is distinguished by its strength (200 proof, 99.7% min ABV), purity (0% water, zero additives), and packaging sizes exceeding 1.75 liters, including bulk jugs and 55-gallon drums.
But I need 190 Proof, Not 200 Proof...
Lucky you! The recipe to go from 200 proof, to 190 proof is this: "Just Add Water". How much water? About 1 tablespoon per quart of 200 proof ethanol. Follow our detailed recipe on how to measure the precise amount of water by weight here.
How to Buy High-Proof (190 Proof+) Ethanol in Where Everclear is Illegal.
Most states where Everclear is illegal according to their own rules and regulations, simultaneously offer specific rules exceptions and protections guaranteeing access to pure ethyl alcohol for non-beverage purposes described above. Click the name of the state below to learn more about how residents from that state may legally and lawfully obtain the food-safe high-proof alcohol they need for their project or task.
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts (Pickup your order in Maine)
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York (Pickup your order in Maine)
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Washington State
- Virginia (Available at government stores with permit)
I did say most....
If your state name above does not link to a page with more information, then unfortunately pure food grade ethanol for non-beverage purposes is also prohibited at this time. Reach out and see if any rules have changed since our last update! Or write your local government representatives and lobby for a change to those outdated laws!
Is Culinary Solvent the Same as Everclear?
Both Culinary Solvent and Everclear are pure, ethyl alcohol products, but the similarities end there. Learn more on our blog about how Everclear and Culinary Solvent are similar, how they are different.
Everclear® is a registered trademark of Luxco, Inc. and is not affiliated with Culinary Solvent or The Northern Maine Distilling Company.
