Arielle Cruz
California has strict laws regarding the sale of high-proof alcohol, with a particular focus on Everclear, a popular brand of high-proof alcohol. The state prohibits the retail sale of undenatured alcohol that exceeds 60% alcohol by volume (120 proof), except for specific alcoholic beverages like rum or whiskey. As a result, Everclear 190-proof alcohol is not available for purchase in California stores, and residents must look for alternatives or purchase it from other states. However, California permits the sale of undenatured ethanol for non-volatile solvent uses, and residents can buy 200-proof ethanol online from websites like CulinarySolvent.com.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Highest proof alcohol legal in California | 120 |
| Availability of Gem Clear in California | Varies between locations |
| Availability of Everclear in California | Not available in retail stores |
| Availability of Polonaise Spirytus in California | Available at select locations |
| Availability of Polmus Spirytus vodka in California | Available at Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine |
| Availability of 200-proof ethanol in California | Available online at CulinarySolvent.com |
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What You'll Learn
- California law prohibits the retail sale of undenatured alcohol over 120 proof
- Everclear 190 proof alcohol is not available in California stores
- proof food grade ethanol can be purchased online and shipped to California
- Some Total Wine stores in California carry Gem Clear, which is 190 proof
- Polmus Spirytus vodka, 192 proof, is available at Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine
California law prohibits the retail sale of undenatured alcohol over 120 proof
California has strict laws regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages. The state prohibits the retail sale of undenatured alcohol over 120 proof that is an alcoholic beverage (for example, grain neutral spirits). This restriction is in place to prevent the sale of high-proof alcohol that is not fit for beverage purposes, such as pure ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the only type of alcohol that is safe for consumption.
While California law allows the sale of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol by volume of more than 60% (120 proof) if they are not solely composed of ethyl alcohol, such as rum or whiskey, it draws a clear line when it comes to pure ethyl alcohol. This means that while a bottle of whiskey at 151 proof might be available for purchase, a bottle of pure ethyl alcohol at the same strength would not be permitted.
The law specifically targets retail sales, aiming to prevent over-the-counter access to these high-proof alcohols. This restriction does not apply to online purchases, and California residents can legally purchase undenatured 200-proof ethanol from out-of-state websites, such as CulinarySolvent.com, which offers shipping to California. However, it is important to note that as of 2022, no online retailers will ship Everclear 190-proof ethanol to an address outside of the state where the online retailer is located.
The California law creates a unique situation where residents can legally purchase extremely high-proof alcohol, such as 200-proof ethanol, from out-of-state sources, but cannot find it on the shelves of their local stores. This situation highlights the complex nature of alcohol regulation and how it can vary from state to state.
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Everclear 190 proof alcohol is not available in California stores
California has strict laws regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages. The state prohibits the sale of Everclear 190-proof alcohol on store shelves in California. This is due to a law that prevents the retail sale of undenatured alcohol that is an alcoholic beverage with more than 60% alcohol by volume (120 proof).
Everclear, widely recognized as a term for "high-proof alcohol," is frequently searched for by thousands in California who require it for various non-beverage applications. It is often used for creating herbal tinctures, extracts, organic food coloring, concentrates, edible decorations, perfumes, body products, room sprays, disinfectants, sanitizers, and other craft-related applications.
While it is illegal to sell Everclear 190-proof in California stores, some individuals have reported purchasing it online or having it shipped from other states where it is legal. However, it is important to note that the sale, possession, and consumption of Everclear 190-proof alcohol without a prescription are prohibited in California.
As an alternative to Everclear, some stores in California may carry other high-proof alcohol options, such as Gem Clear (190 proof), Potters rum (151 proof), or Polmus Spirytus vodka (192 proof). These alternatives may be available at select liquor stores or specialty retailers, but their availability can vary by location within the state.
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200 proof food grade ethanol can be purchased online and shipped to California
California state laws prohibit the retail sale of undenatured alcohol that is an alcoholic beverage with more than 60% alcohol by volume (120 proof) without a prescription. Alcoholic beverages that are not simply alcohol may be sold even if the alcohol by volume exceeds 120 proof. This includes beverages such as rum or whiskey.
However, 200-proof food-grade ethanol can be purchased online and shipped to California. CulinarySolvent.com and SimpleSolvents.com are two websites that offer this product. Culinary Solvent ships its ethanol from its distillery in Maine to California via FedEx Ground service. Simple Solvents also provides tracking information and has an average order fulfilment timeframe of 1-3 days.
It is important to note that California requires an adult signature at reception for the delivery of food-grade ethanol. Additionally, due to Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, all orders of food-grade ethanol must be shipped via ground service only. Therefore, it is recommended to research the regulations of your local area before ordering.
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Some Total Wine stores in California carry Gem Clear, which is 190 proof
In California, the retail sale of undenatured alcohol that exceeds 60% alcohol by volume (equivalent to 120 proof) is prohibited without a prescription. Alcoholic beverages that are not considered pure alcohol may be sold at retail even if their alcohol content exceeds 60%. This includes beverages such as rum or whiskey.
As an alternative, some residents of California opt to purchase high-proof alcohol from neighbouring states, such as Nevada. One resident of California mentions that they requested a friend who was driving to Las Vegas to bring them a 1.75-litre bottle of 190-proof neutral grain spirit, which cost around $40. Another resident mentions that they found 192-proof Polmus Spirytus vodka at a liquor store in Beverly Hills, California, for $30 per 750ml bottle.
It is important to note that California laws do permit the sale of undenatured ethanol with more than 120 proof for use in extractions and processing operations. This product can be purchased online from websites such as CulinarySolvent.com and extractohol.com.
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Polmus Spirytus vodka, 192 proof, is available at Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine
In California, the retail sale of undenatured alcohol that exceeds 60% ABV (120 proof) is prohibited without a prescription. Alcoholic beverages such as rum, whiskey, and others that have an ABV of more than 60% but are not simply alcohol, may still be sold at retail.
Polmus Spirytus vodka, with an ABV of 96% (192 proof), is available at Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine, located at 8318 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, at San Vicente and Wilshire. It is an ultra-high-proof neutral grain spirit produced and bottled in Poland. It is highly purified, nearly flavourless, and primarily used for crafting homemade liqueurs, extracts, and herbal tinctures. It is also used in laboratory applications and has a high level of chemical clarity, with a gentle smell and taste.
Polmus Spirytus is made from raw materials grown and processed exclusively in Poland and is often used to prepare homemade fruit and herbal liqueurs, vodkas, cakes, and even for medical purposes. It is also known as Spirytus Rektyfikowany and is widely used in liqueur-making and industrial applications. This spirit is frequently searched for terms like "Polish grain alcohol", "Spirytus ethanol", and "neutral grain spirit 96%".
Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine is trying to clear out their last 5-6 bottles of Polmus Spirytus, which are kept in the back and not on the shelves, so customers must ask for them. The price of a 750ml bottle is around $30.
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Frequently asked questions
The highest proof alcohol that is legal in California is 120 proof (60% ABV).
The highest proof alcohol that can be sold in stores in California is 120 proof. However, there are some exceptions for certain types of alcohol, such as whiskey and rum, which can be sold at higher proofs.
High-proof alcohol can be purchased online from websites like CulinarySolvent.com and extractohol.com, or in-store from specific liquor stores, such as Jon's on Santa Monica and Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine.
