Noah Vinter
Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a type of alcohol that is safe for human consumption. Tequila, liqueurs, fortified wine, and unfortified wine are some examples of alcoholic beverages with varying levels of alcohol content. While most alcoholic drinks have an alcohol content of around 80 to 100 proof, some specialty liquors have significantly higher proofs, such as Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the US with 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof). Everclear has gained notoriety for its extreme potency, with a reputation for causing rapid alcohol poisoning and posing a high risk of flammability, leading to several documented incidents of burn injuries and even explosions. Due to these dangers, Everclear's manufacturer, Luxco, has faced criticism and legal action. As a result, Everclear is now illegal to sell in several US states. Despite the risks associated with its high alcohol content, Everclear remains one of the most potent alcohols sold in America and was once named the Most Potent Potable by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1968.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Everclear |
| Manufacturer | Luxco |
| ABV | 95% |
| Proof | 190 |
| Ingredients | Grain |
| Flammability | High |
| Legality | Illegal in several US states |
| Safety concerns | Acute alcohol poisoning, sexual assaults, high flammability |
| Brand reputation | "Notorious reputation" |
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What You'll Learn
Everclear: a grain alcohol with 95% ABV
Everclear is an American-made grain alcohol with a staggering 95% ABV (190-proof). This makes it more than twice as potent as standard spirits. It is produced by Luxco, an American company, and has been iconic for decades. Its extreme potency has earned it a "notorious reputation" and it has been at the centre of several public safety controversies.
Everclear's extremely high alcohol content means it is highly flammable, with a flashpoint of approximately 14°C (57.2°F). When exposed to an open flame, it behaves like a commercial fire accelerant, causing violent explosions. There have been several incidents where Everclear bottles have turned into "makeshift flamethrowers", causing catastrophic burn injuries. Due to these risks, the 190-proof version of Everclear is illegal to sell in several US states, including California, Florida, and New York.
The extreme alcohol concentration of Everclear also presents a risk of rapid alcohol poisoning. Its high potency means that consuming a small amount can lead to a dangerously high blood alcohol content, which can be fatal. It has been implicated in cases of binge drinking and sexual assault on college campuses, with university officials warning that it is often consumed unknowingly in punches, leading to unintended intoxication.
Everclear's notoriety was solidified when the Guinness Book of World Records named it the "Most Potent Potable" in 1968. Its name has become synonymous with high-proof grain alcohol, even inspiring the name of an American rock band. While Everclear is infamous for its high alcohol content, it is not the strongest liquor in the world, with some spirits reaching 96% ABV.
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Golden Grain: a vodka with 95% ABV
Golden Grain is a vodka with 95% ABV, making it one of the strongest liquors in the world. With 190 proof, it is nearly identical in composition to Everclear, which is produced by the same manufacturer, Luxco. Golden Grain is a key ingredient in cocktails like The Screaming Purple Jesus and Instant Death. It is not meant to be consumed on its own due to the intense burning sensation it can produce. Instead, it is a great spirit for punches or for making homemade liqueurs and extracts.
Golden Grain is made from 100% neutral spirits distilled from grain. It is produced in the United States, specifically in St. Louis, Missouri. The extreme alcohol concentration of Golden Grain, similar to Everclear, presents dangers such as rapid alcohol poisoning and extreme flammability. Due to these risks, the sale of 190-proof grain spirits, including Golden Grain, has been banned in several U.S. states, including California, Florida, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Golden Grain has gained notoriety for its extreme potency, similar to Everclear, which was named the "Most Potent Potable" by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1968. The high alcohol content in Golden Grain can lead to a rapid and dangerously high blood alcohol content, potentially resulting in fatal alcohol poisoning. It is important to exercise caution and moderation when consuming Golden Grain or any other high-proof alcohol.
The manufacturer, Luxco, has faced criticism and legal action due to concerns related to deceptive marketing practices and the role of their products in public safety issues. Golden Grain, with its high alcohol content, is not suitable for consumption by minors or individuals with health conditions that may be exacerbated by alcohol. It is important to abide by local laws and regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and consumption of such high-proof alcoholic beverages.
Golden Grain, with its exceptionally high alcohol content, is a potent vodka that demands respect and responsible consumption. It is intended for creating mixed drinks and should not be consumed straight. The extreme potency of Golden Grain highlights the importance of responsible drinking and being mindful of the potential risks associated with high-proof alcohols.
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American whiskey: a bourbon with 59.9%+ ABV
When it comes to whiskey, bourbon is a type that is inherently tied to America, with a rich history and a dedicated following. While typical bourbon whiskeys tend to fall in the 40-50% ABV range, there are certainly more potent options available, with some pushing well beyond the 59.9% ABV mark. These higher-proof offerings provide a more intense sensory experience and are often sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
One notable example of a powerful bourbon is the George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey, which is part of the prestigious Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. This particular expression is renowned for its high proof, typically falling in the range of 60-70% ABV. Each year, the exact proof can vary slightly, with releases featuring ABVs such as 63.9%, 72.2%, and others exceeding 65%. This whiskey is aged for around 15 years, resulting in a complex flavour profile that balances oak, vanilla, dark chocolate, and caramel notes with a noticeable alcohol warmth.
Another exceptional bourbon that often exceeds 59.9% ABV is the Booker's Bourbon. This whiskey is unique in that each batch is bottled at its natural proof, straight from the barrel, with no dilution. As a result, the ABV tends to vary between batches, with recorded proofs falling between 60.5% and 65.3% ABV. Booker's Bourbon is known for its robust flavour, showcasing notes of oak, spice, and dark fruit, with a long and satisfying finish.
Additionally, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon is another heavyweight contender in the world of high-proof bourbons. This whiskey is bottled at barrel proof, meaning it is uncut and unfiltered, resulting in a robust ABV that typically exceeds 60%. Each batch of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offers nuanced variations in flavour, but consistently delivers a rich and intense sensory experience.
For those seeking an even more intense experience, there are limited editions and special releases from various distilleries that push the boundaries of ABV even further. These releases often feature barrel-proof whiskeys, with ABVs that can climb upwards of 65%.
When exploring these high-proof American whiskeys, it's important to approach them with a measure of respect and moderation. Their elevated ABV intensifies the overall drinking experience, enhancing the flavours and the alcohol's effects. As such, they are best savoured slowly, allowing their complex characteristics to unfold and be fully appreciated.
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Absinthe: a botanical vodka with 88.8% ABV
In the United States, the strongest liquor available for purchase is a Polish-made vodka called Spirytus Vodka, with 96% ABV. It is sold in the US under the name "Rectified Spirit". However, it is not the only liquor with such a high alcohol content. Everclear, a grain alcohol made in the US, has 95% ABV, and Absinthe, a botanical vodka, has 88.8% ABV.
Absinthe is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from several plants, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium, also known as grand wormwood, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. It is traditionally bottled at a high alcohol content, but it is usually diluted with water before consumption. The drink has a natural green colour, although it may also be colourless. It is often referred to as "the green fairy" in historical literature.
Absinthe has a long and controversial history. It was first created in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in the late 18th century by the French physician Pierre Ordinaire. Due to its high alcohol content and association with wormwood, absinthe has been banned in several countries, including the US, where it required a special permit for import and sale until 2013. The drink has also been surrounded by myths, with many believing it could induce hallucinations and inspire artistic behaviour, as seen in the famous Absinthe drinkers, such as Van Gogh.
Today, Absinthe is legal in most places, but it is still advised to consume it with caution. Due to its high alcohol content, it is not meant to be consumed like a typical vodka and should be diluted with water or used in cocktails. It is also important to purchase Absinthe from reputable sources, as some cheap imitations are made with herbal-infused grain alcohol and food dye, which can result in a terrible taste and a headache.
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Tequila: a South American beverage with 50-51% ABV
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant primarily in the Mexican state of Jalisco and, to a lesser extent, in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila's popularity has been on the rise in the United States, with the country being the largest buyer of Mexican tequila exports. In 2022, Jose Cuervo was the leading tequila brand in the United States, with about 5.07 million 9-liter cases sold, followed by Patron, with 2.8 million cases.
While most tequila sold in the United States has an alcohol content of around 40% ABV, some tequilas are available with higher alcohol contents. Codigo 1530 Still Strength, for example, has an ABV of 45%, while Tears of Llorona, an extra añejo tequila, has an ABV of 43%.
The highest legal alcohol content for retail tequila is 55% ABV (110 proof). Tapatio 110, a tequila with an ABV of 55%, stands out for its sweet peppery nose and palate of cream, plum, rock candy, and papaya. However, most 110-proof tequilas have unpalatable levels of alcohol.
It is important to note that liquors with extremely high alcohol content, such as Everclear (95% ABV) and Golden Grain (96% ABV), are not tequilas and are not intended to be consumed straight due to the intense burning sensation they can produce. These liquors are meant to be mixed or used as a base for creating other alcoholic drinks.
In conclusion, while tequila can be found with relatively high alcohol contents of up to 55% ABV in the United States, it is important to exercise caution when consuming these beverages, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative health consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
The most potent alcohol sold in the US is Everclear, a grain alcohol with 95% ABV (190-proof). It is more than twice as potent as standard spirits and is not meant to be consumed on its own.
The extreme alcohol concentration of Everclear presents two primary dangers: rapid alcohol poisoning and extreme flammability. Its high ethanol content causes it to behave like a commercial fire accelerant when exposed to an open flame, leading to violent explosions.
Golden Grain is another American spirit with a similarly high alcohol content to Everclear. It is meant to be mixed with other drinks and not consumed on its own.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), adults should not consume more than seven drinks per week. Excessive drinking can lead to short-term and long-term health problems, including memory loss, financial instability, reduced quality of life, worsening mental health, and liver damage.
