Updated, May 2024.
High-proof alcohol sales for beverage purposes, including Everclear®brand 190-proof, is currently banned in15 states, making online purchase illegal in those state. The US states where Everclear is illegal comprises California, Florida,Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
Why is Everclear Illegal in Only Some States?
When Prohibition ended in 1933, states individually crafted their regulations regarding the sale and consumption of ethyl alcohol. As a result, each state now has its own unique set of rules, laws, departments, statutes, and regulations governing ethyl alcohol sale and consumption for both beverage and non-beverage uses.
In the United States, the specifics of alcohol regulation—defining what activities and substances are covered, regulated, prohibited, permitted, or allowable—vary significantly from state to state. Differences in language, legal rationale, rules, commission votes, and other legal directives determine whether a high-proof alcohol product like Everclear is illegal or allowed in each specific state. See the list of states below for more information on individual state rules and regulations.
Many States that Ban Everclear Specifically Allow Pure Food Grade Ethanol for "Non-Beverage" Applications.
Fact: Pure ethyl alcohol, also known as "food grade ethanol", is incredibly useful in a wide scope of commercial processes and industrial applications.
Accordingly, almost every state in the United States has specific rules regarding the sale and import of pure alcohol for "non-beverage" purposes. These rules may define legality based on the properties of the alcohol (e.g., not less than 190 proof) or by its allowable uses (e.g., toiletries, perfumes, body products, commercial processing, medicinal preparations, educational, and institutional use). If you live in a state that prohibits Everclear from being sold on store shelves, there is a good chance your state allows 200 proof food grade ethanol, provided it is not used for beverage purposes.
What is a for-beverage purpose?
A "for-beverage" purpose is considered by the TTB as 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, co*cktail 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, 100% ABV), purity (0% water, zero additives), and packaging sizes exceeding 1.75 liters, including bulk jugs and 55-gallon drums. Food grade ethanol is an ideal substitute for Everclear 190 proof, while adhering to the rules and regulations governing alcohol sale and shipment within your home state.
How to Buy Food Grade Ethanol in Where Everclear is Illegal.
Most states where Everclear is illegal to buy online or in local stores, simultaneously offer specific rules language and protections guaranteeing access to pure ethyl alcohol for non-beverage purposes. Click the name of your state below to learn more about how to buy pure 200 proof food grade ethanol if you can't find Everclear near you.
- California
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Washington State
- Virginia(Available at government stores with permit)
I did say most....
If you 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 outdates laws!
Is Culinary Solvent the Same as Everclear?
Both Culinary Solvent and Everclear are pure, ethyl alcohol products, but the similarities end there. Read our detailed explanation on how these two brands of pure food grade alcohol differ.
Everclear® is a registered trademark of Luxco, Inc. and is not affiliated with Culinary Solvent or The Northern Maine Distilling Company.
