Everclear alternatives
71
For the unintiated, Everclear is a brand of pure grain alcohol that has attracted much controversy over the years due to its high alcohol content. "Real" Everclear is 190 proof (95% alcohol) and is illegal in many states including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Washington, California, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Virginia and West Virginia.
There is a lower alcohol version of Everclear (aptly named Everclear 151), that is 151 proof and is available in California as well as several other states. It is the closest alternative. There 100 proof vodkas that are available. Absolut, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya, McCormick and Popov all make them.
Aside from grain alcohol, rum would be the liquor with the next highest alcohol content -- Bacardi 151 is commonly available.
Other high-alcohol liquors include:
- Absinthe (130 proof)
- Mezcal (110 proof)
- Southern Comfort 100 (100 proof)
- St. Vincent Rum (169 proof)
- Stroh Rum (160 proof)
- Wild Turkey 101 (101 proof)
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon (108 proof)
Some of the small hand-crafted bourbons can get up there as far as alcohol content goes, too. Generally speaking, rums and bourbons have higher alcohol contents than many other liquors. If you're looking for a substitute for grain alcohol, your best bet would be seeking out 100 proof vodkas.
Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
Comments
Everything I read said you SHOULD be able to get the Everclear 151 in California, but if you find out differently, will you let me know so I can update this? I don't think you can buy it in NY anymore (at least I know we can't order it at our store).
I *was* able to buy it! About $30 at BevMo (Beverages & More) here in Oakland. Thank you for the tip - I was able to call ahead and reserve a bottle!
Carol,If I want to make a liqueur (limoncello) that calls for starting with 160 proof grain alcohol and can't get it, what might your suggestion be? I live in NYC. Thanks.
I live in Pennsylvania and the state run liquor stores here confuse me. When I ask for the location of the 150 proof everclear, I'm told it's illegal. I'm willingly sold 151, however. I feel like I've seen the 150 proof everclear for sale here, but that the brains of the liquor store clerks turn off when they hear "everclear" and they just tell me there's no such thing in this state.
I live in Pennsylvania and the state run liquor stores here confuse me. When I ask for the location of the 150 proof everclear, I'm told it's illegal. I'm willingly sold 151, however. I feel like I've seen the 150 proof everclear for sale here, but that the brains of the liquor store clerks turn off when they hear "everclear" and they just tell me there's no such thing in this state.
working
livelonger says:
12 months ago
Thank you Carol. At least the 151 proof version is available. It's better than nothing, but it's bizarre that Bacardi 151 basically set the upper bar for alcohol content. Sounds like a lawmaker had a penchant for the stuff...