What Is Grain Alcohol? Understanding the Risks

Grain alcohol is often the hidden danger at college parties and gatherings where punch is served from large containers. People ask, "Is it grain alcohol? I heard you can't smell or taste it." While drinking any unknown liquid is risky, grain alcohol elevates that risk significantly.

Though grain alcohol—sometimes sold as Everclear (among other brands)—is essentially strong alcohol, it has specific qualities that make it particularly hazardous. So what exactly is grain alcohol, what is it made from, and what is Everclear? Let's take a closer look.

What Is Grain Alcohol?

At its core, grain alcohol is a pure form of alcohol used to produce spirits like vodka or gin. It's created through a two-step process: fermentation and distillation.

How Is Grain Alcohol Made?

• Fermentation: This first step uses microorganisms, typically yeast, to consume sugars and convert them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. For grain alcohol, the sugars come from grains such as corn, wheat, barley, rice, oats, rye, quinoa, sorghum, and buckwheat.
• Distillation: After fermentation, the resulting mixture is distilled through heating and cooling to separate and purify the alcohol. Repeated distillation increases purity.

The Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) defines grain alcohol as a "neutral spirit," meaning it's odorless and colorless. However, its potency is far from neutral—it's extremely strong.

What Proof Is Grain Alcohol?

As a neutral spirit, grain alcohol is typically 190 proof, or 95% alcohol by volume (ABV). When bottled for consumption, it must be at least 40% ABV (80 proof).

What Is Grain Alcohol Used For?

Besides being a base for spirits like vodka and gin, grain alcohol has other uses:

• Topical antiseptic: Found in alcohol wipes, though it's usually denatured (made unfit for consumption) for medical use.
• Food preservation: Food-grade ethanol is used in tinctures, extracts (e.g., vanilla), and preserved fruits.
• Solvent in laboratories: Effective for dissolving organic compounds and cleaning lab equipment.

Is Grain Alcohol Dangerous?

Denatured alcohol, used in antiseptics and cleaners, is toxic and can be deadly if ingested. But what about consumable grain alcohol like Everclear?

According to the World Health Organization, no amount of alcohol is safe for health. Grain alcohol carries additional risks due to its high potency and lack of taste or smell.

Getting Clear About Everclear

Despite its clear appearance, Everclear is particularly risky. David Jernigan of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health states that its odorless, tasteless, and colorless nature, combined with high potency, makes it incredibly dangerous. It's easier to consume excessively, leading to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.

A 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that nearly half of college students drank alcohol, with about a third binge drinking in the past month. Those who binged were 36 times more likely to choose grain alcohol.

The Dangers of Everclear

• Nausea and vomiting
• Cognitive impairment and poor decision-making
• Accidents and injuries
• Increased risk of binge drinking
• Alcohol poisoning
• Dehydration and severe hangovers
• Long-term health issues like heart problems, liver damage, and brain damage

Beyond Everclear

Other grain alcohol brands include:

• Alcohol-95 (95% ABV)
• Golden Grain
• Clear Spring

All are highly potent despite their innocuous names.

Tips To Steer Clear of Grain Alcohol

• Be cautious with grain alcohol—it's much stronger than it appears.
• Evaluate your drinking habits. If you're drinking to get drunk, consider why.
• Watch your drink to avoid tampering.
• Plan ahead: decide what to drink, have an accountability buddy, and arrange safe transport.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, leave and seek help.
• Try mocktails as a safer alternative.

Remember, your health comes first. Don't feel pressured to drink, and Quitemate is here to support you with a community focused on health and well-being.

Stay Ever-Cautious

Grain alcohol is potent and risky due to its neutral characteristics. In February 2024, Utah banned the sale of beverages over 80% ABV, like Everclear, due to alcohol poisoning deaths. While legal in most states, it's wise to approach grain alcohol—and all alcohol—with caution.