Neutral grain spirit
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Neutral grain spirit (aka grain neutral spirit (GNS), pure grain alcohol, or corn liquor) is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid that is distilled from cereal grain and has a very high ethanol content. The term neutral refers to the fact that it lacks any flavor derived from the mash used to distill it, nor does it have any flavor added to it after distillation (as is done, for example, with gin). The grain from which it is produced can be any of the common cereal grains. Other kinds of spirits, such as whisky, are distilled at lower alcohol percentages in order to preserve the flavor of the mash. Generally, any spirit of 170 proof or higher is considered to be neutral. [1]
An important use of neutral grain spirits is in the production of blended whiskies. As consumer goods, they are almost always mixed with other beverages to create such drinks as punch and various cocktails.
Everclear and Gem Clear are two brands of neutral grain spirit that are sold in the United States.
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[edit] Availability in different markets
Because of the high alcohol content of pure grain alcohol, it is unavailable, illegal or difficult to find in some areas.
- In the US state of Virginia, while not illegal, grain alcohol lacking distinctive color, odor, and flavor is not sold at any liquor stores owned by the Commonwealth (compare, for example, that beverages such as Southern Comfort, a flavored liqueur using grain alcohol as its base, can be found). As the state has a self-legislated monopoly on the sale of hard liquors, independent liquor stores are illegal, and the product is thus mostly unavailable. In some cases, however, liquor stores on U.S. military bases in the state sell grain alcohol, and small quantities may be imported on one's person from nearby states.[2]
- In Continental Europe neutral grain spirit is unavailable under that name, but European rectified spirit is very often derived from grain, so it is in fact neutral grain spirit.
