190 proof everclear®
Provides 95% alcohol by volume with negligible carbohydrates, proteins, or fats; contains no vitamins or minerals of significance. As with all spirits, consumption should be strictly moderated due to the extreme alcohol concentration.
About
Everclear® is a brand of neutral grain spirit produced by the American company Luxco (formerly known as David Sherman Corporation), first introduced in 1926. It is an unaged, distilled spirit derived from grain (primarily corn) with minimal flavoring compounds, achieving an exceptionally high alcohol by volume (ABV) content. The 190-proof variant contains 95% ABV, making it one of the strongest commercially available spirits in the United States. The spirit undergoes multiple distillation processes to achieve its characteristic clarity and neutral taste profile, with virtually no congeners or aged character.
Everclear® is produced through continuous distillation of fermented grain mash, followed by multiple rectification stages to remove impurities and achieve maximum purity. Its neutral grain flavor, lack of color, and minimal phenolic compounds distinguish it from aged spirits or flavored grain alcohols. The product is legally classified as a grain alcohol in the U.S. and is marketed primarily for mixing, infusing, and food preparation rather than consumption as a standalone spirit.
Culinary Uses
In culinary applications, 190-proof Everclear® serves primarily as a solvent and extraction vehicle rather than a sipping spirit. It is used for producing fruit infusions, homemade liqueurs, tinctures, and flavored spirits by steeping botanical materials, fruits, and herbs—its high alcohol content rapidly extracts and preserves flavor compounds while preventing microbial spoilage. In baking and desserts, it is occasionally used in flambéed dishes, though its extreme flammability requires careful handling.
The spirit's neutral character makes it suitable for clarifying broths through fat absorption and for extracting essential oils from plant materials in molecular gastronomy. Some distillers employ it as a base for creating house-made cordials and digestifs. Due to its high proof, it is typically diluted significantly before consumption or used in measured quantities in culinary applications. Its use in home food preservation and extraction has made it popular among foragers and artisanal food producers.