Rectified spirit, also known as neutral spirits, rectified alcohol, or ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin is highly concentrated ethanol that has been purified by means of repeated distillation in a process called rectification. In some countries, denatured alcohol or denatured rectified spirit may commonly be available as "rectified spirit". In its undiluted form, it contains at least 55% alcohol by volume in the European Union. The purity of rectified spirit has a practical limit of 95% ABV when produced using conventional distillation processes, as a mixture of ethanol and water becomes a minimum-boiling azeotrope at this concentration. Rectified spirit is typically distilled in continuous multi-column stills at 96–96.5% ABV and diluted as necessary. Neutral spirits can be produced from grains, corn, grapes, sugar beets, sugarcane, tubers, or other fermented plant materials. In particular, large quantities of neutral alcohol are distilled from wine. A product made from grain is "grain neutral spirit", while a spirit made from grapes is called "grape neutral spirit" or "vinous alcohol". These terms are commonly abbreviated as either GNS or NGS. Neutral spirits are used in the production of blended whisky, cut brandy, some liqueurs, and some bitters. As a consumer product, it is almost always mixed with other beverages to create drinks like alcoholic punch or Jello shots or is sometimes added to cocktails in place of vodka or rum. It is also used to make homemade liqueurs, such as limoncello or cassis, and in cooking because its high concentration of alcohol acts as a solvent to extract flavors. Rectified spirits are also used for medicinal tinctures and as a household solvent. It is sometimes consumed undiluted; however because the alcohol is very high proof, overconsumption can cause alcohol poisoning more quickly than more traditional distilled spirits.
Regional
Poland
Spirytus Rektyfikowany made by Polmos is the iconic brand with 95% ABV.
United States
Neutral spirit is legally defined as spirit distilled from any material distilled at or above 95% ABV and bottled at or above 40% ABV. When the term is used in an informal context rather than as a term of U.S. law, any distilled spirit of high alcohol purity that does not contain added flavoring may be referred to as neutral alcohol. Prominent brands of neutral spirits sold in the U.S. include:
Availability of neutral spirit for retail purchase varies between states. States where consumer sales of high-ABV neutral spirit are prohibited include California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and West Virginia. In Virginia, the purchase of neutral spirits requires a no-cost "Grain Alcohol Permit", issued "strictly for industrial, commercial, culinary or medicinal use". In 2017, Virginia approved the sale of up to 151 proof neutral spirits at its ABC stores without a permit. Pennsylvania sells 151 proof without a permit but requires one for 190 proof.
Canada
Global 94 %, a 94% ABV rectified spirit, is available in Quebec through SAQ.
Germany
In Germany, rectified spirit is generically called Primasprit or, more technically, Neutralalkohol. It is available in pharmacies, bigger supermarkets, and East European markets. In the former East Germany, it was available in regular stores. Primasprit is most often used for making homemade liqueurs; other types of use are rare. Most of the Primasprit produced in Germany is made from grain and is, therefore, a neutral grain spirit.
Norway
The import and sale of spirits containing more than 60% alcohol by volume is prohibited, so only weaker grain spirits are permitted.
Moonshine
is usually distilled to 40% ABV, and seldom above 66% based on 48 samples. However, ethanol can be dried to 95% ABV with a column of 3A molecular sieves.
