🥃 Everclear 190 Proof
Everclear 190 Proof is the strongest Everclear line: a neutral grain spirit at about 95% ABV, called the strongest alcohol legally sold in the US. Sales are restricted or banned in some states. A base for infusions, not a drink.
Why is Everclear 190 banned in some states? Because it is the strongest line of the brand: a neutral grain spirit at about 95% ABV (190 proof). Tasting Table calls it the strongest alcohol legally sold in the United States. It is a base for infusions and dilution, not a finished drink. Sales are restricted or banned in some states.
According to Tasting Table, the base is corn, distilled repeatedly to a neutral spirit; VinePair adds that other materials can also be used. Under the rule 27 CFR § 5.142, a neutral spirit is distilled to at least 95% ABV and bottled at no less than 40% ABV. Luxco offers this line in bottles from 50 ml to 1.75 litres. It is flammable, and the FAA classes it as hazardous cargo.
Why this matters to you. The 190 proof differs from vodka in strength: vodka in the EU starts at 37.5% ABV, while this is more than twice that. For weaker versions see Everclear 151 Proof and Everclear 120 Proof. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol.
Facts
| Legal basis | USA: 27 CFR § 5.142 (neutral spirits: distilled to at least 95% ABV, bottled at no less than 40% ABV) |
|---|---|
| Raw material | corn (per Tasting Table) |
| Distillation method | repeated, to a neutral grain spirit |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 190 proof, about 95% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Everclear 190 Proof → kind of → 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it contains
- 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Everclear, 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits
- Related to
- 🌍 North America
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Everclear 120 Proof, 🥃 Everclear 151 Proof, 🥃 Everclear 120 Proof, 🥃 Everclear 151 Proof, 🍸 Vodka
Frequently asked questions
Is Everclear 190 banned in all US states?
No. According to the sources it is restricted or banned in only some states: VinePair counts 14, Tasting Table 16, and The New York Times, cited by VinePair, 11.
Which weaker Everclear can I buy where 190 is not sold?
VinePair names the 151 proof version as the legal option in states that ban 190. The 120 proof version is weaker still.
What does 190 proof on an American bottle mean in percent?
In the US the proof is twice the percentage, so 190 proof is about 95% ABV.
What counts as a neutral spirit under US federal rules?
27 CFR § 5.142: distilled at or above 95% ABV and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.
Why does the FAA treat Everclear as hazardous cargo?
Because it is highly flammable at this strength, according to Tasting Table.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🌍 North America — US and Canada: 9.5 million US cows gave 232 billion lb of milk (2025); Wisconsin makes a quarter of US cheese; Canada runs on dairy quotas.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky — Grain in the name of American whiskey: bourbon is at least 51% corn, rye at least 51% rye, corn whiskey at least 80% corn. 'Straight' means at least two years in the barrel.
Similar
🥃 Everclear 120 Proof · 🥃 Everclear 151 Proof · 🥃 Crystal Head Original · 🥃 Belvedere 10 · 🥃 Belvedere Organic Vodka · 🥃 Belvedere Single Estate Rye
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Luxco: Everclear Alcohol 190 Proof (750 ml, 1 l, 1,75 l, 50 ml)
- VinePair: Everclear guide (190 and 151 proof; 151 as the legal option in states that ban 190; uses; states)
- Tasting Table: the strongest alcohol legally sold in the US (190/151/120 proof, 95 % ABV, repeated distillation of corn, fire hazard, state bans)
- 27 CFR § 5.142 (US): neutral spirits or alcohol — distilled at or above 95 % ABV, bottled at not less than 40 % ABV
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)