🥃 Everclear
American neutral grain spirit brand owned by Luxco; the strongest version is 190 proof, about 95% ABV; 151 and 120 proof also exist; restricted in some states.
Everclear is the American neutral grain spirit that shows up in US state liquor laws more often than in cocktail books. It is a brand made by Luxco. Its best-known version is 190 proof, or about 95% ABV, which makes it one of the strongest alcoholic products sold freely in the United States. There are also 151 and 120 proof versions, and in some states sales of the strongest one are restricted or banned.
History. Luxco, called David Sherman Corporation until 2006, is a St. Louis company founded in 1958; it acquired the Everclear label in 1981. Sources disagree on when the drink first appeared: 1950 is given as the trademark registration date, yet products of that name are mentioned in publications from the 1920s and 1930s. The oldest grain alcohol of this type is often said to be Graves Grain Alcohol from 1860.
How it is made. According to Tasting Table, the strongest version is corn distilled many times into a neutral spirit; VinePair adds that potatoes or beets can also be used. Until 2018 the labels carried a flammability warning, which was removed after a redesign.
Rules. The number of states banning 190 proof differs between sources, from 11 to 16, because the lists are dated differently. Some states allow the strongest version only with a permit, and the FAA classes it as dangerous goods. The 151 and 120 proof versions are available far more widely, though some states set age and quantity limits on them too.
Why this matters to you. This is a neutral spirit, not a ready-to-drink product: it is meant for diluting and for making infusions, not for drinking neat. It is highly flammable, so keep it away from open flame. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | label with Luxco (David Sherman Corporation) since 1981; the date the drink first appeared is disputed (trademark registered 1950, earlier mentions exist) |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | USA: 27 CFR § 5.142 defines neutral spirits (distilled at 95% ABV or higher, bottled at no less than 40% ABV) |
| Raw material | corn (per Tasting Table); potatoes or beets are also possible in the industry |
| Distillation method | repeated, to a neutral grain spirit |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 190 proof is about 95% ABV; 151 proof is 75.5%; 120 proof is 60% |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Everclear → 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
- 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits
- Related to
- 🌍 North America
- Similar and different
- 🍸 Vodka, 🥃 Chopin, 🥃 Chopin, 🥃 Wyborowa, 🥃 Wyborowa
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Everclear 190 proof in my US state?
Not everywhere. The strongest version is restricted or banned in some states; sources count anywhere from 11 to 16. The 151 and 120 versions are sold more widely.
Why do American labels say proof when UK and EU ones do not?
In the US proof is the traditional scale, twice the ABV, so 151 proof means 75.5% ABV. UK and EU labels use % vol only.
What does US federal law call this kind of spirit?
27 CFR 5.142 defines neutral spirits as distilled at 95% ABV or higher and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.
Can you drink Everclear straight?
It is not meant for that. It is a neutral spirit for dilution and home infusions, and it is highly flammable.
Who makes Everclear?
Luxco of St. Louis, which acquired the label in 1981.
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.
- 🍸 Vodka — Vodka is a spirit drink made from agricultural ethyl alcohol: in the EU from 37.5% ABV with sugar up to 8 g/l; in the US 40% ABV (80 proof) or more, as neutral spirits.
- 🌍 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.
- 🥃 Wyborowa — Wyborowa is a Polish rye vodka brand from Poznań; history from 1823; 40% ABV (80 proof); first vodka with a registered international trademark (1927); owned by Pernod Ricard.
Similar
🥃 Belvedere · 🥃 Cîroc · 🥃 Finlandia · 🥃 Grey Goose · 🥃 Absolut · 🥃 Luksusowa
⚠️ 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.
What it includes
Sources
- VinePair: Everclear guide (Luxco/David Sherman, 190 and 151 proof, corn, 2018 label change, states, Graves Grain Alcohol 1860)
- 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)