The Strongest Alcohol Legally Sold In The US Is Banned In These States - Tasting Table

"Here's a fun question: What's the most punishing liquor you can legally buy at your neighborhood liquor store? It's not vodka - not even commercial moonshine. The answer's Everclear. Shelved in a clear, unassuming bottle, this grain alcohol is so astronomically strong at 190-proof (or 95% alcohol) that it's a genuine fire hazard, considered by the Federal Aviation Administration as a type of hazardous material and, in many states, the sales of Everclear are outright banned."

"To run you through the basics of Everclear, the brand makes three versions. There's the 190-proof, then a 151-proof option, and finally, a 120-proof variety that's almost civilized by comparison. The 190-proof is essentially corn that's been distilled so many times that almost nothing remains except raw, unscented alcohol - a neutral grain spirit in its purest, most intimidating form. It's intimidating enough that, lawmakers in some states, won't even let people near the 190-proof version."

"California, Washington, Nevada, Hawaii, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Florida have all decided this particular product crosses a line - a total of 16 states. Nothing's simple with alcohol laws. Each state wrote its own rulebook after Prohibition ended in 1933, creating a patchwork of regulations that are more confusing than Everclear itself is strong."

Everclear is sold in three strengths: 190-proof (95% alcohol), 151-proof, and 120-proof. The 190-proof variety is essentially distilled corn reduced to raw, unscented alcohol and poses significant fire and safety hazards. The Federal Aviation Administration classifies it as a hazardous material. Sixteen states have banned sales of the 190-proof product, while other states impose varying restrictions such as age and quantity limits. State alcohol laws vary widely because each state established its own regulations after Prohibition, and some states permit 190-proof grain alcohol only for non-consumption purposes with a state-issued permit.

Read at Tasting Table