What Is Grain Alcohol?
If you’re looking to launch a spirits brand, grain alcohol is an ideal place to start—and Sasma is here to help. We supply high-quality grain alcohol that delivers exceptional purity at competitive prices. Curious about the grains we use? Read on to learn more.
How Is Grain Alcohol Made?
Creating neutral grain spirits requires multiple distillations, leading to a highly concentrated, clear, and odorless alcohol. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Step One–Selecting the Raw Material: The first step is choosing the type of natural grain to be fermented and distilled. Common grains used in neutral grain spirit production include corn, rye, wheat, barley, and rice.
- Step Two–Fermentation: Once the grain is selected, it undergoes fermentation—a biological process where sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yeast plays a key role in this stage, acting as the catalyst that breaks down sugars and transforms them into ethanol and other byproducts.
- Step Three–Distillation: After fermentation, the liquid is distilled to separate the alcohol from the water and impurities. Distillation involves heating the fermented mixture until the alcohol (which has a lower boiling point than water) evaporates. The alcohol vapor is then cooled and condensed into liquid form, resulting in a highly concentrated spirit.
The Use And Application Of Grain Alcohol
The applications of grain alcohol are varied. It can be used to redistill gin. Apart from gin, it has numerous industrial uses. Neutral Alcohol 96% derived from grain is utilized in various sectors, including the pharmaceutical and medical industries, the cosmetic industry, and the food and beverage sector. Within the food industry, it is employed in sweeteners, liqueur-infused bonbons, vinegar, and vanilla extract. In beverages, it can be used to produce vodka and matured for making limoncello. Grain Alcohol can also be used in commercial and industrial applications such as hand sanitizer production, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Contact Our Sales Team
Sasma can supply you with a variety of packaging types when it comes to grain alcohol. We offer grain alcohol in bulk in 1000-liter IBC containers and ISO tanks of 25.000 liters. When you contact [email protected]m, we will provide more information about our packaging and pricing. As one of the world’s largest independently owned suppliers of bulk premium alcohol and spirits, we have an extensive network of premium alcohol distilleries worldwide. Therefore, we can source raw materials and various grades of alcohol from all over the world at the most competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Grain alcohol, known as grain neutral spirit (GNS), is a high-proof alcohol distilled from fermented grains. It’s a versatile base used in the production of various spirits:
- Vodka: Derived from wheat or corn, vodka utilizes grain alcohol as its base. The neutral flavor profile of grain alcohol contributes to vodka’s characteristic clean and smooth taste.
- Gin: Production often starts with grain alcohol, which is then redistilled with botanicals, primarily juniper berries, to impart its distinct flavor. Grain alcohol ensures a neutral foundation that allows the botanical flavors to shine.
- Rum: This spirit is traditionally made from sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice. Therefore, rum is not considered a grain alcohol.
Distilled grain alcohol is generally considered gluten-free, even when produced from gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, or barley. The distillation process effectively removes proteins, including gluten, resulting in a product safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities. At Sasma, we maintain the highest standards in quality and compliance.
Grain alcohol is known for its high alcohol content. It is typically distilled to a high proof, usually between 190-192 proof (95-96% alcohol by volume). This high potency makes grain alcohol suitable for use as a base in various spirits and industrial applications.