Where to buy Ethyl Alcohol

When looking to buy ethyl alcohol for mushroom extracts, it's important to find "food-grade" or "food-safe" ethanol. This is crucial because other types, like "denatured alcohol" or "industrial-grade ethanol," have toxic additives that make them unsafe for consumption.

Here's where you can typically find food-grade ethyl alcohol:

• Specialty liquor stores: Look for high-proof, neutral grain spirits. Products like Everclear (available in 190 proof/95% ABV in some areas) or other brands of pure grain alcohol are common choices. Organic cane alcohol is another excellent option, often favored by herbalists.

• Online suppliers: There are numerous online vendors that specialize in selling food-grade ethanol and other solvents for botanical extractions. These companies often offer a range of proofs and can ship directly to you, though you should always check your local regulations.

• Chemical supply companies: While many of these companies sell industrial or lab-grade ethanol, some also carry food-grade varieties. You'll need to specify that you need "food-grade" or "FCC grade" (Food Chemicals Codex) to ensure it's safe for your application.

• Distilleries: Some small-batch distilleries may sell high-proof, unflavored spirit directly to the public. This can be a great way to get a pure product and support a local business.

Important considerations:

• Legality: The sale of high-proof alcohol is regulated differently depending on your location. Some states or countries may have restrictions on the proof you can purchase or may not allow its sale at all. Always check your local laws before attempting to buy it.

• Purity: Ensure the product is explicitly labeled as "food-grade" or "non-denatured." Avoid anything labeled as "rubbing alcohol" (which is isopropyl alcohol and is toxic) or "denatured alcohol."

Proof: For the most effective extraction, especially in a dual-extraction process, a high-proof alcohol (190 proof or higher) is best.