Where is the cheapest place to buy neutral grain spirit in Philadelphia?
March 1, 2011 12:45 AM   Subscribe

Where is the cheapest place to buy neutral grain spirit in Philadelphia?

I'm looking to make a chocolate liqueur. I know that the 190 proof stuff can't be purchased here, but I also can't seem to find 151 proof either. I can get it shipped to be from another state, but the price is prohibitive.
posted by dzkalman to Food & Drink (8 answers total)
 
Best answer: The PA LCB. Your nearest State Store. They sell Everclear.
posted by fixedgear at 1:17 AM on March 1, 2011


(Handy tip: the Golden Grain brand is literally the exact same stuff as Everclear.)
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 1:28 AM on March 1, 2011


If you can get on the Speed Line and go to Collingswood, I'm pretty sure I've seen the full-strength stuff for sale. You could make some calls and find out for sure. Might be easier to find in Camden, but it's probably worth a couple extra stops for your peace of mind.
posted by Mayor Curley at 5:17 AM on March 1, 2011


(Handy tip: the Golden Grain brand is literally the exact same stuff as Everclear.)
posted by Green Eyed Monster


They're both made by Luxco.
posted by StickyCarpet at 5:34 AM on March 1, 2011


The 190 proof version of Everclear grain alcohol (aka neutral grain spirits) is available, in stock, and on the shelf at even the worst State Store (e.g. the one in a strip mall near me). Golden Grain brand doesn't appear to be available in PA, although it may be available by special order (why bother?). No trip to NJ is necessary.
posted by fixedgear at 5:36 AM on March 1, 2011


Best answer: As someone who makes the best lemoncello that you ever tasted, which also starts with 190 proof Everclear, I would like to offer you a tip on making flavored spirits that was revolutionary for me. You really, really, want a Brita filter. The difference between unfiltered Everclear and Everclear run through a Brita filter a couple of times is the difference between drinking lava with a chemically aftertaste and drinking, well, tasteless fire. Since I learned the Brita filter trick, my flavored spirits have improved 1,000%. I'm told that this trick works pretty well with cheap vodka as well, but I think you are correct to seek out the more potent spirits for your beverage.

If you happen to live in a state that will not sell 190 proof grain and also live near a military base and are friends with anyone who is permitted to shop there, you will find that virtually every package store in the world carries the 190 proof stuff. I have a good friend who very happily exchanges a run to the package store to buy mass quantities of Everclear for a bottle of finished lemoncello.
posted by Lame_username at 6:02 AM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Best answer: The PA LCB. Your nearest State Store. They sell Everclear.

Apparently only one shop in Philadelphia county has 190-proof Everclear.
posted by The Michael The at 7:07 AM on March 1, 2011


If you're intending to make a chocolate liqueur, I'd recommend Lemon Hart 151. It's a very rich tasting rum, with high alcohol for the extraction.

I second the recommendation of using a Britta filter, if you go with Everclear or other 190proof grain alcohol.

A couple times this winter I've infused Aviation Gin with Madagascar cacao nibs (about 36-48hrs for best result). It's a very tasty, very dry, chocolate gin.
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 10:23 AM on March 1, 2011


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