Grain alcohol
Grain neutral spirit (GNS)
Nedstar is your supplier of choice of premium grain alcohol, also called neutral grain spirit. With our global supply of the highest purity ethanol, we can deliver products from various agricultural origins, tailored to your product needs and regional regulations.
What is grain alcohol?
Grain alcohol is ethanol made from the starch of grain crops such as wheat, corn, rye, barley, and rice. High-purity ethanol made from grains is often called neutral grain spirit, or neutral spirit, due to its high alcohol content of > 96% ABV / 192 proof. As an extra neutral alcohol, grain ethanol can be used across a broad range of applications in the food and non-food sectors.
Alcohol made from grain
Specs & certifications
64-17-5
C2H6O
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Applications of grain alcohol
Depending on its alcohol volume, grain alcohol can be used either directly in food and beverage products or as an element in non-food products. Neutral grain spirit with an ABV of more than 96% is a popular ingredient in industries where cleaning and disinfecting properties are of highest importance, for example cleaning products, hand sanitisers, and pharmaceuticals. In the food sector, alcohol made out of grain plays a crucial role in giving traditional flavours to spirits such as whiskey and gin.
Understanding the nuances of each grain's characteristics and how they contribute to the final product is key to selecting the perfect grain for your ethanol applications.
Other grain spirit products Nedstar offers
Organic alcohol
High-quality alcohol from grains, ideal for applications in beverages and food, but also suitable for non-food products.
Whiskey
From Scotch to Bourbon, our whiskey delivers rich, complex flavours that make it the cornerstone of premium blends and refined beverage creations.
Gin
Crafted from high-quality neutral alcohol and infused with botanicals, gin offers a crisp, aromatic base ideal for premium spirits and flavour innovations.
Grain compared to other raw materials
Next to grain, ethanol can be won out of the sugar or starch of other raw materials; an example of another popular raw material is sugarcane.
Bulk spirits
In the beverage industry, traditions and spirit types determine whether grain or another raw material is used as the spirit base.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics and personal care products usually prefer high-quality wheat alcohol, while industrial sectors may use ethanol from various raw material origins.
Quality marks and certifications
Our grain alcohol is always REACH and ECHA Art. 95 certified. In addition, the product can also be certified as Kosher, Cosmos-approved or GMO-free.

Reach
REACH provides guidelines for gathering and evaluating data about the characteristics and risks associated with various chemicals.

GMO-free
GMO-free (Genetically Modified Organism) certification indicating products do not contain genetically modified organisms.

EU organic
The EU organic certificate stands as a testament to the commitment of agricultural and industrial entities toward sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.

USDA-NOP
The USDA Organic certification (USDA-NOP) sets and enforces U.S. standards for organic products, ensuring integrity and consistency since 2002.
Denaturant options
If you do not use neutral grain alcohol for food and beverage grade products, we can denature it for you. In that case, the product will be exempt from excise duty. You can choose from a variety of denaturing agents that fit your regional regulations.
Get your grain alcohol from Nedstar
As your reliable, tailored ethanol and bulk spirit supplier, Nedstar has a large network of neutral grain spirit producers that enables us to source any type of grain alcohol from your preferred region.
Nedstar's commitment to the highest quality standard also translates into our grain neutral spirit. Choose from our wide selection of grains, including wheat, rye, and more, to tailor to your taste preferences, budget and regional availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grain alcohol (grain neutral spirit)?
Grain alcohol, also known as neutral grain spirit (GNS), is ethanol produced from the starch of grain crops such as wheat, corn, rye, barley and rice. It is typically a very high-purity alcohol (> 96% ABV / 192 proof) and is used across both food and non-food applications.
How is grain alcohol made?
Grain alcohol is produced through a multi-step process involving fermentation, distillation, and rectification. First, starches from grains are converted into sugars using enzymes. These sugars are then fermented by yeast to create ethanol. The resulting liquid undergoes multiple distillations to reach a purity level of over 96%. Finally, rectification removes any remaining impurities, yielding a neutral, odourless, and colourless spirit suitable for both food and technical use.
What are the main applications of grain alcohol?
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Food & beverage: Used as a base for spirits such as gin, vodka, and whiskey.
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Non-food: Applied in cosmetics, hand sanitisers, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products requiring high-purity ethanol.
How does grain alcohol compare to ethanol made from other raw materials?
The choice of feedstock influences flavour, aroma, sustainability profile, and pricing. For instance, beverage producers may prefer grain alcohol for its neutral character, while industries focused on renewable sourcing may favour sugarcane-based ethanol.
What packaging and logistics options are available for bulk orders?
Nedstar supplies grain alcohol in various bulk formats, including ISO tanks (≈ 25,000 L), tank-trucks (≈ 35,000 L), and barge or vessel shipments. All deliveries are handled with strict quality assurance to ensure safe and timely transport worldwide.
Are you interested in our grain alcohol?
Get in touch with our commercial team and get your tailored offer.

