Potable neutral spirits: SALCO is your strategic partner

Neutral alcohol (also known as neutral spirit, rectified alcohol, potable alcohol or ethyl alcohol) is a neutral-tasting alcohol used in a plethora of sectors. Potable alcohol is obtained by distilling a mash from agricultural raw materials.

The ethyl alcohol we sell consists of pure ethanol and does not contain any additives. It has an alcohol content of 96% alcohol by volume, has an unlimited shelf life and is always in stock.

Grain neutral spirits (GNS) are a type of neutral alcohol derived from grains such as corn, barley, wheat, or rye. These spirits are produced through a distillation process that involves fermenting a mash made from grains, followed by distillation to remove impurities and highly concentrate the alcohol content.

Due to their neutral flavour profile, grain neutral spirits provide a clean canvas for distillers and blenders to create a wide range of spirits with distinct flavour profiles. At SALCO, we offer bulk grain neutral spirits sourced from certified production plants, ensuring the highest quality and purity for our customers' manufacturing needs.

Neutral spirit for beverages is typically made through a multi-step process:

• Fermentation: The process begins with the fermentation of a mash made from agricultural origins such as grains, fruits, potatoes, or sugar cane. Yeast is added to the mash, which converts the sugars into alcohol through fermentation. This produces a low-alcohol liquid.
• Distillation: The wash is then subjected to distillation, a process that involves heating the liquid to separate alcohol from water and other impurities based on their different boiling points. In a pot still or column still, the alcohol vapor rises and is collected, leaving behind most of the water and undesirable compounds. This initial distillation produces a high-proof alcohol.
• Rectification: Next, the alcohol undergoes further distillation, often multiple times, to increase its purity and remove any remaining impurities. This process, known as rectification, typically involves using column stills to achieve higher levels of alcohol concentration and neutrality. The resulting product is known as neutral spirit or rectified spirit, which has a very high alcohol content, usually around 95% to 96% ABV.
• Final Adjustments: Depending on the desired characteristics of the final product, the neutral spirit may undergo additional processing or adjustments. This can include dilution with water to achieve the desired alcohol content, blending with other spirits or flavourings to create specific profiles (e.g., vodka, gin), and filtration to remove any remaining impurities or flavours.

As the name suggests, neutral spirits are the base product for producing vodka, gin, liqueurs, schnapps and other alcohols. Many types of vinegar are based on neutral alcohol.

Yes, neutral alcohol serves a variety of industrial purposes beyond beverage production. It is commonly utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent for medications and in the production of medical disinfectants. It is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of cosmetics, perfumes, and personal care products. Furthermore, neutral alcohol finds application in the making of household cleaning products, as well as in the formulation of flavour extracts and food additives.

However, for tax purposes and to prevent human consumption it is common to use denatured industrial alcohol for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. SALCO also provides industrial ethanol tailored to meet the specific needs of our industrial customers, ensuring quality and compliance with relevant regulations.

The quality of neutral alcohol plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics and overall quality of the final product. High-quality neutral spirits, characterized by their purity and lack of impurities, ensure consistency in flavour, aroma, and texture in the products they are used for.

Moreover, the quality of neutral spirits can influence the shelf life and stability of the end product. Pure, high-grade neutral alcohol with consistent alcohol content helps to preserve the integrity of the product over time, reducing the risk of spoilage or degradation.

At SALCO, we prioritize sourcing neutral spirits from certified production plants that adhere to stringent quality standards, ensuring that our customers receive only the finest-grade alcohol, free from additives, for their manufacturing needs.