Everclear is undeniably a very strong alcoholic beverage. With a proof of 190 (or 95% alcohol), it is one of the highest proof spirits available in the market. This exceptionally high alcohol content makes it significantly stronger than most other liquors, including vodka, rum, and whiskey.
As someone who has dabbled in the world of brewing and mixology, I can attest to the potency of Everclear. Its strength is not to be taken lightly, and consuming it on its own can lead to some rather unpleasant experiences. In fact, it is not recommended to drink Everclear straight, as it can cause severe burning sensations and can be extremely harsh on the throat and stomach.
Instead, Everclear is often used as a base for creating homemade liqueurs and infusions. Its high alcohol content makes it an excellent solvent for extracting flavors from various fruits, herbs, and spices. For example, it can be used to make limoncello, a traditional Italian lemon liqueur, by infusing lemon zest in Everclear and then diluting it with sugar syrup.
Personally, I have used Everclear in my own brewing experiments, particularly when making fruit-infused spirits. The high proof of Everclear allows for a quicker extraction of flavors from the fruits, resulting in a more vibrant and intense final product. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and use Everclear in moderation, as its strength can easily overpower the desired flavors if not carefully balanced.
One of the most notorious aspects of Everclear is its propensity to induce brutal hangovers. Due to its high alcohol content, consuming too much Everclear can lead to excessive dehydration, intensified by the lack of congeners present in the spirit. Congeners are byproducts of fermentation and aging that contribute to the taste and aroma of alcoholic beverages, but they also play a role in causing hangovers. Since Everclear is distilled to a high degree, it contains very few congeners, which can result in more severe hangover symptoms.
Everclear is indeed a very strong alcoholic beverage with a proof of 190. Its high alcohol content makes it unsuitable for consumption on its own, but it can be used as a base for creating flavored liqueurs and infusions. However, it is important to exercise caution when handling Everclear, as its potency can lead to harsh sensations and intense hangovers if not consumed responsibly.