As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer regarding the legality of buying Everclear in the United States and Canada. Everclear, known for its high alcohol content, is only legally available for sale in three specific locations: the U.S. states of Rhode Island and Texas, and the Canadian province of Alberta.
1. Rhode Island:
In Rhode Island, the sale of Everclear is legal, specifically the 195-proof (97.5% alcohol by volume) variety. This makes Rhode Island unique among the other states in the U.S. where Everclear is not readily available. Personal experiences in Rhode Island have shown that Everclear is often used in creating potent cocktails or as a base for homemade liqueurs.
2. Texas:
Similarly, Everclear is legal and can be purchased in Texas. Texans have the privilege of enjoying the highest proof of Everclear, making it a popular choice for those seeking a strong alcoholic punch. In my brewing experiences, I have come across Texans who use Everclear in their homemade infusions and tinctures, as well as in creating unique cocktails.
3. Alberta, Canada:
Moving north to Canada, Everclear is also legal to purchase in the province of Alberta. Alberta's liquor laws differ from other Canadian provinces, allowing for the sale of high-proof spirits like Everclear. This availability has led to its usage in various mixology experiments and culinary applications.
It is important to note that in the rest of the United States and Canada, Everclear with such high alcohol content is not legally sold. Everclear products available in other states or Canadian provinces typically have lower alcohol percentages, such as 151-proof (75.5% alcohol by volume). These variations are commonly used in cocktails and as a base for homemade liqueurs, but they do not reach the same potency as the 195-proof variety.
Only Rhode Island and Texas in the United States, along with Alberta in Canada, permit the legal sale of Everclear with a 195-proof or 97.5% alcohol content. The availability of Everclear in these regions has sparked creativity among mixologists, brewers, and cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with high-proof spirits.