What is pure fermentation alcohol?

[umgowa997]

Everyone knows that Speick is a great product. They always brag about the fact that it is made with "pure fermentation alcohol." My question is this: What is Pure fermentation alcohol and how is it different from regular alcohol? Secondly, what benefit is there for me in using pure fermentation alcohol? Why is it apparently better than regular alcohol?

 

[gollum83]

It's ethanol. It's the same darn stuff that's in any other aftershave. Pure might indicate that it's not denatured like in other aftershaves, but I doubt it. Without some sort of denaturant it would have to be taxed as if it were an alcoholic beverage.

So in other words, it's not any different than what they use in other aftershaves. It's nothing more than marketing hype.

 

[baquah]

Without some sort of denaturant it would have to be taxed as if it were an alcoholic beverage.

Are you sure about the tax? Angostura bitters is 40% ABV, and is sold as a mixer (with regular sales tax applied); kids can buy it....you'll only drink it as an alcoholic beverage if you're *really* desperate.

 

[gollum83]

Are you sure about the tax? Angostura bitters is 40% ABV, and is sold as a mixer (with regular sales tax applied); kids can buy it....you'll only drink it as an alcoholic beverage if you're *really* desperate.

Yes, I am. You're right about Angostura bitters not being taxed as alcohol, but it's worth keeping in mind that many denaturants are bittering agents. Additionally, many jurisdictions will make exceptions on certain goods, but generally speaking it has to have some sort of use as a food additive, otherwise it gets taxed. Pure ethanol that's labeled for industrial use, for example, has to be denatured or otherwise it's subject to the same taxes as alcohol beverages. It's just how it is.

 

[goby]

Yes, I am. You're right about Angostura bitters not being taxed as alcohol, but it's worth keeping in mind that many denaturants are bittering agents. Additionally, many jurisdictions will make exceptions on certain goods, but generally speaking it has to have some sort of use as a food additive, otherwise it gets taxed. Pure ethanol that's labeled for industrial use, for example, has to be denatured or otherwise it's subject to the same taxes as alcohol beverages. It's just how it is.

Exactly, plus if it was not denatured you could drink it.

The denturant is not just bitter, it the bitterest thing on the whole planet. Only 1 part in 20,000 is enough to render it undrinkable.