[quote=Hikin_Jim][quote=IzzyJG99] In any event, my preference is 190-proof Everclear, but it's so darn expensive. . . .
In my area, a .750 liter bottle of Everclear runs about $13.79 or about 54 cents per fluid ounce plus tax. Several years ago I found a much cheaper 95% alcohol substitute at a local liquor store. It is called "Diesel" and is made by Brass Bull Co. It usually costs about $10.49 for a full (one) liter bottle — or about 31 cents per fluid ounce (plus tax). If you’re like me, you’ll find the savings can really add up. (For some reason, my state will not allow Everclear to be sold in any size larger than .75 liters and Diesel cannot be sold in any size greater than 1.00 liter. In other words, the most cost efficient size of either, being the 1.75 liter size, is banned statewide.
Everclear and Diesel are both precisely 190 proof and both made from grain. Diesel's made in Frankfort and Everclear is made just down the road (I-64) in St. Louis.
On the trail I generally keep it in my Trangia 500ml bottle or my 1,000ml bottle or sometimes I start with both full, depending on the expedition’s conditions and duration. On the trail it goes well with most any juice mix. However, I prefer it with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice - sometimes grocery’s can be found right off the trail. (The ultimate mixer of all time is carrot juice, but that’s usually impossible to obtain on the trail.)
I really like multi-use items tucked in my otherwise light satchel. Either of these neutral spirits would be helpful if, god forbid, an amputation was necessary in a remote area of the wildernism — and there was no other alternative. [Remember the makeshift (union) hospital scene in the 1959 movie called The Horse Soldiers w/John Wayne? My cousin was an extra in that movie, but I’ll save that story for another day.] Some say that Diesel comes on slower but hits harder than Everclear, but in any case I’ve found the end result is the same. Trust me, you’ll sleep soundly all night with either. Diesel and Everclear cook exactly the same, obviously produce the same amount of BTUs at the same burn rate (regardless of the barometric pressure, wind speed, humidity and temperature), burn remarkably clean, are environmentally friendly, and there is absolutely no discern-able difference between them as to how long they take to boil water using Trangia burners.
In summary, if the cost of Everclear is a major issue as, previously mentioned, it was with me, find reliable sources for Diesel in your community and without delay. You’re savings will really add up, and how! Note: Diesel’s usually kept on the bottom shelf (or sometimes you have to ask the sales clerk for it because they may keep it under the checkout counter). When its out for all the world to see, its usually kept on the economy clear spirits isle, for instance between the gin and vodka.
Thanks for all the MSDS info. I've seen them before, but not all nicely collected up like that.