Yes for those in the U.S. there are on-line sources for purchasing 190 - 200 proof grain alcohol but they can be a bit -expensive- due to the "special" Hazmat (
hazardous material), shipping fees mandated by the feds in addition to the "special" sin tax already imposed on all consumable alcohol. Also depends on which state you reside in, most states prohibit on-line purchases of a "controlled" revenue generating substance unless you obtain (
for a fee), a one-time special permit, full liquor license or trudge through some other bureaucratic paperwork riddled minefield.
Surprisingly, California has no regulations (
neither does my home state), which is a plus for you. A gallon of USP food grade
200 proof (
100% pure ethanol), costs just $53 but then add $27 federal excise (
sin), tax and $42 for Hazmat shipping so the total cost for one gallon is around $122 shipped......
http://www.kleenxtract.com/ They list 7 retail outlets in California, if one is near you it might save/reduce the shipping charges.... 190 proof PGA is locally available to me for $22 per liter and $38 for a half gallon taxes included. It's cheap enough that when I reduce an ethanol based extract I just evaporate the ethanol off, losing it. If it were more expensive, or difficult to obtain, I'd be vacuum distilling it instead.
Many nations prohibit the sale of PGA and limit the total ethanol content in liquor. This is why I often ~reference~ fractional distillation or even better yet vacuum distillation (
requires a much lower distilling temperature). When properly distilled, 128 ounces of 80 proof vodka (
which is 40% ethanol and 60% water), can yield around 50 ounces of 190 proof + alcohol (
95% ethanol). The same apparatus can be used when reducing an extract allowing you to reclaim most of the ethanol and use it again and again and again. Anyone who is mechanically inclined can rig up an inexpensive functional vacuum distillation unit for around $100....
