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Barley alcohol

High-quality barley alcohol 

At Nedstar, we specialise in providing high-quality ethanol solutions to meet your diverse product needs. Among our product collection of grain neutral spirits is barley alcohol, also known as neutral barley spirit. Want to know if barley alcohol is the right ethanol fit for you? Find all the information about it on this page. 

What is barley alcohol? 

Barley alcohol belongs to the family of neutral grain spirits (NGS). It is derived from barley, a robust grain that has been popular in human consumption and alcohol production for centuries. Its clean, crisp taste makes it ideal for a variety of applications in the food and non-food sectors.  

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barley grain alcohol nedstar

Alcohol made from barley

Specs & certifications

Alcohol by vol. at 20°C
Denaturant options
Odour
Colour
CAS registry number
Chemical formula
Methanol
pH level
GHS labelling
> 96%
DEP, MEK, Bitrex, TSDA 1-9, TBA, IPA, Euro denatured
Neutral
Colourless

64-17-5

C2H6O

< 2 g/hL
5.5 - 7.5

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Other Nedstar products that use barley alcohol

> 96% ABV / 192 proof
Organic alcohol

High-quality alcohol from barley, ideal for applications in beverages and food, but also suitable for non-food products.

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> 96% ABV / 192 proof
Extra neutral alcohol

Our Extra Neutral Alcohol is a highly purified ethanol with a neutral taste and odour, ideal for beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

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35 – 55% ABV / 70 – 110 proof
Gin

Crafted from high-quality neutral alcohol and infused with botanicals, gin offers a crisp, aromatic base ideal for premium spirits and flavour innovations.

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40 - 80% ABV / 80 - 160 proof
Whiskey

From Scotch to Bourbon, our whiskey delivers rich, complex flavours that make it the cornerstone of premium blends and refined beverage creations.

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Barley compared to other raw materials 

Barley is a hardy crop that can thrive in colder climates where other grains might struggle. This resilience makes barley a reliable source of raw material for alcohol production, even in regions with harsh winters. Additionally, barley grains are easy to store and transport. This logistical advantage allows for efficient handling and distribution, ensuring a steady supply for alcohol production facilities around the world. 

Finally, beyond its use in alcohol production, barley is also an excellent food source for livestock. This dual-purpose nature makes it a versatile and valuable crop, contributing to both the ethanol and agricultural industries. 

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Production of barley alcohol


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The production of barley alcohol begins with the careful selection of high-quality barley grains. 


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These grains are first malted, soaked in water, allowed to germinate, and then dried, to convert their starches into fermentable sugars.


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The malted barley is then mashed and fermented, using yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol.


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This alcohol is distilled multiple times to achieve a high level of purity, resulting in a premium-quality spirit that is free from impurities and unwanted flavours.

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Applications of neutral barley spirit 

Barley alcohol is a neutral grain spirit (NGS) that is particularly valued in the production of premium beverages like whiskey, gin, and beer. Especially in the special beer sector, not only is barley used as raw material, but barrels previously used for whiskey are popular to age stouts and barley wines. With a subtle, yet distinct, flavour profile, neutral barley spirit serves as a cornerstone for many in the beverage industry who are seeking to create refined, high-quality products. 

Neutral spirit made from barley is also an excellent addition in non-food sectors: next to finding application in hand sanitisers and pharmaceuticals, it is also a popular product for cleaning products and industrial solvents. 

Nedstar packaging options

Exporting ethanol to countries worldwide from over 75 international suppliers requires the appropriate packaging. To make sure that your product arrives safely to its destination, Nedstar has a number of packaging options, suitable for any industry or amount of ethanol.

1.000 litres
IBC tote

IBC Nedstar

Mid-sized shipments; our stackable IBC totes are widely used by companies across Europe, the US, and Asia for their efficiency and reliability.

25.000 litres
ISO container

ISO tank Nedstar

Our ISO tanks support intermodal transport by sea, rail, and road. They are ideal for companies sourcing in medium to large volumes.

35.000 litres
Tanktruck

Tank truck Nedstar

Our tank trucks are widely used across Europe to deliver bulk ethanol by road. They’re a practical option for regional transport and quick distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to place a neutral barley spirit order? 

Fill out our order form and our commercial experts will get in touch with you shortly. 

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