Corn alcohol
High-quality corn alcohol for your business
Looking for reliable, high-purity corn alcohol for your business?
Nedstar supplies sustainably sourced corn alcohol in bulk for biofuel, beverage, chemical, and industrial-grade alcohol applications worldwide. Made from maize, corn alcohol is a versatile product used by distillers, manufacturers, and formulators across a wide range of markets.
Through our global producer network and extensive logistics expertise, we help customers secure consistent supply, verified quality and the certifications required for their target markets.
Why choose Nedstar as your partner for corn alcohol?
Reliable corn alcohol sourcing
Nedstar works with trusted producers and suppliers worldwide to source high-quality corn alcohol tailored to your application requirements. Our international network supports reliable availability, traceability and supply continuity, from individual containers to large-volume supply agreements.
Consistent product quality
We maintain rigorous quality standards throughout the supply chain. Whether you require neutral corn alcohol, industrial alcohol from corn or ethanol for beverage applications, we focus on delivering consistent specifications and dependable performance.
Dedicated partnership
Our specialists combine technical expertise with global logistics capabilities to help you identify the right corn alcohol solution. We support businesses with sourcing guidance, certification requirements, and long-term supply strategies.
What is corn alcohol?
Corn alcohol is ethanol produced through the fermentation and distillation of corn-derived sugars. Corn, or maize, contains starch-rich kernels that can be converted into fermentable sugars. As part of the grain neutral spirits category (GNS), ethanol made from corn is one of the most widely used renewable alcohols globally.
Depending on its intended use, the purity of corn-based alcohol generally ranges from 95% to 99.9% ABV. Highly purified grades have a neutral character, while beverage products such as American whiskey retain more of the aroma, flavour and body created during fermentation, distillation and maturation.
How is corn alcohol made?
Corn alcohol production involves four primary stages:
Corn milling and preparation
Corn grain is separated from the ears and processed to break down the kernels, expose the starch-rich components and prepare the raw material for conversion.
Starch conversion
Water and enzymes are added to the milled corn to form a corn mash. The enzymes convert the starch in the mixture into fermentable sugars, creating a suitable base for the fermentation recipe.
Fermentation
Yeast converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol through a controlled fermentation process. The resulting fermented liquid is sometimes informally known as distiller’s beer before it enters the distillation stage.
Distillation and purification
The fermented liquid is distilled and refined to achieve the desired purity and final product specifications. Beverage products may subsequently be stored in barrels, while neutral and industrial grades undergo further purification.
Alcohol made from corn
Specs & certifications
64-17-5
C2H6O
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Types of corn alcohol and their applications
Different grades of alcohol made from corn are available depending on the intended use, purity requirements, and applicable regulations.
Properties
Fuel blending and renewable transport fuels
At Nedstar, we help businesses identify the most suitable corn alcohol grade based on purity requirements, certifications, destination market, and end-use application.
Applications
What is corn alcohol used for?
Beverage and spirits products
- Vodka
- Neutral grain spirits
- Corn whiskey
- Straight corn whiskey
- Bourbon
- American whiskey
- Moonshine
Biofuel and energy applications
- Bioethanol
- Fuel blending
- Renewable energy
Industrial and chemical
- Solvents
- Cleaning products
- Chemical processing
- Industrial formulations
Personal care and pharmaceutical
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare products
- Personal care formulations
Nedstar products that use corn alcohol
Organic alcohol
High-quality alcohol from corn, ideal for applications in beverages and food, but also suitable for non-food products.
Extra neutral alcohol
Our Extra Neutral Alcohol is a highly purified ethanol with a neutral taste and odour, ideal for beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Anhydrous
Our anhydrous alcohol is a water-free ethanol designed for fuel, industrial, and energy applications that demand maximum purity and performance.
REN alcohol
REN alcohol undergoes multiple distillations to achieve exceptional clarity and purity, making it suitable for premium spirits and high-grade industrial uses.
Whiskey
From Scotch to Bourbon, our whiskey delivers rich, complex flavours that make it the cornerstone of premium blends and refined beverage creations.
Gin
Crafted from high-quality neutral alcohol and infused with botanicals, gin offers a crisp, aromatic base ideal for premium spirits and flavour innovations.
Key attributes of corn alcohol
Renewable feedstock
Produced from corn, a widely available agricultural crop cultivated by farmers worldwide. Depending on the production system, agricultural residues such as corn cobs may also be evaluated for bio-based applications.
Versatile performance
Provides the solvent, combustion, and formulation properties required across multiple industries, from beverage recipes and chemical processing to renewable fuel production.
Consistent quality
Available in a range of specifications to support beverage, industrial and technical applications. Basically, the required grade depends on how the alcohol will be processed, regulated and used in the final product.
Global availability
Supported by established agricultural supply chains and large-scale ethanol production infrastructure.
Corn vs other raw materials
Widely available feedstock
Corn is one of the world's most extensively cultivated crops, supporting reliable, large-scale ethanol production and consistent global supply.
High ethanol yield
Its high starch content enables efficient conversion into ethanol, making corn a cost-effective feedstock for beverage, industrial and fuel applications.
Suitable for multiple industries
Corn alcohol can be refined to high purity, making it suitable for beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical and renewable fuel applications.
Reliable global supply chains
Major corn-producing regions and well-established processing infrastructure help support dependable sourcing, logistics and long-term supply continuity.
Renewable agricultural origin
As an agricultural feedstock, corn can contribute to renewable sourcing strategies when produced through responsible farming and certified supply chains.
Neutral sensory profile
Highly purified corn alcohol offers a clean, neutral profile, making it an ideal base for spirits, personal care products and a wide range of industrial formulations.
Sustainability and compliance for corn alcohol
Corn alcohol can support renewable sourcing strategies when produced through responsible agricultural and manufacturing practices.
Sustainability outcomes depend on factors such as feedstock cultivation, production methods, transportation and certification systems.
Responsible sourcing may involve examining how corn is grown, harvested and processed, including the efficient use of grain, kernels, cobs and other agricultural materials.
At Nedstar, we help customers navigate certification requirements, supply-chain documentation and applicable regulations across international markets.
What
makes
Nedstar
different?

ISCC+
ISCC+ ensures our materials are sourced responsibly across the supply chain, supporting circular and bio-based solutions.

Reach
REACH provides a framework for gathering and evaluating information on the properties, uses, and potential risks of various chemicals.

EU Organic
The EU organic certificate stands as a testament to the commitment of agricultural and industrial entities toward sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.

ISO 14001
We follow ISO 14001 standards to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency and support enhanced operational performance.
Nedstar packaging options for corn alcohol
Exporting corn alcohol worldwide requires appropriate packaging and transport solutions. Nedstar offers packaging options suitable for different industries and sourcing volumes.
IBC tote

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

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

Our tank trucks are widely used worldwide to deliver bulk ethanol by road. They are a practical option for regional transport and efficient distribution.
Nedstar is your reliable partner for corn alcohol
Looking for high-quality corn alcohol in bulk for biofuel, industrial, chemical or beverage applications? Request a tailored quote and share your required specifications, certifications, volume and destination.
Whether the product will be blended, bottled, stored in bulk or used as an ingredient in a specialised formulation, our team will provide a sourcing solution designed around your business needs.
Explore our related product offerings
Ethanol
Versatile bio-based alcohol used across pharmaceuticals, personal care, industrial solvents, fuel applications, and more.
Extra neutral alcohol (ENA)
Approved denaturing agents designed for industrial and commercial alcohol formulations.
Rye alcohol
High-purity alcohol produced from rye, suitable for beverage, industrial, pharmaceutical and technical applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can corn produce alcohol?
Yes. Corn contains starches that can be converted into fermentable sugars. During fermentation, yeast converts these sugars into alcohol, which is then distilled and refined for fuel, industrial or beverage use.
What alcohol is made from corn?
Several alcohol products can be produced from corn, including fuel ethanol, neutral grain spirits, many vodkas, bourbon, straight corn whiskey, other forms of American whiskey, and more. The final product depends on the corn content, whiskey mash composition, purification level, ageing process and intended application.
Is corn ethanol safe?
When produced and handled according to applicable quality standards and regulations, corn ethanol is widely used across fuel, industrial, pharmaceutical and beverage sectors. The required specification depends on the intended application. A drink made of corn alcohol should only be consumed as part of a legally approved final product.
Is corn ethanol the same as corn whiskey?
No. Corn ethanol is a broad term for ethanol produced from corn for fuel, industrial or beverage applications. Corn whiskey follows federal regulations, uses a predominantly corn mash bill, and, unlike industrial ethanol, is produced for drinking. Most corn whiskeys are matured, often developing vanilla notes before being sold commercially.
Is whisky made from corn?
Some whiskey products are made primarily from corn. Under US federal standards, corn whiskey must be made from a fermented mash containing at least 80% corn, while bourbon must contain a minimum of 51% corn. Other grains may include rye, wheat, barley or malted barley.
What is the difference between corn alcohol and neutral corn alcohol?
Neutral corn alcohol is a highly purified form of corn alcohol with a neutral flavour and aroma profile, making it suitable for beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Other corn distillates retain more character from the grain, fermentation, and maturation process.
What is the difference between corn alcohol and grain alcohol?
Corn alcohol is a specific type of grain alcohol produced exclusively from corn. Grain alcohol, on the other hand, can be derived from a variety of grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. Corn alcohol is often chosen for its mild flavour and high yield, while other grain alcohols may have different taste profiles and characteristics.
Can corn alcohol be denatured for non-food or industrial use?
Yes, if used in non-food or excise-exempt applications, Nedstar offers denaturant options such as DEP, MEK, Bitrex, TSDA 1-9, TBA, and IPA to render the product unfit for consumption while maintaining the high-purity base.
Can corn alcohol be used in hand sanitisers?
Corn alcohol is commonly used in hand sanitisers and disinfectants due to its effectiveness at killing bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Ethanol made from corn is the main ingredient in many hand sanitisers, ensuring they meet the required alcohol concentration for proper sanitisation. Get in touch with our commercial experts to see if corn alcohol fits your product needs.
Is corn alcohol renewable?
Corn alcohol is produced from agricultural feedstocks and is generally considered a renewable alcohol source when obtained through responsible farming and production practices.

