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Updated at: 5 March 2025

Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) are the foundation for many popular alcoholic beverages. Whether you have a new or established distilled spirits brand, GNS offers a versatile and reliable base. This guide explores key considerations when sourcing GNS, including production methods, uses, and the benefits of working with an experienced supplier like Sasma BV to simplify procurement and ensure consistent product quality.

What is A Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS)?

Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS), also known as Neutral Grain Spirit or Extra Neutral Alcohol, is a high-purity grain alcohol used in various applications. While the name may vary across different regions, the quality and versatility of this alcohol remain the same, making it a key ingredient in distilled beverages and beyond. GNS is a highly concentrated form of alcohol produced through the fermentation and distillation of grains such as wheat, corn, rye, or barley. 

How Are Grain Neutral Spirits Produced?

Production Process

Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS) production involves a meticulous fermentation and distillation process, resulting in a highly pure, neutral-tasting, and high-proof alcohol. This purity makes GNS an ideal base for premium spirits.

  • Fermentation: Our suppliers germinate the wheat before adding the yeast to convert the starches in the wheat to sugar. The yeast ferments into alcohol.
  • Distillation: The alcohol produced during fermentation is distilled using a column still. Within the pressurized still, rising temperatures cause the alcohol (ethanol) vapor to separate from the water. This neutral alcohol undergoes five distillations to achieve its exceptional purity. The result is a highly concentrated, clear, colorless, and odorless alcohol with 5-10% ABV (20% proof).
  • Packaging: After distillation, the spirit is stored in stainless steel tanks. We package the spirit into drums, IBCs, and ISO tanks for transport and distribution.

Sasma’s state-of-the-art production facilities ensure consistency and purity in every batch, bypassing the time-consuming fermentation process and giving you a reliable canvas for your creative distilling process. This not only saves valuable time but also provides a clean slate for flavor infusion and experimentation. Quality GNS allows you to focus on what you do best – creating unique, memorable spirits that stand out in the market.

Applications in the Spirits Industry

Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS) have diverse applications across various industries, including food, beverage, and industrial. We source top-quality GNS, providing our clients with the perfect foundation for innovative spirit creations. Specific examples of GNS applications include:

Food: Neutral taste profiles allow distillers and beverage manufacturers to craft unique flavor profiles by adding botanicals, fruits, or other ingredients. GNS can be a key ingredient in crafting sweeteners (e.g., stevia liqueur-filled bonbons), vanilla extract, and vinegar production.

Beverage: GNS is an ideal base for spirits like vodka, which can be used to create liqueurs like Limoncello. It can also be re-distilled in a pot still to produce gin varieties, including London Dry Gin and Sloe Gin.

Industrial: Beyond beverages, the purity of GNS makes it suitable for a range of industrial applications, including hand sanitizer, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Sasma: Quality Spirits You Can Rely On

When you work with Sasma BV, you gain a reliable partner in your distilling journey. Bulk Grain Neutral Spirits are available to order in Drums, IBCs, and ISO tanks from our global network of premium alcohol distilleries. To inquire about our range of Neutral Alcohols or services, get in touch with our team.