There is undoubtedly some small contingency of people who fervently believe that putting methanol or acetone in ethanol to ”denature” it will reduce alcohol con

There is undoubtedly some small contingency of people who fervently believe that putting methanol or acetone in ethanol to ”denature” it will reduce alcohol consumption and improve “public health”. Mostly, though, denatured alcohol exists to ensure that industrial use of alcohol isn’t crippled by “sin” taxes. Alcohol taxation is a big revenue generator. Selling 190 proof ethanol at the hardware store for a couple bucks per liter would likely put a real dent in tax revenue as people used it in place of vodka and everclear for punches and whatnot. Charging a $10 tax per liter on industrial ethanol would put a real dent in otherwise valuable uses. So denatured alcohol is the ugly compromise. I’m just happy I live in a state where I can buy 190 in a liquor store. It’s faster and more cost effective for liqueur creation than 150. It’s amazing how rapidly it desiccates lemon zest. I’d leave 150 for almost a month to extract lemon oils. 190 does the same job in about a week. I agree that blocking the sale of alcohol over 150 proof is bizarre and does nothing to reduce alcohol consumption. Frankly no one is drinking 190 straight so blocking the sale just means you buy two fifths of 150 instead of one of 190 for your party.