How to Buy Food Grade Ethanol in Kentucky
Quick Answer: Buying Food-Grade Ethanol in Kentucky for Business Use
Short answer: a state permit is generally required. For industrial and B2B use, Kentucky conditions the purchase of 190/200-proof food-grade (non-denatured) ethanol on holding a state permit or license (Special Nonbeverage Alcohol License), under KRS 241.010(1)-(2); 243.020; 243.320. Federal TTB rules for the seller apply on top of this. This is general information, not legal advice.
You can also check any state at a glance using our interactive tool: Ethanol Shipping Rules by State.
Who This Guide Is For
Simple Solvents sells exclusively to businesses — extraction labs, manufacturers, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, and other industrial buyers — for industrial, scientific, and manufacturing use. We do not sell to individual consumers and we do not sell for beverage use. This guide covers three product types: non-denatured (food-grade) 190/200-proof ethanol, specially denatured alcohol (SDA), and completely denatured alcohol (CDA).
Kentucky’s Rules for Industrial & Business Buyers
KRS 241.010(1)-(2); 243.020; 243.320. Purchases limited to licensed distillers/wholesalers/distributors, for nonbeverage use; $60 annual fee ($50 new-application fee waived for this license).
- Permit/License: Special Nonbeverage Alcohol License
- Agency: Kentucky Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Conditions: Purchases limited to licensed distillers/wholesalers/distributors, for nonbeverage use; $60 annual fee ($50 new-application fee waived for this license).
Denatured Alcohol (SDA & CDA)
Specially Denatured Alcohol (SDA): Denatured alcohol excluded from ‘alcoholic beverage’ definition under KRS 241.010; federal TTB SDA permit still applies, no separate KY add-on.
Completely Denatured Alcohol (CDA): No separate KY requirement located.
The Federal Baseline (Applies in Every State)
Regardless of state, sellers of tax-paid, non-denatured (food-grade) alcohol must be registered as TTB liquor dealers under 27 CFR Part 31 (Form 5630.5d) and generally must sell in bulk containers of more than 1 U.S. gallon, with required recordkeeping. Buyers of ordinary tax-paid, non-denatured alcohol typically need no separate federal permit. Buyers of specially denatured alcohol (SDA) need a federal TTB Industrial Alcohol User Permit (27 CFR Part 20, Form 5150.33). Tax-free (non-tax-paid) alcohol follows a separate, narrower federal path (27 CFR Part 22) that most industrial buyers of tax-paid product do not need.
Ordering Food-Grade Ethanol from Simple Solvents
- Confirm your business’s specific permit needs (if any) using this guide and, where noted, your state agency.
- Visit SimpleSolvents.com and choose the product and grade (non-denatured, SDA, or CDA) that fits your process.
- Complete checkout with your business shipping and billing information.
- Provide any required permit documentation if your state requires it for your order.
- Track your shipment using the tracking information we provide after your order ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to buy food-grade ethanol in Kentucky for business use?
Generally yes. Kentucky requires Special Nonbeverage Alcohol License from Kentucky Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control for qualifying industrial/business purchases.
Does this apply to denatured alcohol (SDA/CDA) too?
Denatured alcohol excluded from ‘alcoholic beverage’ definition under KRS 241.010; federal TTB SDA permit still applies, no separate KY add-on. No separate KY requirement located.
Is this guide for personal or beverage use?
No. Simple Solvents sells only to businesses for industrial, scientific, and manufacturing use — never to individual consumers and never for beverage use.
Bonus: Beverage Alcohol Rules
This guide only covers industrial and business use of ethanol. Kentucky has separate rules for beverage alcohol that do not apply to Simple Solvents’ business customers: Kentucky separately regulates direct shipments and consumer purchases.
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Regulations change. Please confirm your specific requirements with Kentucky Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control and your own counsel before placing an order. Research confidence: High.