[230gr]

wondered why I couldn't add just the minimal amount of everclear to preserve it.

To preserve tinctures or juice, you need 24% alcohol or more to act as a preservative.

 

[ncmauk]

Based on sales the most favored spirits are Vodka, Rum and Whiskey. For longevity and multiple uses, everything I found recommended over 100 proof. Supposed to keep almost forever, can be used medically if necessary and puts the lights out faster. I am not stocking a mass of it, but a case or two of each at a modest price could be very useful. Another small item is cheap butane lighters you can get for .50 from the cut rate stores.

 

[merlinfire]

If I was gonna prep it heavily, I'd definitely be making it myself. Hooch ain't cheap. I don't know how much you'd have to make to break even on startup costs.

 

[ForestBeekeeper]

To preserve tinctures or juice, you need 24% alcohol or more to act as a preservative.

You can convert ethanol to acetic acid [vinegar] and then you only need a solution of 7% to preserve anything.

Our local Cooperative Extension Office has the state 'Food Safety' guy [he holds a phd in food safety], so I have asked him exactly what percentage of ethanol will make a solution for safe and fool-proof preservation. It seems that at every level of purity there is still some pathogen that can survive.

My wife hates pickled foods. But I know that alcohol is great for absorbing flavors. Like if you made a tincture of mint [creme de menthe ] and used that for preserving lamb.

Or I think you could use rosemary or thyme [really any garden herbs] in alcohol would carry the flavor from the herb directly into the meat.

But so far I can not get a solid 'thumbs up' from the food safety guy.

 

[pinkerpv]

In a real SHTF situation where its long term such as in a Solar flare or EMP situation where there is no electricity for a while, Alcohol is going to be like gasoline. People are going to use it up. I would think that many people will turn to alcohol to numb the reality of what's happened. After a certain time its going to be gone. And a little later so will those that need it.

If some commercial distilleries are able to function, distribution will be a problem because there will be no gasoline.

The above is pretty obvious and sounds like a good reason to store it in your preps, but no.

Your preps should be good enough that you don't need to be trading in the short term. For most people I would think available space and money would preclude storing something like that. Also, other items such as medical supplies and maybe chocolate (wont store well) are more important. In the long term, there will be those that will make alcohol at home and people will be able to trade for it then.

I'm talking about a large event that is national in nature. Such as mentioned above or maybe Yellowstone erupting, money default, or something else we don't know about.

 

[scaatylobo]

Yes

Would you think it'd still be a good idea to stock up on alcoholic drinks? I've read a lot of scenarios where alcohol might come in handy for bartering purposes, as a painkiller substitute, and I've even heard some people claim it's a decent substitute for rubbing alcohol.

How likely would a scenario where we go back to bartering for goods, specifically alcohol, rather than using some form of standardized currency be?

If you guys think it's worthwhile investing in alcoholic beverages, what should I invest in? I've got little knowledge of alcohol to begin with, other than generic terms for types of alcohol, like vodka, whiskey, ect. and a few of the big brand name beer and wine manufacturers. What would even be the best way to store them, just let them sit in my basement for 20 years?

Either as a medication [ topical or ingested ] as a way to celebrate a true "moment" in the after SHTF event.

To savor a moment in the calm or an evening with those that ACTUALLY appreciate and understand how and WHEN to use such :thumb:.

Lastly as a trade item ,that will be used in a manner as above !.

1/2 pints of whiskey or bourbon or vodka.

Actually fits in a pocket and hide if that is what you deem better than trade item.

 

[dropshot]

Burbon, Rye, Vodka and tobacco are good prepping and barter items.

 

[bunkerbuster]

There are well established factual peer reviewed studies that show moderate wine consumption can have various health & longevity benefits.

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/8-health-benefits-of-drinking-wine

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/14-surprising-health-benefits-wine.html

Wine making has been a tradition in my family going back 200+ years.

http://www.huguenot.netnation.com/general/huguenot.htm

We have a small productive vineyard at our BOL & I make & bottle (and/or barrel store) a considerable amount every year.
So much so, we constructed a wine cellar to store it in.

We also have a fairly large capacity "still", so can produce high quality ethanol, brandy, whiskey, vodka, etc.

Have received considerable compliments on my DIY 100 proof wild berry (mostly blackberries) brandy.

 

[Writer's Block]

I have said it in other threads on this topic; maybe even in this one...

Good booze, especially in a long term event, will be worth its weight in gold as a trade item. Even poor quality stuff will be valuable (though I would not store such as I may want to use it myself).

I do not drink much; maybe 5-6 total drinks in a year (special occasions and such mostly). I would not be surprised though, in the timeline of any major event, that a drink or two will be welcome...so I do stock booze both for trade and for use.

I also like storing the small (airline style) bottles for BOBs and for trade items...

 

[Karaya1]

But if you don't drink, what am I going to mow my lawn with?