This is quite an interesting product, with much potential in pharmaceutical and industrial applications, in addition to beverage ethanol. Could also have uses as a fuel source or fuel additive, although probably very expensive for that. Beverage ethanol probably has the greatest potential for profits, but the patchwork of political opposition will likely prevent it from taking off as a new product. The company is privately held, and not licensing any distributors at this time. I'm going to predict that the inventor of this method will end up taking it outside the U.S. for manufacture and sale, due to our draconian laws and attitudes.
From what I've read, different groups have been experimenting with making alcohol powders since the 70s and 80s. This guy actually brought it to the brink of marketing, and achieved FDA approval, label approval, etc. That's impressive on its own, IMO!
From what I can tell, it has little potential for serious abuse due to the sheer volume of powder required for only one ounce of alcohol-- a half cup of powder. That's too much to snort or spike a drink with. And apparently the micro encapsulation manufacturing method would make snorting it exquisitely painful for the snorter.
Apparently, the inventor thinks regular cocktails with liquid alcohol taste much better! He is primarily wanting to market it as a boutique novelty product, as well as a convenience item for things like backpacking and camping.
I think it's a really cool method of manufacturing the micro encapsulation process! Like some of our anesthesia drugs. Presumably methanol could also be manufactured using this process, so more potential for industrial applications.
I'd be curious to taste it! Wonder if it will ever come in a nice dry Chardonnay, lol!? Prolly not. All the wonderful aromatics and nuances wouldn't be there. Just the harsh buzzy alcohol.
Way cool product!
