Choosing the right bulk spirit supplier is one of the big first steps for any distillery making Gin and in need of a neutral base. The same applies to making liqueurs or RTD’s. It’s a huge cost centre and the foundation for what you create, meaning its quality sets the tone.
This cheat sheet provides an overview of top suppliers worldwide, offering a range of products including neutral spirits, whisky, rum, and more. It’s designed to help you quickly identify potential suppliers, compare offerings, and reach out for quotes or contract tenders with confidence.
Some universal factors to consider when picking a bulk spirit supplier
First, understand the nuance in the spirits being offered. The base agricultural origin is the obvious one for Neutral Spirit, but the degree to which it’s distilled, if it’s organic and so on also have palpable repercussions. At minimum, make sure you sample before you buy but ideally, commit to buying small test run sized batch to do a bench trial.
Next, evaluate the packaging options provided by the bulk spirit supplier, such as drums, IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers, also known as totes), or even larger containers. Drums are typically easier to handle and store in smaller spaces, but IBCs help reduce the frequency of orders and potentially lowering costs and carbon miles. They may well be easier to move around on pallet trucks etc.
Larger containers also come with the need to think carefully about storage safety on-site. Bulk spirits are highly flammable, so ensuring your storage area complies with all safety regulations, including proper ventilation, spill containment, and fire suppression systems, is imperative. Think about fill height, vapours and handling in particular.
Additionally, consider the supplier’s reliability and consistency in delivery. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan or secondary supplier to safeguard against potential disruptions. It’s also wise to assess the supplier’s track record in terms of product quality, their adherence to industry standards, and their ethical practices, especially if sustainability and responsible sourcing are important to your brand. Run audits.
As with any ingredient, you must go beyond flavour alone and balance several factors to choose a supplier who not only meets your operational needs but also aligns with your business values and long-term goals. All of that – and at the best price possible!
Global suppliers for neutral spirits & more
Brenntag
Brenntag is a global leader in the distribution of chemicals and ingredients, providing a comprehensive range of industrial and specialty chemicals. Their extensive global network includes over 600 sites in 72 countries, ensuring reliable supply chain solutions.
Brenntag offers neutral spirits and other spirits. They have reasonably transparent sustainability plans and are well equipped to handle complex regulatory environments.
Nedstar
Nedstar specialises in the global sourcing of bulk ethanol and spirits. With a presence in over 60 countries, they are known for their customer-focused approach and tailored solutions.
Alongside neutral spirits, Nedstar provides a variety of other options, offering customisation to meet specific distillery needs. They are a good bulk spirit supplier to look into if you are a liqueur maker in need of something slightly different as your base, or in the RTD / Selzer game looking for an off the peg recipe as the base spirit.
Ethimex
Established since 1999, Ethimex is one of the established global names in the bulk spirits industry. They are based in the UK but have built a strong reputation for sourcing and distributing high-quality alcohol products worldwide. With a presence across key markets in the UK, Europe, and the USA, they offer tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of both large corporations and smaller, craft distilleries.
While Ethimex specialises in providing bulk neutral spirits, they also have a wide variety of other bulk spirits, such as whiskey, gin, and rum. It’s also worth noting that they also offer the likes of botanicals and new and used casks as well, allowing distilleries to create distinctive, high-quality spirits. If you need base ingredients in bulk, from custom whisky to specific neutral alcohol – they will be able to source and deliver almost anywhere in the world.
Sasma
Sasma is also one a globally recognised leader in the supply of premium bulk spirits and alcohols. Established in 2002, Sasma has built a reputation for reliability and quality, serving a diverse clientele across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Sasma offers a comprehensive range of bulk spirits, including grain-neutral spirits, organic alcohols, and various specialty spirits. They are known for their commitment to high standards, providing products that are consistently pure and of the highest quality. Sasma’s portfolio includes options tailored for both large-scale industrial use and craft distilleries looking for premium ingredients.
Regional NGS Suppliers – India/Southeast Asia
AshokaCorp
AshokaCorp is a prominent supplier in the liquor and agro-food markets, known for its high-quality products and innovative approaches. They supply a range of alcohol products, including extra neutral alcohol (ENA) from their manufacturing facilities in India.
Sungrace group
The Sungrace Group is a leading supplier of extra neutral alcohol (ENA) and other bulk alcohol products, based in Pune, Maharashtra, India. They are known to be a reliable partner in the alcohol supply chain, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Sungrace Group specialises in the supply of high-quality extra neutral alcohol (ENA). Their ENA is known for its purity and consistency, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers looking for reliable and sustainable alcohol sources. That said, the company also trades and exports a variety of other bulk alcohol products, tailored to meet the needs of their diverse clientele.
Dhampur International Pte Ltd
Dhampur International Pte Ltd is a key subsidiary of the Dhampur Group, one of India’s foremost conglomerates with a strong presence in the sugar and ethanol industries. Based in Singapore, a global hub for international trade, Dhampur International plays a strategic role in expanding the group’s global market reach.
Dhampur International specialises in the international trade of commodities, with a strong emphasis on sugar and related products as well as high grade neutral ethanol.
Regional NGS Suppliers – Australia & New Zealand
Manildra Group (AUS)
The Manildra Group is a prominent Australian company with over 70 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of agricultural products and bulk spirits. Manildra has grown to become a key player in the Australian spirits industry, and they are integral to numerous household brands.
Manildra Group can be trusted to provide an extensive array of bulk spirits, in particular grain-neutral spirits, vodka, and whisky. Their products are known for their high quality, consistency, and adherence to strict industry standards.
Tarac Technologies (AUS)
Tarac Technologies is a leading Australian supplier of bulk spirits and distillation services, with a history dating back to 1930. Over the years, Tarac has become an essential partner to the Australian wine and spirits industries, offering innovative and sustainable solutions. They are best known for supplying grape based Neutral Spirit.
That said, Tarac can also provide a wide range of bulk spirits, including blended whisky, gin, vodka, and brandy. In addition to their bulk spirits offerings, Tarac can also help develop novel products and services that solve complex problems for agribusinesses and food producers.
Wilmar Sugar (AUS)
Similar to the other big names of the Australian neutral spirit supply game – Wilmar Sugar a renowned name. Wilmar is the largest sugar manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand, with a diverse portfolio including biofuels and agricultural products.
They provide bulk neutral spirits derived from sugar, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Given their sugar focus, bulk molasses and other raw material input is also possible here.
Evolution Brands Ltd. (NZ)
Evolution Brands is an independent supplier of premium beverage ethanol and bulk denatured ethanol in New Zealand. The company has built a strong reputation for reliability, making them a trusted partner for distilleries across New Zealand.
Pacific Sphere (NZ)
Pacific Sphere is a privately owned and operated company based in New Zealand, specialising in the import and distribution of specialty and commodity chemicals. While their portfolio covers a wide range of chemical products, they have established themselves as a reliable supplier for the spirits industry, offering high-quality ingredients such as neutral alcohol that meet exacting standards.
Regional Bulk Spirit Suppliers – UK & Europe
Alcohols Ltd
Alcohols Ltd is a well-established supplier of high-quality spirits and specialty chemical products, headquartered close to Stansted Airport. They offer a comprehensive range of products, including grain spirits and bespoke blends.
Their Neutral Spirit supply is varied and Alcohols Ltd can provide a wide selection of bulk spirits distilled at approximately 96% ABV, including Wheat, Molasses, Rye and Barley Spirit. These are available in 5l, 25l, 204l, 1000l containers, and full/part tankers.
The can also source French Brandy and Rum in a range of styles and ages, available in similar packaging. They are particularly well known for supplying both bespoke and off the peg gin recipes as an established third-party contractor.
Kimia
A UK-based supplier with over 50 years of experience, Kimia is known for its premium quality alcohols – be it neutral spirit or other spirits such as Caribbean rum, base gin or more. The company is family-owned, with a strong commitment to sustainability and service excellence.
Kimia offers a range of alcohol products, including bulk neutral spirits, with specialised logistics support for both sea and air freight. A good supply option for all those in Europe, and a strong contender in the UK market.
Joseph Mills
Joseph Mills (Denaturants) Limited is a family-owned business that was established in 1975. Specialising in the manufacture of denaturants and the supply of Beet, Grain, and Organic Ethanol, the company has built a strong reputation for quality and reliability.
They are the appointed distributor of Ethanol for Tereos in the UK, one of Europe’s largest Ethanol producers, meaning Joseph Mills can ensure a steady and dependable supply of ethanol to its customers. Products are received and stored in bulk at HMRC-approved warehouses in Liverpool and Newcastle, offering flexibility in delivery options – from IBC’s all the way down to 20L formats. As with the Alcohols and Kimia – a good choice for those in the UK in particular.
Regional Suppliers – North America
Ultra Pure
Established in 2006, Ultra Pure is one of the leading bulk alcohol suppliers in the USA, offering a wide range of spirits and specialty alcohols.
They offer bulk ethanol, grain neutral spirits, and a variety of other spirits (e.g. off the peg gin recipes, Brandy blends, aged and unaged whisky), including organic and non-GMO options in almost every size you can imagine, from drum to railway tank wagons.
MGP Ingredients
MGP is renowned for its high-quality rye whiskey and bourbon production. Arguably, they are the first name that most American spirits specialists will think of as a source for American Whiskey as they have earned a reputation for consistent quality. While they are a major supplier of a variety of bulk whiskeys, including rye, bourbon, and other specialty products, with the highest standards of food safety – they can also source and supply Neutral Spirit.
Greenfield Global
Greenfield Global partners with craft distillers across North America, offering a comprehensive range of grain neutral spirits and other alcohols. They are known for having bulk grain neutral spirits with detailed specifications to accompany them.
AZTEC Spirits
AZTEC Spirits is a New Mexico-based distillery that specialises in the production of high-quality Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS). They produce GNS from domestically grown corn, wheat, and sorghum.
Spirits that are 5x filtered for a clean and neutral taste, ideal as a base for other spirits. They also supply bulk quantities of gin, bourbon, rye, and vodka, all available in 55-gallon drums or 250-gallon totes, catering to both small and large-scale production needs.
Brindiamo Group
Brindiamo Group are known as a premier supplier with one of the largest private inventories of bourbon and whiskey available in the market.
They have an extensive selection of high-quality spirits including aged and unaged Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee whiskey, and other whiskey varieties, catering to both established brands and emerging distilleries. To accompany this, Brindiamo Group’s deep industry connections and substantial inventory make them a key player in the whiskey supply chain.
Cayuga Ingredients
Cayuga Ingredients is a unique bulk spirit producer based in New York, known for being one of the very few large-scale producers of whey-based beverage alcohol in the United States.
Without doubt – that is their speciality and continuous, high quality supply of whey based neutral spirit is Cayuga Ingredients’ niche – especially as they can make up to one million gallons per year. That said, they also offer neutral spirits derived from corn, cane, and apple, as well as lower proof offerings such as rum and brandy. Their products are ideal for distilleries seeking unique base spirits for their creations.
Central Indiana Ethanol (CIE)
Central Indiana Ethanol (CIE) is a prominent producer of high-purity Grain Neutral Spirits based in Marion, Indiana.
Known for their rigorous distillation process, CIE utilises a proprietary nine-column system to ensure the highest level of purity and consistency. They offer a range of packaging and delivery options, including railcar, truck, ISO-tank, tote, and drum, ensuring efficient transport of their products that are tailored to clients’ needs.
Glacial Grain Spirits
Glacial Grain Spirits is a Minnesota-based producer of industrial alcohol, food-grade ethyl alcohol, and Grain Neutral Spirits. With a history spanning over two decades, Glacial is one of the few farmer-owned manufacturers in the United States. Their alcohol products are widely used across various industries, including food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Their spirits are produced using a six-column distillation process that ensures high purity and consistency.
Middle West Spirits
Middle West Spirits is a craft distillery based in Columbus, Ohio, known for its dedication to the art and science of whiskey making. Established in 2008, the distillery has grown significantly and now operates two facilities with advanced distillation capabilities.
Middle West Spirits provides custom distillation services, allowing distilleries to develop bespoke whiskey, bourbon, rye, and other spirits. Their partnership program offers access to their extensive expertise in grain selection, distillation and maturation.
The Organic Alcohol Company
The Organic Alcohol Company, based in Ashland, Oregon, is the first and oldest certified organic distillery in the state. They specialise in producing high-quality, certified organic alcohols that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
The Organic Alcohol Company offers a range of certified organic alcohols, including 190-proof and 200-proof neutral corn, grape, wheat, and cane alcohol. Their products are available in both small and large quantities, making them suitable for a variety of applications, from craft distilling to large-scale manufacturing.
TransChemical
TransChemical is a Missouri-based company specialising in the supply of bulk alcohols and other chemical products. Centrally located in the Midwest, TransChemical has built a strong reputation for reliable supply chain management and competitive pricing. They operate a private rail fleet, making them a trusted supplier for industries across the United States.
Grain Processing Corporation
Grain Processing Corporation is a family-owned company headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, with a rich history of over 80 years in the production of high-purity ethyl alcohol. They produce a variety of high-quality ethyl alcohol products, including Grain Neutral Spirits made from 100% sustainably sourced corn.
Bulk Whisk(e)y-Specific Suppliers
Bulk quantity Scotch Whiskey
Angus Dundee
Angus Dundee operates two single malt distilleries in Scotland, producing award-winning Scotch whiskies. While they have a strong presence in the premium whisky market, they also offer bulk whisky options, including single malts.
Ian Macleod
As one of Scotland’s most respected independent family firms, Ian Macleod has a long history of producing high-quality Scotch whisky, gin, and rum. They provide a range of premium spirits, including bulk Scotch whisky with a strong focus on traditional methods.
Bulk quantity Irish Whiskey
Crafted Spirits
Crafted Spirits is a dedicated supplier of premium bulk Irish Whiskey, offering a wide range of distillates in various stages of development. They can provide a versatile selection of bulk spirits, including base spirits ready for blending, whiskey for barrel ageing, and fully developed products ready for bottling and private labelling.
Bulk quantity American Whisky
When exploring the American market for bulk whiskey, particularly for Bourbon or Rye, MGP Ingredients (mentioned earlier) stands out as the lead supplier, known for their extensive range and high-quality offerings. Additionally, Brindiamo Group is a top contender with one of the largest private inventories of Bourbon and whiskey available, making them a reliable source for distilleries of all sizes.
For those seeking a versatile and well-connected partner, J. B. Thome & Co. in Florida is an excellent choice, as they excel in procuring and supplying a wide variety of bulk spirits, including Bourbon and rye, to meet diverse needs. It’s worth noting that despite them being included in this whiskey focussed section – J.B. Thome are one of the biggest GNS suppliers in the USA, and are therefore an obvious and often first choice for those looking at sourcing high quality Neutral Spirit in IBC (Tote), Tank, or Railcar format.
Rum-Specific Suppliers
National Rums of Jamaica
A major producer of Jamaican rum, National Rums of Jamaica combines the output of several historic distilleries to supply over 60% of Jamaica’s rum exports. As the name suggests, they offer a diverse range of rum products in bulk, with a strong emphasis on the unique qualities of Jamaican rum.
E&A Scheer
E&A Scheer is a specialist in supplying bespoke blends of rum, Batavia Arrack, and Cachaça in bulk. They have been in the business for over three centuries and carry the Dutch Royal Court mark. They can provide single source supplies or build custom rum blends tailored to your specific requirements, serving both start-ups and established brands.
When it comes to sourcing bulk spirits, it’s essential to explore a wide range of options before selecting the right partner. Each supplier offers unique strengths in terms of price, ethics, quality and supply security. Do your homework!
If you want more information about Neutral Spirit in general and the ins and outs of making it yourself, take a look at our article here: Making Base Spirit For Gin
For those already in the market, revisit your supply chain regularly. It ensures that you are not only getting the best value but also aligning with partners whose practices resonate with your own business values.
By keeping an open mind and thoroughly evaluating your options, you can build strong, sustainable relationships that support the long-term success of your distillery.
