China Virus Threat 2020

[CharlesHarris]

Around here the only source of suitable alcohol at 50% ABV minimum is at the liquor store. All the pharmacies, Dollar General, Aldi, and mainstream supermarkets are completely out of toilet paper, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol and even after-shave!

The liquor store in town sold out of all their high-proof, cask-strength rum, Pharmco and Everclear 190 proof ethanol and Mason jars of legally taxed, locally distilled WV moonshine corn liquor. I was reduced to buying blue-label 100-proof Smirnov Vodka, as all the other vodka they had was only 80 proof (40% ABV) which is not "enough".

I tested some lighting off Goex 3Fg black powder soaked with it, in a watch glass and while it fizzled for a few seconds, it eventually went off. Below 100 proof the water content kills the powder which won't ignite. But 150 proof "cask strength" as specified for the "tot" in the Royal Navy during the days of wooden ships and iron men goes "poof!" instantly.