I am finding ethanol difficult to purchase and was wondering if the alcohol by volume that I can produce in my reflux still would be suitable for conducting an alcohol wash when testing for Varroa. I can attain an ABV of 83% will that be
strong enough? I understand that methylated spirits will do the job, but the purple makes mite spotting more difficult unless filtered through a piece of kitchen roll…also I can distill 5 litres for less than $20
70% denatured ethanol is what I’ve used.
You can also use Rubbing Alcohol (isopropanol). Anything above 60-70% is fine. Your home-distilled stuff would work too, again 60-70% is plenty high enough. 
Thanks to all for your feedback, will get a brew going right away
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Do you ship your moonshine to the UK 
at 83% I’m in.
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Don’t want to end up in the Tower of London, so I guess not, also Still Spirits who makes the still insist that the percentage be reduced to 50%or lower to ensure the consumer can still breathe after drinking it 
You could always move to New Zealand, one of only two countries in the world to allow the production of Spirits for personal consumption
I can’t help but wonder why clear methylated spirits isn’t more popular for alcohol wash? It’s much cheaper than Isopropyl alcohol, which is the most common recommendation I see. I’m wondering if I’m missing something… is it the smell?
People are simply spoiled with choices 
Any alcohol will do and is also unnecessary for this exercise. A cup of hot water (not less than 70°C) and 2-3 grams of washing powder to solve in it. Mites will be well visible against the white bottom of the cup.
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Methylated spirit is commonly known as denatured alcohol .
Difference between White Spirit and Methylated Spirit for DIYers and Professionals.
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