Is ethanol halaal?

Answer

The 'fatwa' mentioned by you is incorrect. The mufti has erred. His idea regarding alcohol from products other than grapes and dates, is baseless. In terms of this mufti's convoluted logic, whisky, vodka and the vast majority of non-grape liquors are halaal as long as one drinks small quantities which do not intoxicate one. This type of mufti is a sign of the Impending Hour of Qiyaamah.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had predicted that the time will dawn when Muslims will legalize liquor calling it some fancy name, e.g. ethanol.