Typically, gel and solid are around the 28MJ/kg mark, whereas ethanol as a pure substance is around 29.3MJ/kg.

 

With this discrepancy, you’d struggle to see a difference in real-world use. Another thing to consider is that ethanol forms an azeotrope with water so you typically cannot get more than 96% ethanol, which is often diluted a little further with denaturants for domestic use.

 

In short, the difference in calorific values is even smaller.