Distillation requires feed stock. Is it even possible to grow the feed stock by using less energy than you get from the ethanol?

... yep, you could, though I don't think a small farm would cover my yearly needs for gas.

A small roof can cover an EV.

Best thing here is electrons are very pure, no matter the source. Chemicals - not so much. Distilled alcohol still has a significant amount of water, and if you're trying to get biogas, that one needs to be desulfurized. It's just messy.