Arielle Cruz
Moonshine is a high-proof distilled spirit, usually made illicitly, with a mysterious past and a reputation for rebellion. Its alcohol content is a crucial factor in defining its quality and safety. High-proof moonshine means higher alcohol content, which can be a selling point but also poses health risks. To ensure safety and consistency, it is essential to determine the alcohol content of moonshine, especially when serving it to guests. This can be done through a simple \shake test\ in a mason jar, where larger and longer-lasting bubbles indicate higher alcohol content. More accurate readings can be obtained using a hydrometer, which measures liquid density relative to water. There are two types: brewing hydrometers, which measure potential alcohol content, and proofing hydrometers, which measure actual alcohol content. These tools help distillers perfect their craft and ensure their product is safe and enjoyable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content determination | Hydrometer, copper proofing parrot, borosilicate glass test jar, mason jar, alcoholmeter, alcoholometer |
| Hydrometer type | Brewing, proofing |
| Hydrometer scale | 0.990–1.170 (brewing), 0–200 proof or 0–100% ABV (proofing) |
| Alcoholmeter | Used after distillation to determine volume percent or proof |
| Folk test | Burning a small quantity of moonshine in a spoon; a safe distillate burns with a blue flame, a tainted distillate with a yellow flame |
| Shake test | Large, short-lasting bubbles indicate high alcohol content; small, slow-dissolving bubbles indicate low alcohol content |
| ABV | 40–60% (most moonshine), up to 95% (some brands) |
| GHS danger threshold | >24% ABV |
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What You'll Learn
Use a brewing hydrometer
A brewing hydrometer is an essential tool for measuring the alcohol content of moonshine. It measures the specific gravity of the liquid, which indicates the potential alcohol content. It typically has a scale ranging from 0.990 to 1.170 and can measure potential alcohol up to 20% ABV. By taking a gravity reading before and after the fermentation process, you can determine the potential alcohol content of your moonshine.
To use a brewing hydrometer, start by taking a sample of your moonshine and placing it in a cylinder or test jar. A glass collection tube is ideal as it is easy to read, sanitise, and doesn't interfere with the hydrometer readings. Make sure you have enough liquid in the jar to cover the readings on the jar. Then, carefully lower the hydrometer into the liquid. Give the hydrometer a quick, gentle spin to remove any air bubbles, as they can affect the reading. The depth of flotation will give you an indication of the liquid density, which corresponds to the potential alcohol content.
It is important to take readings at different stages of the moonshine-making process. The first reading should be taken before adding the yeast. The second reading should be taken when fermentation has stopped. After each reading, be sure to record the estimated potential alcohol (PA) on a sheet. If the specific gravity reading is below 1.05 and you want more potential alcohol, you can add more sugar and take another reading.
Once fermentation is complete, you will have a wash, which is the liquid made after fermentation. At this stage, you can take a final reading with the brewing hydrometer to determine the final gravity (FG). By comparing the initial and final readings, you can accurately calculate the potential alcohol content of your moonshine. This information is crucial for ensuring your desired strength and quality.
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Compare initial and final readings
To compare the initial and final readings of your moonshine, you will need to use a hydrometer. A hydrometer is a simple tool that measures the density of a liquid compared to the density of water. It consists of a weighted, sealed, long-necked glass bulb that is immersed in the liquid being measured. The depth of flotation gives an indication of liquid density, which in turn provides information about the potential alcohol content.
There are two types of hydrometers commonly used: a brewing hydrometer and a proofing hydrometer. A brewing hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the liquid, indicating the potential alcohol content. It typically has a scale ranging from 0.990 to 1.170. The reading taken before fermentation is called the initial specific gravity, while the reading taken at the end of fermentation is called the final specific gravity.
To compare the initial and final readings, you will need to take a gravity reading before and after the fermentation process. The initial reading, or original gravity (OG), will tell you the potential alcohol content of your moonshine. This reading alone does not indicate the actual alcohol content, but it is an important first step.
After fermentation is complete, you will use the hydrometer again to take the final reading, or final gravity (FG). This reading will tell you how much sugar was converted into alcohol during the fermentation process. The more sugar that was consumed and turned into alcohol, the lower the hydrometer will sit in the liquid.
By comparing the initial and final readings, you can calculate the difference between the original and final gravity, which will give you the alcohol percentage of your moonshine. This calculation can be done using a formula provided by the manufacturer of the hydrometer, or a general formula such as Alcohol (%) = (Initial density – Final density) x 131.25.
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Observe the bubble size
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If you see large bubbles that disappear quickly, this indicates a higher alcohol content. The larger and longer-lasting the bubbles, the higher the proof. Conversely, small bubbles that move slowly indicate a lower alcohol content.
The shake test is a simple and traditional method, but it may not be as accurate as using a hydrometer. However, experienced moonshiners can be incredibly accurate at determining proof using this technique. They often use mason jars from past batches to compare moonshine proof.
To perform the shake test, you will need a mason jar and some moonshine. Fill the jar with moonshine, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously. Observe the bubbles that form and compare them to those in jars of known alcohol content. With practice, you can become skilled at estimating the alcohol content of your moonshine using this method.
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Use a proofing hydrometer
A proofing hydrometer is used to measure the final alcohol content of distilled alcohol that does not contain any sugar. It can measure up to 100% ABV or 200 proof.
To use a proofing hydrometer, start by filling a parrot or test jar with the moonshine. Then, immerse the hydrometer into the parrot or jar. Give the hydrometer a gentle spin to ensure there are no air bubbles on the sides of the device. Once the hydrometer has settled, take the specific gravity reading at the surface level of the moonshine. You can also use a copper proofing parrot alongside the hydrometer to measure the proof of your final product. Simply immerse the proofing hydrometer into the copper parrot to ensure the drip part from your moonshine or spirit drips into the parrot. As the moonshine fills up in the parrot, the hydrometer will float.
The hydrometer will indicate the proof of the moonshine dripping out of the still. The depth of flotation gives an indication of liquid density, which provides information about the potential alcohol content or actual alcohol content. It is important to note that a proofing hydrometer cannot be used to measure the proof of a mixed drink. For example, if you mix 90-proof moonshine with an apple concentrate mix, the hydrometer will float to the top, giving a zero reading.
It is always a good idea to take another reading to ensure accuracy.
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Understand proof and ABV
Alcohol by volume (ABV) is the percentage of alcohol in a liquid and is a standard measure used internationally. The other measure is proof, which varies from country to country. The term 'proof' originated in 16th-century England when the government would tax "proof spirits" at a higher rate. To test for proof spirits, a gun pellet would be soaked in liquor and set on fire. If the pellet ignited, the alcohol was deemed strong enough to warrant a higher tax. This method was inaccurate, however, as the flammability of liquor depends on its temperature.
In 1816, England standardised the definition of a proof spirit as liquor with an alcohol level 12/13 the weight of an equal volume of distilled water at 11°C (51°F). This corresponds to about 57.06% ABV. In the 19th century, more accurate techniques were discovered to measure alcohol content, such as figuring out the liquid's specific gravity or density.
In the United States, a spirit's proof is double the ABV. For example, a 90-proof bourbon has 45% ABV, while 151-proof rum has 75.5% ABV. This system was adopted for simplicity in 1848. In contrast, the French use a more straightforward system, developed by scientist Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac in 1824, where 100% ABV equals 100 proof.
When it comes to moonshine, proof is a measure of its alcohol content and plays a crucial role in its definition and reputation. Moonshine is often associated with high-proof spirits, and its high proof makes it a thrilling yet risky drink. To measure the proof of moonshine, a hydrometer is an essential tool. A brewing hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the liquid, indicating potential alcohol content, while a proofing hydrometer measures the actual alcohol content or proof. Other tools used to measure moonshine proof include a copper proofing parrot and a borosilicate glass test jar.
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Frequently asked questions
Pour a small amount of moonshine into a spoon and set it on fire. Safe distillate burns with a blue flame, tainted distillate burns with a yellow flame, and lead in the distillate will give a reddish flame.
Carefully fill the jar with your moonshine sample, leaving some room for shaking. Shake the jar and observe the bubbles. The larger and longer-lasting the bubbles, the higher the proof.
A hydrometer is a tool used to measure the density of a liquid in relation to water. It consists of a weighted, sealed, long-necked glass bulb that is immersed in the liquid being measured.
A brewing hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the liquid, indicating the potential alcohol content. It has a scale ranging from 0.990 to 1.170 and can measure potential alcohol up to 20% ABV. A proofing hydrometer measures the actual alcohol content or proof of your moonshine. It has a scale ranging from 0 to 200 proof, with each increment representing 0.1% ABV.
A copper proofing parrot is a device that holds a proofing hydrometer, making it easy to measure the proof of the moonshine coming out of the still without wasting any of the product.
