Arielle Cruz
Moonshine and grain alcohol are both spirits with a high alcohol content. However, grain alcohol, also known as Everclear, is typically produced in a regulated industrial setting, while moonshine is distilled illegally and has a more complex flavour profile. Both are largely made from corn, but grain alcohol is distilled multiple times, resulting in a neutral spirit with no aroma, colour or flavour. Moonshine, on the other hand, is an unaged spirit with a rough flavour that retains the flavours of the grains used in the fermentation process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production | Pure grain alcohol is produced by fermenting and distilling grain. Moonshine is traditionally made or distributed illegally, distilled at night to avoid detection. |
| Ingredients | Pure grain alcohol is made from grains including wheat and rye, and sugar-rich ingredients like beets, sugarcane, and grapes. Moonshine is typically made from corn, but can be made from any type of grain, including barley, rye, or sugar. |
| Alcohol content | Pure grain alcohol is far stronger than other alcoholic beverages, with grain alcohol weighing in at 190 proof. Moonshine is also high-proof liquor, with most moonshine being 160-180+ proof, or 80-90% alcohol. |
| Legality | Pure grain alcohol is legal. Moonshine was traditionally made illegally, and in some countries, moonshine stills are still illegal to sell, import, and own without permission. However, commercial distilleries have begun producing their own legal "moonshine". |
| Danger | Pure grain alcohol is dangerous due to its high alcohol content. Moonshine can be contaminated, especially if made with automotive radiators as condensers, and can contain dangerous compounds like methanol, acetone, and aldehydes. |
| Taste | Pure grain alcohol is a neutral spirit with no aroma, colour, or flavour. Moonshine can be flavoured, with varieties including apple pie, blackberry, cinnamon, and lemonade. |
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What You'll Learn
History of moonshine
Moonshine is a term used to refer to illicitly distilled liquor, though today it is also a product distilled legally. The word "moonshine" is derived from the notion of the liquor being made and distributed at night, under the cover of darkness, to avoid detection from the authorities.
The term "moonshiner" was popularized in the 18th century, referring to individuals deep in the woods of Appalachia who distilled under the light of the moon to avoid being caught by the police. The word "moonshine" was first used to refer to illicit liquor in England in 1785, with early references including one to liquor smuggled on the coasts of Kent and Sussex. In the United States, moonshine originated in Pennsylvania after the federal government enacted a tax on distilled spirits in 1791, leading to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791 or 1794 which marked a significant test of federal authority.
Throughout its history, moonshine has been called many names, including shine, white lightning, hooch, fire water, white dog, bathtub gin, rotgut, and corn liquor. It was originally made from barley or rye, but moonshiners would use any type of grain available, including corn, rye, or barley. Yeast, malt, and sugar were added according to taste. The grain was ground into a mash, which was soaked in hot water with yeast to ferment the mixture. Copper was used for the pot (called a still) as well as for all piping. The still was then heated to 172 °F (78 °C), at which point the alcohol evaporated and distilled through a pipe at the top of the still.
Moonshine is defined as a homemade, un-aged whiskey, marked by its clear color, corn base, and high alcohol content (sometimes as high as 190 proof). It is important to note that homemade liquor can be dangerous due to the presence of methanol, a dangerous form of alcohol that must be carefully removed during the distillation process.
During the Prohibition Era (1920-1933), moonshine production thrived as a way to circumvent the total ban on alcohol production. Since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the making of illegal moonshine has largely declined, and commercial distilleries have adopted the term "moonshine" for its outlaw cachet, producing their own legal versions with various flavours.
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Legality of moonshine
The legality of moonshine is a complex and nuanced subject that depends on various factors, including jurisdiction and compliance with regulatory frameworks. While the production and distribution of moonshine can be legal when the proper licenses and permits are obtained, the home distillation of moonshine is generally illegal in many countries, including the United States.
Historically, moonshine was associated with clandestine distillation and Prohibition-era rebellion, with the term being popularized in the 18th century. The earliest known instance of the term "moonshine" being used to refer to illicit alcohol dates back to the 1785 edition of Grose's Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, published in England. The name "moonshine" itself is derived from the tradition of distilling the alcohol at night to avoid detection, often under the light of the moon.
In the United States, the production and distribution of distilled spirits are heavily regulated. To legally produce moonshine, individuals or entities must obtain the necessary licenses and permits from relevant authorities, such as the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This includes obtaining a Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) permit, meeting specific production standards, and paying taxes.
While federal laws in the United States generally prohibit home distillation without the proper licenses, there are some exceptions. For example, the states of Alaska, Arizona, Massachusetts, Missouri, and North Dakota allow the production of moonshine for personal consumption, with varying requirements and restrictions. Additionally, some states like New Hampshire have made repeated attempts to pass laws allowing unlicensed home distillation of small batches.
In other countries, such as New Zealand and Canada, home distillation is legal provided that certain criteria are met. However, in some countries, moonshine stills may be illegal to sell, import, or own without permission.
The regulatory landscape surrounding moonshine is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
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Ingredients and distillation
The main ingredients used in the production of moonshine have varied over time. It was originally made from barley or rye, but during the Prohibition era, moonshiners would use white sugar when grains were unavailable or too expensive. This produced a sweeter taste, but still gave the alcohol "kick" that was desired. Today, moonshine is largely made from corn, but it can also be made from other sugar-rich ingredients like beets, sugarcane, grapes, and even fruit.
The production of moonshine involves two main steps: fermentation and distillation. Fermentation is the process of yeast breaking down the sugars in the grains to produce alcohol. During the distillation process, the alcohol is evaporated (as it boils at a lower temperature than water) and the steam is collected and condensed back into a liquid form.
The distillation process for moonshine is typically done in a still, which is heated to a boil. The first bit of distillation, known as the "foreshot," must be discarded as it may contain dangerous ingredients with lower boiling points than ethanol, such as methanol (methyl alcohol), which is toxic. The head that comes immediately after the foreshot typically contains other undesirable compounds, such as acetone and aldehydes. The distillation process may need to be repeated several times to remove all impurities and create a safe batch.
The XXX label on bottles of moonshine indicates that it has been distilled three times. The last part of the distillation process involves filtering the alcohol through a spout or valve into a bucket or drum.
Pure grain alcohol, also known as moonshine, Everclear, or poteen, is produced by fermenting and distilling grain. It is a very strong form of alcohol, with a high ethanol content, and is not typically consumed straight due to its potency. Everclear is considered an unfinished product by its producer Luxco, and is plain and pure ethanol with no aging involved. It is made through fermentation, distillation, and rectification to achieve the required alcohol content.
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Alcohol content
Pure grain alcohol, also known as moonshine, Everclear or poteen, is a strong beverage. It is produced by fermenting and distilling grain. It is stronger than other alcoholic beverages like beer, vodka and whiskey because the grain is allowed to reach a high ethanol content before being distilled. While most alcohol is 80 proof, grain alcohol can be as strong as 190 proof, or 95% ABV, nearly two-and-a-half times stronger.
Moonshine is a high-proof liquor, traditionally made or distributed illegally. It is made from corn through a distillation process, and the result is pure, extremely high-proof alcohol. It is usually made in small batches. The name was derived from a tradition of distilling the alcohol at night under the moonlight to avoid detection. It is also called white lightning, hooch, fire water, white dog, or bathtub gin.
Moonshine is usually distilled to 40% ABV, and seldom above 66% ABV. However, ethanol can be dried to 95% ABV by heating 3A molecular sieves. Most real moonshine is 160-180+ proof, or 80-90% alcohol. It is flexible in terms of ingredients, and can be made from barley, rye, white sugar, or even beets, sugarcane and grapes.
Everclear is a leading brand of grain alcohol in the United States, created by Luxco. It is the second strongest alcohol in the world. It is made from fermenting grain and distilled multiple times. It has varying alcohol content, with the highest being 95% ABV or 190 proof. It is a neutral, pure grain alcohol, with no aroma, colour or flavour. It is used as a base for many other spirits.
Grain alcohol is a very strong beverage, and drinking it straight is inadvisable. It is used in small quantities in mixed drinks.
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Flavours and recipes
Moonshine is often flavoured with fruits, herbs, spices, or other ingredients. It can be used to make cocktails, such as 'white lightning'. However, it is important to note that moonshine is typically a lower-grade spirit, produced with inferior equipment and ingredients. It is also often made illegally, and can be contaminated, making it dangerous to consume.
Grain alcohol, on the other hand, is a stronger form of alcohol, with a higher ethanol content. It is often used to make other hard liquors, such as vodka and gin. Grain alcohol is commercially produced and sold by large companies, and therefore tends to have a higher alcohol content than moonshine.
When it comes to flavours and recipes, grain alcohol is often used as a base for mixed drinks, where other ingredients are added to enhance the flavour. For example, a popular grain punch recipe includes grain alcohol, fruit punch mix, sliced fruit, and ice.
Moonshine, due to its historical production in unregulated environments, has a more distinct and variable taste. It is intended to be an unaged, rough beverage, retaining the flavours added by the grains used in the fermentation process. This gives moonshine a unique flavour profile that varies depending on the grains and other ingredients used.
Today, many distilleries produce legal moonshine with a variety of natural flavours, such as apple pie, blackberry, cinnamon, and lemonade. These flavoured moonshines pay homage to the history of moonshine while focusing on modern distillation processes and safety standards.
It is important to note that both grain alcohol and moonshine are very potent forms of alcohol and should be consumed responsibly and in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
Pure grain alcohol is a form of pure alcohol produced by fermenting and distilling grain. It is stronger than other alcoholic beverages because the grain is allowed to reach a high ethanol content before being distilled. It is also known as moonshine, Everclear or poteen.
Moonshine is a high-proof liquor, traditionally made or distributed illegally. It is usually made from corn through a distillation process, but it can be made from any type of grain. It is often homemade and unaged, which is why it is clear in colour.
Pure grain alcohol is made from grain, whereas moonshine is made from corn. However, both can be made from the same ingredients. Pure grain alcohol is also stronger than moonshine. While most alcohol is 80 proof, grain alcohol is 190 proof.
Yes, both are considered dangerous types of alcohol. Pure grain alcohol is not meant to be consumed straight due to its potency. Moonshine can be contaminated, especially if it is homemade, due to the materials used in the construction of the still.
