Kyle Hove
You have brewed a great looking batch of moonshine. Congratulations! Now, you need to know how much alcohol is in your moonshine to complete the process. In this article, we’re going to review everything you need to know about proofing alcohol and the steps you should take to ensure a great quality end-product.
What is “Proofing”?
Alcohol proof is a measure of the content of ethanol (alcohol) in an alcoholic beverage. The term was originally used in England and was equal to around 1.821 times the percentage alcohol by volume (ABV). The word proof came to be in the 18th century when sailors, unloading ships of cargo and whisky, had only one way to tell the strength of the liquor in the boxes. They would mix a little bit of the whisky with a pinch of gunpowder and drop a lighted match into the mixture. If it ignited with an audible “proof!”, then the sailors would know that at least half the content was alcohol.
In the United States today, alcohol proof is defined as twice the percentage of ABV. For example, a whisky with 50% alcohol is 100-proof whisky. Anything that is 120-proof would contain 60% alcohol and 80-proof means 40% of the liquid is alcohol.
Moonshine Alcohol Content Test
Unlike store bought alcoholic beverages, your homemade moonshine does not come with an ABV label. You will have to perform a simple test to calculate the amount of alcohol in your moonshine.
The experienced, old school moonshiners are able to tell the proof of their moonshine by simply shaking the mason jar and observing the bubbles. If the moonshine has large bubbles that dissolve quickly it indicates the moonshine has a high alcohol content. If the moonshine has smaller bubbles that dissolve slowly, it indicates a lower alcohol content.
Even though this test has been used for more than a century to proof moonshine, nowadays, we can easily and more accurately proof moonshine by using a few simple tools– a hydrometer and a copper proofing parrot or a borosilicate glass test jar.
So, whether you are making moonshine for the first time or having been doing it for a long time…here’s what you need to know to most accurately proof it.
The Hydrometer
A hydrometer is an instrument that measures the density of a liquid compared to the density of water. It consists essentially 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 provides you the information of potential alcohol content or actual alcohol content.
There are two different types of hydrometers – a brewing hydrometer and a proofing hydrometer.
- A brewing hydrometer measures alcohol content or potential alcohol content by taking a specific gravity reading. (Mash, Beer, Wine, Mead, Cider, etc)
- A proofing hydrometer measures final alcohol content of distilled alcohol that does not contain any sugar. (Moonshine, Whiskey, Vodka, etc)
The difference between the two hydrometers is the scale on which they are able to measure. The brewing hydrometer (used during the mash process) measures a potential alcohol up to 20% ABV. A proofing hydrometer can measure up to 200-proof or 100% ABV.
Our proofing hydrometer is a 0-200 Proof and Tralle tester that will work ideally for your moonshine. You will want to check it out and use it to proof your moonshine for the most accurate testing.
Copper Proofing Parrot
A copperproofing parrotis an extremely helpful tool that is used alongside the hydrometer when distilling your moonshine. Aparrotis a simple device that holds aproofinghydrometer, making it very easy to measure the proof of the product coming out of the still. Using this device, you do not waste any of your precious moonshine on testing.
Make sure you use a proofing parrot that is made from copper, as copper is the preferred material of a still to impart flavour into the distilled moonshine. Copper is also an excellent conductor of heat. It disperses the heat evenly across the entire surface of the metal, creating a more even distillation. Copper will not put harmful chemicals into your final product.
In the distilling process, the sulfur coming from the yeast binds itself to the copper, making hydrogen-sulfide, which in turn forms copper sulfate. The copper sulfate sticks to the inside of the still after distillation is completed. After a thorough cleaning of the copper still, the copper sulfate is washed down the drain, and not into your moonshine… and that is why you want to use a copper proofing parrot!
Most Accurate Way to Measure
The best method to measure your moonshine is to use a proofing hydrometer and a copper moonshine parrot or a borosilicate glass test jar., as described above. Once you have the proofing parrot correctly set up, making sure the drop arm from the moonshine still drips directly into the parrot, you can carefully place the hydrometer into the parrot. The moonshine will fill up the parrot and the hydrometer will float.
You are now able to read the scale on the floating hydrometer and take an accurate measurement of the proof of your moonshine. Give the hydrometer a quick, gentle spin to remove any air bubbles, as they can affect the reading. Once you have your measurement recorded you can empty the moonshine out of the parrot and into a small jar.
This is the easiest and most accurate method to measure the alcohol content of your moonshine and monitor the ABV while you’re making it.
Bottom Line: It Is Important To Proof
You should always, always measure your proof! You need to know everything about the entire process of your moonshine distilling. You need to know the alcohol percentage even if you are only planning to consume it yourself, but it is especially important if you are planning to serve your moonshine to guests. Imagine the look on their faces if you can’t give an answer to someone when they ask you what proof your moonshine is.
Proofing is an important step in distillation, so do not skip it.
Get What You Need To Start Your Moonshining Today
To become a great moonshiner it helps to have the right tools to guide you to the best possible product.
Our top quality hydrometer is very versatile for all your proofing needs (not just moonshine). It is extremely accurate in its alcohol content measurements, as it is American made and NIST traceable.
Don’t hesitate…start your moonshining now!
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the art and science of distillation, I can confidently say that understanding the proofing process is crucial for anyone involved in crafting their own spirits. The article from February 2021 by Kyle Hove provides valuable insights into proofing alcohol, especially moonshine, ensuring a high-quality end product.
Proofing Alcohol: A Brief Overview
Proofing, as explained in the article, is a measure of the ethanol (alcohol) content in an alcoholic beverage. Originating in England, the term "proof" was initially tied to a specific ratio of alcohol by volume (ABV). In the United States today, alcohol proof is defined as twice the percentage of ABV. For example, a 50% alcohol content results in 100-proof liquor.
Moonshine Alcohol Content Test: Traditional vs. Modern Approaches
Unlike commercially produced alcoholic beverages with labeled ABV, homemade moonshine requires a specific test to determine its alcohol content. Traditional moonshiners relied on the size and dissolution rate of bubbles in the liquid to estimate alcohol content. Larger bubbles disappearing quickly indicated higher alcohol content, while smaller bubbles dissipating slowly suggested lower alcohol content.
However, modern moonshiners can employ more accurate methods. The article introduces two essential tools: the hydrometer and the copper proofing parrot.
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The Hydrometer:
- Defined as an instrument measuring liquid density compared to water, a hydrometer helps determine potential or actual alcohol content.
- Two types are mentioned: a brewing hydrometer for various beverages and a proofing hydrometer specifically designed for distilled alcohol like moonshine.
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Copper Proofing Parrot:
- This tool aids in measuring the proof of distilled products, working in conjunction with the hydrometer.
- It's emphasized that a copper proofing parrot is preferable due to copper's role in enhancing flavor and conducting heat evenly during distillation.
The Most Accurate Way to Measure Moonshine: A Combined Approach
The article recommends combining the use of a proofing hydrometer and a copper proofing parrot (or a borosilicate glass test jar) for the most accurate measurements. The copper proofing parrot, with its ability to capture sulfur and prevent harmful chemicals from entering the final product, plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of moonshine.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Proofing
The article strongly advocates for consistently measuring the proof of moonshine. This step is emphasized not only for personal consumption but especially if the intention is to serve the moonshine to guests. Knowing the alcohol percentage ensures confidence in discussing and presenting the product to others.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, whether beginners or seasoned moonshiners, to accurately measure and monitor the alcohol content of their creations, contributing to the production of high-quality moonshine.
