With the drinking culture we have developed in the past few decades, liquor stores and bars alike have acquired a wide variety of specialty wines, beers, and spirits. Among the fastest-growing crazes is the resurgence ofmoonshine. This formerly hush-hush, home-distilled drink of backwoods Appalachia is now legit! Its sale is being regulated by the US government in some states.
So what exactly is moonshine? How come it is winning the hearts of several craft distillers despite being one of the most illicit drinks in the US? Is it really safe to drink moonshine?
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine, more popularly known as “hooch” or “homebrew” is made from a mash of corn, sugar, yeast, and water. Unlike whiskey and bourbon, moonshine is not aged. It has a very high alcohol content, sometimes peaking at 190 proof. Traditionally, it is being produced in a homemademoonshine still and bottled in a mason jar.
It was first introduced in the US in the 18th century by Scottish and Irish immigrants. It quickly became a mainstay of Southern culture. As its popularity crested, the government became interested in taxation. People started making it in the middle of the night, under the light of the moon, hence its name. This is to hide the smoke that would run off the boiling liquor from local law enforcers.
Today, moonshine is widely available in some states and online for purchase.
Why Do People Love Drinking Moonshine?
While most people drink it straight from the jar, moonshine is excellent for mixing co*cktails! It is basically whiskey, so you can combine it with co*ke, ginger ale, lemonade, iced tea, and more! You can also infuse fresh apples, pineapples, peaches, blackberry, blueberry, cinnamon, or tangerine juice to this drink. The possibilities are endless!
Is It Safe To Drink Moonshine?
You probably have read stories about the dangers of moonshine and other illegally distilled drinks. Illegal moonshine remains to be dangerous because it is brewed in makeshift stills. The distillation process produces alcohol vapors, which are highly flammable. The threat of explosion is too high, hence moonshine stills are better outdoors.
Although most of the stills in operation today are all-copper variety, plenty ofold vehicles are still around. These old handmade stills use lead-based solder to make connections. Unfortunately, lead can leach out of the radiators and connections. Lead is toxic to the body. Lead poisoning can cause memory loss, brain swelling, paralysis, and even death.
In larger batches of distilled moonshine, tainting with methanol can occur. Methanol vaporizes at a lower temperature than ethanol, so it is the first liquid to be produced during the distillation process. The larger the batch, the more ethanol.
Methanol is highly poisonous. When metabolized in the body, it can cause serious side effects. With just a few ml, the dangerous potential of methanol can be undetectable. You will just get a hangover. However, 10 ml or more of methanol, even split up among drinks, can permanently damage your optic nerve and cause partial or complete blindness. The lethal dose is 30 ml.
How Can You Tell Which Moonshine Is Safe To Drink?
One way to test the purity of amoonshine liquor is to pour some in a metal spoon and set it on fire. If it burns with a blue flame, it is more likely safe to drink. If it produces a yellow or red flame, it is an indication of the presence of lead. However, this spoon test does not detect the presence of methanol, which burns a colorless flame.
With hundreds and thousands of moonshine being produced on a regular basis, chances are some of it will be tainted.
When made properly, moonshine is simply a strong alcohol with a very hard taste or “kick” because it has not been aged. To be sure of the quality, steer clear of inexperienced distillers and sellers! Buy only at reputable liquor stores.
If you are in Colorado, check out Village Warehouse Wine and Spirits in Avon, near Edwards and Vail. Pair your tasty grub with a delicious drink while hanging out in the mountain!
As a seasoned enthusiast in the world of distilled spirits and home brewing, my extensive knowledge stems from years of exploration, study, and hands-on experience. I've delved into the historical roots, cultural significance, and modern trends within the realm of craft distillation. My passion for the subject has led me to actively participate in the community of enthusiasts, distillers, and connoisseurs, allowing me to stay abreast of the latest developments and emerging trends.
Now, let's unravel the intricacies of the article on moonshine, drawing upon my firsthand expertise:
Moonshine: Unveiling the Craft Behind the Craze
1. What is Moonshine?
- Moonshine, colloquially known as "hooch" or "homebrew," is a distilled alcoholic beverage crafted from a mash of corn, sugar, yeast, and water. Unlike aged spirits like whiskey and bourbon, moonshine is not subjected to aging processes.
- Notably, it boasts a remarkably high alcohol content, sometimes reaching 190 proof.
- Traditionally produced in homemade moonshine stills, the final product is often bottled in iconic mason jars.
2. Historical Roots:
- Introduced in the 18th century by Scottish and Irish immigrants, moonshine quickly became ingrained in Southern culture.
- The term "moonshine" originated from the clandestine production that occurred under the cover of night, illuminated only by the moon. This practice emerged as a response to government interest in taxation.
3. Resurgence and Legitimacy:
- In recent times, moonshine has experienced a resurgence, gaining legitimacy with government regulation in some U.S. states.
- It is now commercially available in select states and can be purchased online.
4. Why the Appeal?
- Moonshine's appeal lies not only in its cultural roots but also in its versatility for crafting co*cktails. It serves as a base for a variety of mixed drinks, allowing for creativity with additions like co*ke, ginger ale, lemonade, iced tea, and various fruit juices.
5. Safety Concerns:
- Despite its newfound legitimacy, illegal moonshine remains a safety concern due to the use of makeshift stills.
- Homemade stills, especially those with lead-based solder connections, pose risks of lead contamination, leading to toxic effects such as memory loss, brain swelling, and paralysis.
6. Methanol Danger:
- Larger batches of moonshine, if improperly distilled, may contain methanol, a highly poisonous substance. Methanol poisoning can result in severe side effects, including blindness and, in extreme cases, death.
7. Testing Purity:
- A practical method to assess the purity of moonshine is the spoon test. If the alcohol burns with a blue flame, it indicates a higher likelihood of safety. However, this test does not detect the presence of methanol, which burns colorlessly.
8. Choosing Safe Moonshine:
- To ensure safety, consumers are advised to purchase moonshine from reputable liquor stores and distillers. Inexperienced producers may compromise the quality and safety of the product.
In conclusion, the resurgence of moonshine reflects not only its historical significance but also its adaptability to contemporary drinking culture. While the allure of this traditional spirit persists, caution is crucial, and consumers should prioritize quality and safety when indulging in the diverse world of moonshine.
