Making moonshine high proof requires a few stages. First, you want to start with a fermented mash. This can be made by mixing grains such as corn, rye, or wheat with water and then adding a source of sugar such as malt, or other natural sugary items such as honey or molasses.
Once the mash is fermented and converted to alcohol, you will need to distill it. The basic process of distillation is to slowly heat the mash in a large pot to evaporate the alcohol and then capture the steam in a condensing coil.
This steam is then cooled and condensed into liquid alcohol. The more times you distill it, the higher the proof will be. The final step is to proof down the moonshine. To do this, you will need to mix the moonshine with distilled water to meet the desired proof.
The amount of proof achieved can be measured with a hydrometer or other types of alcohol proof meters. For example, if you’re aiming for 150 proof moonshine, you will need to add 6 parts distilled water to every 1 part of 180-proof moonshine.
With patience, skill and the right equipment, you will be able to make high proof moonshine.
What do you use to proof moonshine?
Proofing moonshine is an essential process that ensures the quality of your homemade spirit. To proof your moonshine, you will need a hydrometer. A hydrometer is a tool that measures the relative density of a liquid compared to water.
This density, referred to as ‘specific gravity’, is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol in a liquid.
When proofing moonshine, a reading of 0.912 on the hydrometer is considered to represent 95% alcohol by volume (ABV), the standard ABV for moonshine. To ensure your moonshine is accurate and reliable, it is necessary to take several readings and track the ABV over a period of time.
By following the ABV readings, you can determine when your batch of moonshine is ready to bottle.
If you need to adjust the ABV of your moonshine, you can do so by adding either purified water or an alcohol concentrate. When adding water, allow the hydrometer to stabilise before making further adjustments.
Once you have achieved the desired ABV, filter the moonshine through charcoal to remove any impurities or off-flavours.
Proofing moonshine with a hydrometer not only gives you an accurate reading of the strength of your spirit, but it can also help to ensure that your moonshine is safe to drink. With the right tools and practices, you’ll be able to enjoy your home-made spirit with confidence.
What proof is moonshine if it burns blue?
Moonshine is a type of high-proof, illicitly-made alcohol that has been around for centuries. The origin of its name is unclear, but some scholars believe it comes from the days when this alcohol was produced and consumed at night, by the light of the moon.
Moonshine can be made from a variety of fermented grains, including wheat, barley, corn, and rye.
One of the most popular ways of testing the quality and proof of moonshine is to see if it burns blue. Moonshine has a high alcohol content, typically ranging from 40 to 95 percent, meaning it can burn at a high temperature.
When moonshine meets this temperature and turns blue, it means it is at a higher proof. So, if moonshine burns blue, it is proof that the alcohol is of good quality and is at a higher proof than it would be if it burned yellow or no color at all.
Because moonshine is an illegal product, this test is often done as a way of determining its quality before consumption. It is important to remember that moonshine should never be consumed in large quantities, as it can cause serious harm to your health.
Why is my moonshine low proof?
The most common reason is an incomplete fermentation process. Yeast needs sugar and oxygen to produce alcohol, and if the either of those is not present in adequate amounts, the fermentation process will not be completed and the resulting alcohol content will be lower than desired.
Incomplete fermentation can also occur if the fermentation temperature is too high, as the yeast will become over-worked and will not be able to convert all of the sugar into alcohol. Additionally, if you added too much water, the resulting drink will have a lower proof, as water reduces the concentration of the alcohol.
Lastly, if the mash was not left to ferment long enough or if any extra ingredients like corn syrup or fruit juice were added to the mash, this could cause the proof to be lower than expected.
What proof is traditional moonshine?
Traditional moonshine is a high-proof alcohol beverage that is infused with either fermented or mashed grains and is produced using a long distillation process. It is typically made with corn, which is the main starch source of many moonshines, or barley.
Other grains may also be used, such as sorghum, oats, and rye. Moonshine is usually clear in color and has a strong, pungent flavor. Its potency can range from 40-80% alcohol by volume (ABV). It has been around since the 18th century and was popular in America’s rural areas to obtain alcohol without paying taxes or running afoul of the law, as it was frequently made illegally.
Today, it is legally produced and has become a popular craft beverage in the liquor industry. Moonshine also goes by many other names such as white whiskey, mountain dew, and hooch, and there are many varieties of flavored moonshine that have become widely available.
How strong should moonshine be?
The strength of moonshine can vary greatly depending on how it’s made and the ingredients used. Generally speaking, homemade moonshine is usually around 40 to 50% alcohol by volume (ABV), but it can range from as low as 27% to as high as 95%.
Proof is a method of measuring the alcohol content of a spirit, and is double the ABV; for example, if a moonshine has an ABV of 40%, its proof would be 80.
When making moonshine, the distiller will need to decide how strong they want their end product to be. The higher the proof, the more flavor and aroma it will have, but it will also be harder to drink neat due to its higher alcohol content.
The ABV and proof of a moonshine also affects its longevity and shelf life; higher proofs will have a longer shelf life, while lower proof products will start to lose their flavor and aroma after a few months.
It’s important to remember not to make moonshine that is too strong; high proofs can be dangerous and lead to a host of health issues when consumed in excess. As a general rule of thumb, for safety and quality, most moonshine is best served between 40 and 50% ABV, with a higher proof not being needed for most distillers.
Is 128 proof strong?
Yes, 128 proof is considered a relatively strong alcohol strength. Most liquors are between 80 and 120 proof, so 128 proof falls slightly above average in terms of strength. Specifically, 128 proof is equal to 64% alcohol by volume (ABV).
This means that one shot (1.5 ounces) of 128 proof liquor contains just over 1 ounce of pure alcohol.
It’s important to note, however, that higher proof liquors don’t always taste stronger than their lower proof counterparts. That’s because the taste of alcohol itself is masked by other flavors in the liquor – such as fruit or spices.
So, while 128 proof is strong in terms of alcohol content, it may not necessarily taste strong.
Does 80 proof mean 80 alcohol?
No, 80 proof does not necessarily mean that the liquid contains 80-percent alcohol. Proof is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in drinks that is typically expressed as twice the alcohol by volume (ABV).
As an example, a drink that is 80 proof would contain 40-percent alcohol by volume. In the US, this is generally considered to be the standard amount of alcohol for a beverage to be considered as an “alcoholic beverage.
” In other countries, different proof measurements such as degrees Gay-Lussac may be used, but in all cases, the proof of a beverage will be different than its ABV.
Where is Everclear illegal?
Everclear is a brand of alcohol made up of 190 and 95 proof grain alcohol. Due to its high alcohol content, Everclear is generally illegal across much of the United States. Examples of states where it is not available for sale without restrictions include: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Atlantic Canada.
In most states where it is technically not prohibited, it requires a permit to purchase, usually through a liquor board or agency. Additionally, various municipalities have their own laws on Everclear sales.
Therefore, it’s best to check your local laws before purchasing.
Is 40 proof moonshine strong?
At 40 proof, moonshine is considered to be strong compared to other alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, 80 proof is the benchmark for a spirits strength, and moonshine at 40 proof is half that strength.
This can nonetheless be rather potent. Moonshine is traditionally defined as any type of liquor that is made illegally by untaxed distillation; however, many states have provisions that allow the production of moonshine if certain laws are followed.
Beverages that meet these requirements can legally have an alcohol by volume (ABV) content up to 190 proof, so 40 proof must be considered relatively weak by comparison. Despite its lower strength, a 40 proof moonshine can still cause intoxication and should be consumed with care.
What proof is Everclear?
Everclear is a grain alcohol, meaning that it is a type of distilled vodka made from grains such as corn, rye, or wheat. It is called “proof spirit” because of the measurement of “proof,” which is a way of measuring the alcohol content of a beverage.
Because it is completely grain-based, Everclear is 190 proof, or 95% alcohol by volume, making it one of the strongest spirits available for purchase. This is the reason why it has become so popular over the years as an ingredient in many cocktails and other drinks.
At what proof should I stop distilling?
The proof at which you should stop distilling will depend on the type of alcohol you’re producing. Generally speaking, for hard liquors like whiskey, vodka, or rum, you should stop distilling once you reach 175-180 proof.
If you’re making beer or wine, you’ll want to stop at a lower proof, between 140-160.
When you reach the final desired proof, be sure to sample the product to make sure it is to your liking. Also, while distilling, you may come across the “heads” and the “tails” of the alcohol. The heads will be harsh, and the tails may give off a burnt matchstick smell.
When you reach the proof you desire, discard the “heads” and “tails,” as they will not make your liquor any better.
For best results, be sure to use a hydrometer and a thermometer throughout the distilling process. This will help you to ensure the alcohol is coming out at the desired proof and temperature. Finally, it is necessary to use absolute safe practices when working with the still.
Never leave it unattended and be sure to have all the proper equipment on hand if any issues arise during the process.
How do you know when distilling is finished?
Distilling is complete when the distillate no longer contains any of the desired compounds or when the distillate’s purity has decreased to a certain point. This point is determined by the distiller and is often found through experimentation and comparison with known standards.
Generally, the lower the temperature, the higher the purity of the distillate, though this varies depending on the type of distillation being performed. There are physical signs that can help determine when the distillation is close to being complete, such as the formation of bubbles in the distillation flask, reduced boiling times, or an increased level of liquid in the receiver flask.
The distiller should also be aware of any unwanted elements that may be distilled with the desired compounds and evaporate over time, and when these are detected, the distillation process should be stopped.
What happens if you drink 100% ethanol?
Drinking 100% ethanol is extremely dangerous and could potentially have deadly consequences. Ethanol is a form of alcohol, and drinking large quantities of it can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to serious health complications and even death.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination, excessive fatigue, low body temperature, and breathing problems. Alcohol poisoning also causes a person’s blood pressure and heart rate to drop.
Without prompt medical attention, consuming 100% ethanol could cause severe respiratory depression, coma, or death. It is vital to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know has ingested 100% ethanol.
Simply put, it is not safe to drink 100% ethanol, and the risks far outweigh the potential benefits.
Is corn vodka a moonshine?
No, corn vodka is not considered to be moonshine. Moonshine, also known as illegal whiskey, is an illegally produced distilled alcoholic beverage, typically produced by fermenting a grain-based mash.
This type of beverage is generally made from corn, barley, rye, or wheat and is not legal in many countries. Corn vodka, on the other hand, is a type of vodka that is made from corn, though other grains are also used in its production.
The distillation process for corn vodka is more regulated, and the results are higher in quality than those of moonshine. While moonshine is typically unaged, corn vodka may be aged for a period in order to further refine the taste.
Corn vodka is produced with the intent to be sold in stores and consumed legally. Thus, corn vodka is not technically a form of moonshine.
Can you distill Everclear?
Yes, it is possible to distill Everclear. However, doing so is illegal in certain parts of the world, so if you are considering it, you should be aware of the local laws before proceeding. In the United States, Everclear is typically 95% alcohol (190 proof), and because of the high alcohol content, it can be used for distillation.
In order to distill Everclear, you will need the proper distilling equipment and knowledge of the process. Begin by pouring the Everclear into a still and heating it until the alcohol boils off. When the temperature reaches 173-176 degrees Fahrenheit, the alcohol begins to boil off, leaving behind water and other impurities.
The vapors are then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, and the clear liquid that is produced is pure, concentrated alcohol. It is important to note that distilling Everclear is a potentially dangerous process, and that you should take the necessary safety precautions before attempting it.
