Mags Bennett, a major antagonist in the FX drama, Justified, used strychnine as her poison of choice. Strychnine is a potent toxic alkaloid used as a pesticide and for the purpose of euthanasia of domestic animals.
Mags was known for running a moonshine operation in Harlan County, Kentucky, and she got access to strychnine to poison other moonshiners and her own family. Mags used her knowledge of distilleries as well as her creative method to craft poison-laced batches of moonshine, while convincing rival moonshiners that it was medical-grade liquor.
She also mixed the poison into cooked food, using it to fatally poison her son and her brother-in-law. It’s likely that Mags used strychnine because it’s highly poisonous, and can cause violent seizures, muscle spasms, and death if ingested.
Strychnine is also very difficult to detect, making it an ideal poison for a criminal mastermind like Mags.
How long does Everclear moonshine last?
Everclear moonshine has an indefinite shelf life if it is stored and sealed properly. The alcohol content is so high (up to 95% alcohol by volume) that it will not go bad or evaporate. However, it is not recommended to store it for more than a few years as the flavor and quality may diminish over time.
Additionally, any change in the smell or taste should be a warning sign that the moonshine has gone bad and should not be consumed. If stored properly and in a cool, dark place, Everclear moonshine should last indefinitely.
How do you seal apple pie moonshine jars?
To seal apple pie moonshine jars, first, make sure the jar is clean and dry. Next, sterilize the jar and lid by boiling for 10 minutes in hot, but not boiling, water. Once the jar is sterile, pour the apple pie moonshine into the jar.
Make sure to leave a 1/2-inch gap between the surface of the moonshine and the top of the jar. Once the jar is full, place the lid on the jar. For a safe, secure seal, use a two-part canning lid—a ring and then a flat lid.
To seal the jar, place the flat lid on the jar and then the ring which holds the flat lid in place. After the lid is secured, turn the lid clockwise to tighten it. Finally, place the jar of moonshine in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard, pantry, or basement, to allow the moonshine to age.
Does moonshine expire?
Moonshine does not technically expire, however, its flavor and potency can degrade over time due to oxidation. When stored correctly (in a cool, dark place) moonshine can last for many years without a noticeable change in flavor or quality.
However, if moonshine is stored in hot or sunny areas, or in opened containers that are not airtight, its flavor and potency can deteriorate quickly. Over time, the flavor of moonshine can become less intense and the alcohol content can decrease.
This can happen anywhere from a few months to a few years. In any case, it is important to store moonshine in a cool, dark, and ultimately airtight environment to maximize its shelf-life.
Does homemade apple pie moonshine need to be refrigerated?
No, homemade apple pie moonshine does not need to be refrigerated. Unlike other types of alcohol, moonshine does not need to be refrigerated because, unlike beer and other brewed drinks that contain yeast, moonshine does not contain any elements that require refrigeration to slow down oxidation or contamination from microorganisms.
The high alcohol content of moonshine is an effective preservative and helps keep it stable for a long period of time. However, even though moonshine does not need to be refrigerated, it is best kept in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature.
If you plan on keeping your moonshine for an extended period of time, it is best to refrigerate it to ensure it keeps its flavor and texture.
Can Apple Pie Moonshine be stored in plastic containers?
Yes, Apple Pie Moonshine can be stored in plastic containers, although there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Plastic containers can provide an airtight environment for storing this type of moonshine, which is important for maintaining its flavor and consistency, though the plastic can impart its own flavor to the beverage if it is not of high quality.
Additionally, plastic containers are not ideal for longer-term storage as the alcohol in the moonshine can cause the plastic to become brittle over time, leading to leaks or other issues. For short-term storage, however, plastic containers suffice for storing Apple Pie Moonshine.
For long-term storage, glass or stainless steel containers are generally preferred.
Why is moonshine put in mason jars?
Moonshine is traditionally put in Mason jars because they are a convenient and relatively cheap container that seals tightly and is made from thick glass, making them ideal for holding liquids for long periods of time.
Mason jars were also easier to transport than other types of jars, making them ideal for outlaws who needed to transport their products without drawing too much attention. The airtight seal created by the Mason jar also helps keep the moonshine fresh.
The Mason jars also help protect the moonshine from outside contaminants, ensuring that its quality is not compromised over time. Additionally, Mason jars are aesthetically pleasing, making them perfect for turning into decorative pieces or displaying.
Many people choose to store their moonshine in Mason jars because they are attractive and simple, while also providing much-needed protection for the moonshine.
Does Apple Pie Moonshine spoil?
Yes, Apple Pie Moonshine can spoil if not stored properly. It is important to remember that moonshine is a type of liquor and, like any other type of alcohol, it can spoil if not stored properly. It’s best to store Apple Pie Moonshine in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
If the moonshine is stored correctly, it should last anywhere from a few months to a year or more. However, if the moonshine is exposed to heat or sunlight, the alcohol can start to break down and the flavor can become altered.
Additionally, it’s important to also note that Apple Pie Moonshine may contain fruits, sugar, and other ingredients liable to spoilage if left in warm or hot temperatures. Since Apple Pie Moonshine is a particularly sugary type of liquor with a lot of flavor, it can go bad quickly if not taken care of properly.
Should you chill moonshine?
Moonshine is a high-proof alcoholic beverage that is often unaged and made using a variety of methods. While some people enjoy drinking moonshine neat, others prefer to mix it with other beverages or to drink it chilled.
If you’re thinking about chilling your moonshine, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, moonshine is strong, and if you’re not used to drinking high-proof alcohol, it can be easy to overdo it. Chilling the moonshine can make it easier to drink too much without realizing it, so be sure to pace yourself.
Second, moonshine is often made using unsanitary methods, so it’s important to make sure that the moonshine you’re drinking is from a reputable source. Finally, while chilling moonshine can make it more palatable, it can also strip away some of the flavor.
If you’re looking for a particular flavor profile, you may want to avoid chilling your moonshine.
Does apple pie liquor go bad?
No, apple pie liquor does not go bad. Like any distilled spirit, it does not spoil in the same way that food does, and it will stay safe to consume for many years when stored properly. The flavor may start to decline over time, but even after many years, it will not make you sick to drink.
Proper storage includes keeping it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, as well as keeping it tightly sealed.
What happens if you drink bad moonshine?
Drinking bad moonshine can have a variety of negative consequences, depending on how it’s made and what ingredients are used. Low-quality moonshine, for example, can be extremely strong and may cause alcohol poisoning if consumed.
Bad moonshine may also contain dangerous substances such as lead or other toxins that can lead to serious health risks and, in some cases, may even be fatal.
The most common symptoms associated with consuming bad or low-quality moonshine are vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, headaches, abdominal cramps, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking moonshine, seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, regularly consuming bad moonshine can lead to long-term health problems, such as liver and kidney damage, memory and cognitive issues, and even certain types of cancer.
Furthermore, bad moonshine can even contain methanol, a type of alcohol which can cause blindness or death if ingested in high amounts. For these reasons, it is important to only purchase moonshine from reputable sources, and to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and responsible drinking.
Do you drink moonshine cold or warm?
The answer to whether you should drink moonshine cold or warm really depends on your preference. Some people prefer it straight from the still, warm, or even hot, although it typically contains around 60-80% alcohol.
This means that it should be handled with care when consumed.
On the other hand, many people prefer to serve their homemade moonshine over ice to make a refreshing cocktail or to just smooth out the flavor and make it easier to drink. As with any spirit, the cooling effect will mellow out some of the sharpness of the drink.
Some people even serve the moonshine in coffee mugs to keep it warm, particularly in the winter months.
At the end of the day, it comes down to individual preference. Whether you enjoy moonshine cold or warm is up to you and based on how you want to drink it.
Can moonshine make you sick?
Yes, moonshine can make you sick if it has been improperly produced or contaminated. Many homemade moonshines are not made in sanitary conditions and can contain dangerous toxins such as methanol, lead, and other contaminants.
In addition, it has been estimated that as many as one-third of all moonshine on the market is illegally produced. Unregulated production means that the stills used to make moonshine may contain lead and other toxins, which can leach into the product and be ingested.
Ingesting these contaminants can lead to serious health problems, including symptoms such as nausea, headaches, vomiting, respiratory problems, and even death. Because of these risks, it’s important to only consume moonshine that has been produced in a licensed distillery or by someone you trust.
Why does my moonshine taste bad?
There could be several reasons why your moonshine may taste bad. The most likely cause is if the grain mash or the distillation process was done incorrectly. The type of grains and the ratios used can greatly affect the final taste of the moonshine.
Similarly, the distillation process is a delicate one and if performed incorrectly this can also result in off flavors. Additionally, poor storage practices can also cause off-flavors in the moonshine.
Factors such as heat, light, or exposure to oxygen can all degrade the flavor of your moonshine over time. If your moonshine is tasting bad, it is likely that one or multiple of these components is the culprit.
What proof is moonshine if it burns blue?
Moonshine is a type of homemade alcohol that is illegally produced by distilling alcohol in an informal setting. The term is also commonly used to refer to any illegally distilled alcohol, regardless of the color or type.
Moonshine is often the beverage of choice for those seeking a higher alcohol content than what is legally available in stores. One way to identify whether a moonshine is real is to check whether it burns with a blue flame.
When authentic moonshine is lit with a match, the flame it produces will usually be a distinct blue color. This is because of the high levels of methanol, or wood alcohol, found in the drink. Methanol has a lower boiling point and a lower energy output than ethanol, the type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages.
As a result, when it is exposed to the flame from a match, it burns at a slower rate than ethanol, creating a vivid blue flame.
For moonshine to burn with a blue flame, it must contain pure methanol in significant amounts. If it contains other compounds like water or oil, the flame will not burn blue. This is why a moonshine that claims to be the real deal but doesn’t burn blue is likely not genuine.
Burning a sample of the substance with a match is a reliable way to confirm if it is a legitimate moonshine or not.
