One of the key practices in moonshining is to throw away the first bit of moonshine. This step is done for several reasons.
First, the first bit of moonshine that comes out of a cooked mash is often referred to as “the heads,” also known as foreshots. This portion of the moonshine can contain ethanol, acetone, and other compounds that may have a foul taste.
Throwing away the first bit of moonshine gets rid of these compounds, thus resulting in a neater and higher-quality product.
Second, the heads could also contain various harmful, toxic, and even carcinogenic compounds, such as methanol, ethyl acetate, and isopropanol. Throwing away the first bit of moonshine eliminates the chance of ingesting these compounds, thus allowing us to consume only the healthiest, safest and most pleasurable moonshine.
By throwing away the first bit of moonshine, we are able to produce a smoother and higher-quality product. This rigorous process of throwing away “the heads” is often the first step taken in the moonshining process, and it is an essential practice for producing the most enjoyable and safe moonshine for consumption.
What is the head of moonshine?
The head of moonshine is the top layer of a jar of moonshine spirit which forms when it is left to settle. It is often a cloudy, grayish-white layer which forms from the sediment that is left on the bottom of the jar.
This layer is separated from the clear spirits by a congealed foam which is usually lighter in color. Because of its higher alcohol content, some distillers use the head as a flavoring or to correct off-flavors in their spirits.
However, the head is usually discarded because its higher alcohol content can cause intoxication if consumed directly.
What is a first distillate called?
The first distillate, also known as the “low wines”, is a raw spirit that is produced during the distillation process. It comes off the still at a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) content than the desired final ABV.
Low wines typically have an ABV that ranges from 30% to 85%. Low wines are then re-distilled in a second distillation process with heads, hearts, and tails differently separated. This second distillation helps to purify and refine the spirit into what will become the final product.
The first distillate is an integral step in the distillation process and helps to create the desired quality of the final spirit.
How do you tell a head from a heart?
It can be difficult to tell a head from a heart, because they both tend to involve emotional responses, but they can be distinguished in a few ways. The head is often associated with logic, rational decision-making, and problem-solving, while the heart is associated with feelings, intuition, and sentiment.
A head-based decision is likely to be determined mainly by facts and data. Emotions may still play into the decision, but overall it is based on calculating the most efficient way to achieve a desired result.
A heart-based decision prioritizes emotion, compassion, and sentiment over logic and facts. It requires someone to go beyond the logical thought process and rationally consider how their decision-making will affect other people and their environment.
It is important to be aware of the differences between a head and heart response, as well as the importance of being able to utilize both. Many decisions require both a logical and emotional approach to fully assess the situation and make the most out of the available options.
In this way, it is important to know how to tell the difference between a head and heart response, as understanding the two can help in making more well-rounded decisions.
What moonshine means?
Moonshine is a homemade alcoholic drink that is made using a distillation process that eliminates impurities from the original fermented base. It is also known as “white lightning,” “White Whiskey,” and “hooch.
” In most places, moonshine is illegal as it is produced outside of established regulations or taxation. Moonshine typically has a very high alcohol content, sometimes up to 90 percent or higher. It is often clear, but it can also have a yellowish tint due to the presence of other compounds, like fusel oils.
It has a reputation for being dangerous to drink due to the high alcohol content and impurities which can lead to blindness, organ failure, and even death. In addition, the production of moonshine is illegal in the majority of countries around the world and carries heavy fines, jail time, and other punitive measures.
When was moonshining invented?
Moonshine, or illegal homemade liquor, has been around since the 1700s, particularly in America. It is thought to have originated during the colonial period, when people began distilling grain alcohol in order to avoid paying taxes on imported spirits.
As whiskey was the most commonly used spirit of the time, the illicit distillation of corn whiskey became known as “moonshining” – referring to the fact that the stills were often operated at night, in secrecy, to avoid detection.
This practice is also thought to be linked to the term “whiskey rebellion”, used to describe the widespread agitation in the late 18th century against the US Government’s attempt to regulating the production and consumption of liquor.
Over the following centuries, moonshining become increasingly popular, with the clandestine manufacture of liquor becoming a major source of revenue for many rural communities. The tradition of moonshining flourished in the Appalachian Mountains, with many stills operating throughout the region – although the practice was brought to an end in the early 20th century, due to the passage of a federal law, the Volstead Act, which made the production and sale of “intoxicating liquor” illegal.
So, while the exact origins of moonshining are not known, it can be traced back to the 1700s, when illegal distillation of spirits first began in America.
Was moonshine legal in the 1800s?
No, moonshine was not legal in the 1800s. It was heavily produced and consumed, particularly in rural areas, but it was illegal. In the early 1830s, the United States imposed a tax on distilled spirits and about 30,000 federal agents were tasked with collecting the tax.
This sparked a strong resistance from those who wanted to continue producing their own alcohol without paying the tax. So, people began producing moonshine illegally without paying the taxes. This led to a strong relationship between moonshine and Prohibition in the early 1900s.
Moonshining was still popular throughout the 1800s, and although Prohibition ran from 1919 to 1933, it was still produced throughout the period. Moonshining remained popular across many parts of the US until the 1970s.
When was the word moonshine first used?
The word “moonshine” is believed to have originated during the late 18th century in the British Isles. Popularly known as “mountain dew” in Scotland or “applejack” in Ireland, the term “moonshine” was first documented in 1789, in the West Yorkshire district of England, in a letter from a local magistrate to a young farmer.
In the letter, the magistrate warned the farmer that a “nasty beverage called `moonshine'” was being illegally made and sold in the region, for no less than four pence a quart. From this point onwards, the term “moonshine” began to gain traction and spread throughout the British Isles and beyond.
By the turn of 19th century, the term had also become part of the American vernacular as well and was used to refer to illegally produced and sold liquor.
Why do people drink moonshine?
People drink moonshine for a variety of reasons. For some, drinking moonshine is seen as a way to keep up with friends and has become an informal social ritual. Some people enjoy the taste of moonshine, especially in mixed drinks, and the fierce kick it can have.
There are also those who enjoy sampling moonshine for its historical significance and the challenge of trying different types and flavours. Additionally, the appeal of drinking something illegal or forbidden is a major draw for some people.
For some who have had to live with restrictions during certain periods of history, moonshine consumption has offered a way to emancipate oneself from the laws and regulations. Finally, moonshine can be a much cheaper alternative to conventional whiskey given its DIY nature and easy production methods.
When did moonshine become illegal?
Moonshine – the illegal distillation of alcohol – has been around since the 1700s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that it became illegal in the United States. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Appalachian region (which is a part of the United States) had an industrial revolution.
The main industry at the time was timber, coal and cloth production. Locals began to make and distill whiskey as a byproduct of their various industries. Soon, people started to resort to the illegal production and transport of moonshine.
The federal government began to pass laws prohibiting the production and sale of moonshine in the mid-1800s. However, these laws were difficult to enforce due to the rural nature of the Appalachian region.
As a result, moonshining was still relatively common.
In December 1917, the Eighteenth Amendment was passed, banning the production, sale and transportation of all alcoholic beverages in the United States. This amendment, also known as the Volstead Act, made moonshining completely illegal and punishable by law.
Despite the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment and subsequent laws making moonshining illegal, it is still a common practice in the Appalachian region and other parts of the United States and abroad.
The illegal production and sale of moonshine remain a significant problem for law enforcement in many areas.
What alcohol is in moonshine?
Moonshine is an illegally-made distilled alcohol, usually produced in rural or suburban areas. It is typically made from corn mash, and potentially other grains such as rye, wheat, barley, or sugar. The alcohol produced from the fermentation of these grains is then re-distilled in a still with the addition of sugar and other ingredients to concentrate the ethanol.
The resulting alcoholic solution is typically around 80 to 90 percent ethanol. While moonshine is not a defined alcohol, it is most closely associated with mountain whiskey and other untaxed liquors produced in the Appalachian region of the United States.
The taste of the moonshine will vary depending on the type of grain used, and the length of the fermentation and distillation processes.
What does the worm do in a moonshine still?
The worm, also known as the worm tub, is an essential part of a traditional moonshine still. It is a long, coiled piece of metal, usually made from copper or brass, that is placed in a tub of cold water.
This process, known as condensation, cools down the hot vaporized alcohol that is produced during distillation. As the vapor passes through the coiled metal, it cools down and becomes liquid again, allowing the moonshine to be collected in the end.
Essentially, the worm is a heat exchanger, cooling down and condensing the alcohol vapor before it can escape and be wasted. Additionally, it serves as an indicator to the distiller of how efficient their setup is, as the more efficient the rig is, the quicker the vapor will cool down as it passes through the worm.
How do you make a distilling worm?
Making your own distilling worm is a time-consuming but rewarding process that yields an effective apparatus for distillation. The distilling worm also known as a ‘still worm’ is essentially a coiled tube of metal that is used to condense evaporated alcohol vapors that are produced during distillation.
Begin by gathering the necessary parts. You will need several feet of a type of metal specifically sold for the purpose, such as copper. Tubing should be sold in coils and can be purchased in a variety of lengths.
In addition to the tubing you will need solder and flux, as well as two garden hose couplings.
First, you need to cut two lengths of the tubing – one length should be twice as long as the other. You will need to solder the two couplings to each of these lengths.
Next, join the shorter piece of tubing and the longer piece of tubing together, making sure that the two couplings rest on opposing sides.
Start to spiral the two joined lengths of tubing together in a tight coil. This spiraling step will take time, since you want to create an even and consistent coil.
When you have finished coiling, you will need to solder the remaining gaps to seal the coil. This will create a continuous tube without any gaps.
Finally, you will need to identify the middle of the coil. This is known as the ‘eye of the worm’ and will act as a condenser, cooling the methanol vapors from the distillation as they travel through it.
With the distilling worm complete, you will be able to successfully use it in conjunction with a still to vapor vape and then condense, the ethanol alcohol vapor produced during distillation.
How long does it take to distill 3 gallons of moonshine?
The amount of time it takes to distill 3 gallons of moonshine will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of your setup, the efficiency of your still, the recipe you’re using, the temperature and humidity of the location, and your own experience level.
With all things taken into account, it could theoretically take as little as a few hours, to as long as a few days.
Generally, if you have a properly sized still, you should be able to distill 3 gallons of high-proof liquor in about two runs. After setting everything up, the first distillation run can take 8–10 hours, with the second run taking 6–7 hours.
Each run involves collecting at least two fractions of liquid–the heads and the hearts–so the total number of hours you spend collecting the moonshine will be higher. Additionally, the quality of the moonshine increases with additional purifications, which could add a few hours to the process.
After collecting the moonshine, it will need to sit for a day or two before it’s completely clear and drinkable. Furthermore, additional aging helps soften the flavor and smooth out some of the harshness, so consider this when estimating your overall timeline.
All things considered, expect it to take around 15–23 hours to distill 3 gallons of moonshine, with an additional day or two following that.
How much is a gallon of moonshine?
The price of a gallon of moonshine can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, the price of a gallon of moonshine will depend on the distillation method and ingredients used, the brand, and even the region of the country from which it is purchased.
Store-bought, legal moonshine can usually range from around $20 to $60 per gallon, depending on any special ingredients or flavors. Illegal moonshine that is produced on the black market is much more variable in terms of price, and can range anywhere from $50 to $100 per gallon due to the added risk factor and potential criminal penalties.
Some areas may have higher prices due to regional demand or scarcity of resources in the area, so it is important to do research before deciding where to purchase moonshine.
What is the quickest alcohol to make?
The quickest type of alcohol to make is beer. The process of fermentation and maturation of beer can be completed within 2-4 weeks. The process entails malted barley grains being soaked in hot water to extract the sugars, then boiled with hops to give it its signature flavour.
After this, the liquid is cooled, yeast is added, and the wort is left to ferment for a few days. Once fermentation is complete, the beer undergoes conditioning at colder temperatures for a few more days before being ready for consumption.
This process is relatively quick compared to other alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, which can take several years before it is ready.
At what proof do you stop distilling?
The proof at which distillation is stopped will depend on the distillation method being used and the desired quality of the product. For most liquors and spirits, the distillation process will typically end at a proof of between 40-95%.
For vodka, gin, and certain clear spirits, the proof is usually around 80-95%. For darker spirits such as whiskey, the typical proof at the end of the distillation process is usually between 40-60%. Although, for some special whiskeys, the proof can range from 70-90%.
Once the desired proof has been achieved, the distillation process is complete.
Why is my moonshine low proof?
There could be a few reasons why your moonshine is low proof. The most common is that when a home distiller is not familiar with the equipment, they may not distill their moonshine long enough, resulting in a lower alcoholic content.
This could also be because of evaporation during the distilling process or not boiling the mixture long enough to achieve the desired proof. Another possible reason is too much sugar or water in the mash to begin with, which affects the distillation process and lowers the proof.
Finally, if there is not enough room in the still to produce necessary pressure, the alcohol will not evaporate at the necessary temperatures, resulting in lower proof alcohol.
