How to Make Moonshine
Wednesday July 20, 2005
You could ferment your own alcohol by simply leaving fruit juice on the counter overnight (pretty sure the result won't be pleasant), but distillation is used to isolate the alcohol to get a product of higher purity or proof. Moonshine is an example of an historically significant distilled spirit. Even though Prohibition is in the past, it's still illegal to make moonshine in the United States.
Aside from reasons relating to politics and money, there are safety concerns with making your own 'shine. One is the possibility of the still exploding from a buildup of internal pressure. Otherwise, there is the possibility of poisoning yourself with volatile oils or other contaminants by not discarding them during the distillation process or by not maintaining careful temperature control. The most prevalent health problem is contamination of the moonshine with high levels of lead. Laboratory glassware tends not to be something the average Bootlegger possesses, which means he or she will probably use metal components. Welding metal parts or using inappropriate materials (like car radiators) can lead to the leaching of lead into the distillate. It's possible to filter the lead out, but many people are unaware of the hazard.
Anyway, for your entertainment and edification, here are instructions for making moonshine.
Aside from reasons relating to politics and money, there are safety concerns with making your own 'shine. One is the possibility of the still exploding from a buildup of internal pressure. Otherwise, there is the possibility of poisoning yourself with volatile oils or other contaminants by not discarding them during the distillation process or by not maintaining careful temperature control. The most prevalent health problem is contamination of the moonshine with high levels of lead. Laboratory glassware tends not to be something the average Bootlegger possesses, which means he or she will probably use metal components. Welding metal parts or using inappropriate materials (like car radiators) can lead to the leaching of lead into the distillate. It's possible to filter the lead out, but many people are unaware of the hazard.
Anyway, for your entertainment and edification, here are instructions for making moonshine.
Comments
It is a common mistake that people make when they say, moonshine is illegal. It is not illegal if you pay taxes for it. that is the only reasi=on it would still be considered illegal I’m surprised a person with a Ph.D doesn’t know that!
This lady is just playing ball for the government. The fact is booze making is safer then eating a steak by far.
People get sick from booze that has been intentionally “tweeked” or from lead content. Use common sense, stainless steel, and teflon. Also discard the first part of the batch, and you will be safe. She talks about an “over pressurized” still. Thats not possible, so don’t worry about that.
It’s not illegal to make shine for YOUR OWN CONSUMPTION or for a gift. It becomes illegal the second you sell it and the government doesn’t get their cut.
It is illegal to distill alcohol. It is not illegal to homebrew beer or ferment wine. It is illegal to sell that beer and wine without going throught the proper legal passages where it is taxed. The act of distilling alcohol is against federal laws, no lie.
It is not illegal to distill alchohol but there is a limit on the amount you can make per year.
I’ve condensed my own ethanol only a couple of times(17 times).It has far been the most rewarding(and Im rich by the way)experience Ive ever accomplished,aside from climbing Everest,…Ive had more fun with Kazz(my cat)and distilling(beginner chemistry)than Ive ever had.He chases my laser pointer to no end!!!!!(LOL)I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITS FREE
It IS indeed illegal to distill liquor at home — whether it is for sale or not, whether it is a small quantity or a large one. It is only legal when you are doing so to use it as fuel and have the proper permit.
How likely are you to even be on the government radar? not likely. But it is still technically illegal.
It is not illegal to distill alcohol, as long as it`s not used for human consumption. If you store more than 100 gallons, it must be denatured with a gallon of kerosene or like substance according to the BATF). All kinds of eco-types are using it for tractors, lawn mowers, automobiles, generators, etc.
In the United States, those wishing to distill alcohol must contact their local BATF office to obtain an appropriate licensing prior to performing home distillation. It is the sole responsibility of the distiller to know and abide by all applicable laws.
We’ve created a video tour of the facilities at Strait Shine in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Learn about the hand-crafted distilled products and hear about how moonshine is made.
Moonshine is awesome
W, I agree with what you said. It isn’t illegal to make for your own consumption or as a gift. I KNOW it says that somewhere in TN law and I was wondering if you could help me find it.
FYI it is not illegal to make your own distilled spirits but it is intentionally prohibitively difficult. Aside from the application and permits (for any amount of distilled alcohol)you also have to pay excise tax on it.
See this FAQ:
http://www.ttb.gov/faqs/alcohol_faqs.shtml