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.