Why is moonshine illegal?

So why is moonshine still illegal? Because the liquor is worth more to the government than beer or wine. Uncle Sam takes an excise tax of $2.14 for each 750-milliliter bottle of 80-proof spirits, compared with 21 cents for a bottle of wine (of 14 percent alcohol or less) and 5 cents for a can of beer.

Is moonshine actually illegal?

The production of moonshine — or really any spirit — without a license is prohibited by the U.S. government and is very much illegal. Although you might see “moonshine” sitting on your local liquor store shelves, it's not exactly the most accurate moniker for a bottled brand.

Why is moonshine illegal but not Everclear?

What's the Difference Between Everclear and Moonshine? Both Everclear and Moonshine are unaged spirits; however, Everclear is made from grain and Moonshine from corn. Everclear is a brand name of a neutral-tasting, very potent grain alcohol. Moonshine is a general term used to describe illegally produced corn whiskey.

Is moonshine the strongest alcohol?

Is moonshine stronger than other alcohol? Yes, moonshine is stronger than other alcohol if it is made appropriately. Because it hasn't been aged, it is just extremely powerful alcohol with a very strong flavor or “kick.” It's generally quite strong, up to 150 proof (about 75 percent alcohol).

Why is moonshine illegal in Florida?

No, it is not legal to distill alcohol for personal consumption in the state of Florida. Making and possessing moonshine is illegal. Possession of unlicensed alcohol is a felony over one gallon and a misdemeanor under that amount.

Guide to 'Shine: Legal vs. Illegal Explained | Moonshiners

Where is moonshine legal?

However, distilling alcohol at home, even for personal use, is illegal under federal law. In 2010, legal moonshine stills opened in some parts of the south, including South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. These produced legal moonshine for sale and distribution.

Can I distill whiskey at home?

A person may not produce distilled spirits at home for personal use. Except as otherwise provided by law, distilled spirits may only be produced by a distilled spirits plant registered with TTB under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5171.

Why do they call it moonshine?

The term “moonshine” comes from the fact that illegal spirits were made under the light of the moon. In every part of America, early moonshiners worked their stills at night to avoid detection from authorities.

Can you make 200 proof alcohol?

To produce pure, 200 proof alcohol, we use a molecular sieve, so extract the last 5% of the water. The pure alcohol is transferred to storage tanks and ready to be shipped. After the alcohol is removed, the water and corn solids is called stillage.

Is moonshine illegal in California?

No, it is not legal to distill alcohol in California without a permit. However, several commercial distillers permits are available. Distilling alcohol intended for human consumption, without a permit, is illegal in the State of California.

What is the strongest alcohol?

Spirytus Stawski (96% Alcohol) This is the world's most strongest and potent liquor, that has a gentle smell and a mild taste. It is made using premium ethyl alcohol with a grain base.

Why do moonshiners shake the jar?

Why do Moonshiners shake the jar? They shake the jar to check the proof of alcohol. By observing the size of the resulting bubbles and how long they take to dissipate, the Moonshiners can figure out whether there is high alcohol content or proof.

Does moonshine get you drunk?

Consuming Methanol In Moonshine

It will simply get people drunker. However, after it is metabolized, the methanol can have an extremely harmful effect in someone's body. 10 milliliters (ml) of methanol is all it takes to permanently damage the optic nerve and cause partial, if not complete, blindness.

What does moonshine taste like?

Also, some explain that bottles of moonshine taste kind of earthy. Aside from the rubbing alcohol taste, you should taste the slight sweetness and hints of corn flavor. Some testers report that bottles of moonshine taste like good grappa and have a flavor strictly of their own.

Can I make moonshine at home?

But federal law trumps state law, and to the feds, distilling at home for personal consumption is illegal, period. "If you distill without permits, you're looking at roughly a dozen felonies," says Tom Hogue, spokesman for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. "It's not something you want to be doing."

Why is moonshine so strong?

The distilled alcohol condenses in the bottom of the thump keg, and it's the sound of the vapor and alcohol periodically bursting out of the pipe that gave the thump keg its name. The hot vapor distills the alcohol a second time, which results in a higher-proof moonshine.

Is corn vodka a moonshine?

No, moonshine does not taste like vodka. Moonshine uses a corn base mixed with other grains to enhance savor. These clear spirits will remind you more of whiskey than any other spirit. On the other hand, vodka is colorless, odorless, and tasteless unless flavored.

What proof alcohol will run a car?

Only if it's really strong stuff. To power a car, moonshine—in this case, illicit homemade whiskey—must have an extremely high alcohol content, at minimum 150 proof (or 75 percent alcohol by volume), or 190 proof for best results.

What is the purest form of alcohol?

Methyl is the purest form of alcohol. It is produced synthetically by a multi-step process involving natural gas and a process called “steam reforming.” Ethyl alcohol is a plant-based fermentation.

Is moonshine illegal in Texas?

State law in Texas makes moonshining a misdemeanor punishable by a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. But the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission doesn't seem to chase after home hobbyists as aggressively as the feds do.

Who invented moonshine?

While moonshine is deeply rooted in Southern culture and heritage, its origins, in fact, can be traced to Pennsylvania. Farmer-distillers in the western part of the state protested when the federal government passed the distilled-spirits tax in 1791. They tarred and feathered tax collectors and fired upon their homes.

What state is known for moonshine?

The story of North Carolina moonshine is mostly centered around Wilkes County, which was called the moonshine capital of the world by federal revenue officers. What is this? Some might debate that title, but you can't deny that the mountains of North Carolina are steeped in illegal liquor history.

Is whiskey really aged for 12 years?

If a bottle of Scotch whisky shows an age statement, e.g. "12 Years Old" means that the youngest whisky in the bottle is at least 12 years old. Scotch is bottled at a variety of ages, from 3 years to 50 years. Grain whisky is most often used between 3 and 5 years old in blended whisky brands.

What's the easiest alcohol to make?

The easiest alcohol to make is probably mead. Making mead is very straight forward but it is not the fastest alcohol to make. If you want to make alcohol that you can enjoy fast, beer is probably the way to go for you. Wine and spirits generally have longer fermenting processes than beer.

How long does it take to make moonshine?

As you can see, the process of fermenting and distilling moonshine is quite time-consuming. In general, you can expect it to take between 1-3 weeks to make moonshine, as the mash must ferment and the distillation process must be continued until the final shine is safe for consumption.