The word “moonshine” refers to alcoholic beverages that are frequently produced covertly and without the necessary permits. It has a long and interesting history in the American South, where it is frequently associated. Usually created from grains like corn, wheat, or barley, moonshine is distilled to increase the amount of alcohol in it. The end product has a particular flavor that is frequently referred to as harsh or rough, and it is clear and strong.
The ability of moonshine to age, like other alcoholic beverages like wine and whiskey, is one question that many people have. The quick response is that moonshine can be aged, although it is not necessarily an easy procedure.
Moonshine needs to be kept in a container constructed of a material that allows the liquid to breathe in order to age. For example, a French wine barrel is a perfect vessel for aging moonshine. The porous wood used to make these barrels, oak, allows air to travel through. As a result, the moonshine can interact with the wood and gradually acquire a more nuanced flavor character.
However, depending on the size and quality of the barrel, the cost of a French wine barrel can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. There are alternative possibilities, such oak barrels constructed expressly for aging spirits, for people on a budget. These are a less expensive alternative to French wine barrels and may be bought for a few hundred dollars.
Another frequent query regarding moonshine is why it is so bitter when compared to other alcoholic beverages, like whiskey. The distillation procedure contains the solution. Since moonshine is often only distilled once, more of the flavorings and contaminants found in the initial mash are still present. The many distillations of whiskey, in contrast, eliminate many of these ingredients and result in a smoother, more sophisticated spirit.
Finally, a lot of people ponder the one-time usage of whiskey barrels. The whiskey already has a significant amount of the barrel’s flavor from its initial use, which is why this is the case. There will be a less noticeable impact on the finished product with subsequent applications. Barrels are also inappropriate for use in the aging process because they can only be utilized for a finite period of time before they start to degrade and leak.
In conclusion, although moonshine can be aged like other alcoholic drinks, the procedure is not always simple. It is advised to utilize a French wine barrel or an oak barrel made expressly for aging spirits. However, the cost of these containers can be high, and not everyone may enjoy the distinctive flavor of moonshine. The choice to age moonshine is ultimately a matter of taste and experimentation.
Barrels are often rounded because the curved design promotes better pressure and weight distribution and makes them simpler to roll and manoeuvre. Additionally, the barrel’s round shape requires less wood to build, increasing its effectiveness and affordability. The form of the barrel is crucial when it comes to maturing moonshine since it can affect how the finished product tastes. As moonshine ages, the wood and shape of the barrel can affect the color, flavor, and scent.
Large wooden barrels called “hogsheads” were historically used to transport and store liquids including beer, wine, and rum. The fact that these barrels were first used to transport hogs or pigs is where the term “hogshead” originates. It usually contained 63 liters of liquid and was built of wood. The hogshead was widely utilized in the shipping business during the 18th and 19th centuries because of its size and form, which made it perfect for both storage and transportation.