Moonshine, commonly referred to as white lightning, is a distilled spirit with a high proof that is usually produced from corn or other grains. Although it is against the law to make and sell moonshine in most nations, it is nonetheless a favorite drink among fans who appreciate the distinctive flavor and kick it offers. Many individuals do, nonetheless, ponder whether it is feasible to double distill moonshine in order to boost its potency and purity. This post will examine this query along with several associated issues.
Yes, it is possible to distill moonshine twice, and seasoned distillers frequently do so. The final product’s alcohol content can be raised and contaminants can be removed with the help of double distillation. It is important to remember, too, that a double distillation can also take away part of the flavor and character that give moonshine its own identity. The choice of whether the additional work is worthwhile rests with the distiller as a result.
Depending on the tools and recipe used, a run of moonshine might take anywhere from one hour to many days. However, a run generally takes 8 to 10 hours to complete. This includes the time needed for the grains to be mashed, for the mash to be fermented, and for the spirit to be distilled. Depending on the size of the still and the desired alcohol level, the distillation process can take several hours. Why Does Moonshine Cost So Much? Due to its illegal status and the hazards associated with its production, moonshine is often more expensive than spirits that are made legitimately. The expense of manufacturing rises as a result of moonshiners’ need to operate covertly and avoid police notice. Furthermore, it is challenging to set a consistent pricing because the end product’s quality can differ substantially. As a result, moonshine is frequently priced higher to make up for these disadvantages.
The amount of alcohol, the storage conditions, and the presence of impurities all affect how long moonshine will keep. High-proof moonshine typically keeps forever if maintained in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark location. Low-alcohol moonshine or moonshine with contaminants, however, may degrade or lose their strength with time. For maximum freshness and quality, moonshine must therefore be stored carefully. How Much Alcohol Is in Moonshine, Exactly?
Alcohol by volume (ABV) in moonshine normally ranges from 40% to 60%. Moonshine can, however, occasionally reach or even exceed 100 proof (50% ABV). The formula, the method of distillation, and the equipment utilized are just a few of the variables that affect moonshine’s alcohol concentration. As a result, the amount of alcohol in a batch of moonshine can differ significantly.
Consequently, double distilling moonshine can assist to improve its potency and purity, but it may also take away some of the distinctive flavor and character that make moonshine so popular. Depending on the formula and tools used, a run of moonshine might take a variety of times. Due to its illegal status and the hazards associated with its production, moonshine is often more expensive than spirits that are made legitimately. In contrast to low-quality or impure moonshine, which can deteriorate over time, high-proof moonshine can keep forever if stored properly. Depending on the formula and distillation method, moonshine’s alcohol content can range from 40% to over 100 percent.