Can I make my own moonshine still?

Can I make my own moonshine still?

Making your own moonshine is cool. Making your own moonshine with a still you’ve actually built yourself is the level of cool that is only topped by having your own whiskey company. And this can make all the difference between an OK moonshine and hooch so good you’ll want the guys from ATF to rave all about it.

How do you make a still at home?

How to Make a Still at Home

1. Supplies for Making a DIY Still.
2. Step 1: Drill a 1/8-inch Hole on the Aluminum Pot.
3. Step 2: Wrap the Thermometer with Teflon Tape.
4. Step 3: Place the Thermometer in the Hole.
5. Step 4: Secure the Thermometer with Hot Glue.
6. Step 5: Drill a 3/8-inch hole in the Pot Lid.
7. Step 6: File as Needed.

How much moonshine will a 5 gallon still make?

A 5 gallon run will yield 1-2 gallons of alcohol. A 8 gallon run will yield 1.5-3 gallons of alcohol. A 10 gallon run will yield 2-4 gallons of alcohol.

Why is homemade moonshine illegal?

So why is moonshine still illegal? Because the liquor is worth more to the government than beer or wine. In 2005, almost $5 billion of federal excise taxes on alcohol came from legally produced spirits. Until 1978, it was illegal to home-brew liquour or beer—and the rules on wine-making were somewhat ambiguous.

What states is it legal to make moonshine?

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.

How much moonshine will 5 gallons of mash make?

For the instant gratification seekers in the crowd, here’s the short answer: A 1 gallon run will yield 3-6 cups of alcohol. A 5 gallon run will yield 1-2 gallons of alcohol.

How long does it take to make moonshine?

Let the mash work as long as the head, or foam, seems to be rising, but it will ferment out and go sour, so about 10 to 14 days is maximum, depending on temperature. Yeast acts more slowly at lower temps. Do not invite friends over while the mash is working.

How much is a gallon of moonshine worth?

You can expect to pay $30 to $100 for a gallon. Moonshine is a high-proof, unaged alcoholic beverage otherwise known as white whiskey.

How much sugar do I need for 5 gallons of mash?

When making a pure sugar wash- add the sugar first and then add water to reach the desired mash volume. If you are making a 5 gallon sugar mash with 8 pounds of sugar- add the sugar and then you will add around 4.5 gallons of water to reach the 5 gallon mark.

Why is my moonshine blue?

While it may not happen all the time, moonshiners with copper stills may experience a blue batch every once in a while. Basically, this is caused by the alcohol vapor corroding the copper metal. As the copper is literally eaten away, fragments transfer into the moonshine batch, which ultimately gives it a bluish tint.

Can you drink the heads of moonshine?

The heads are not worth keeping for drinking and should be set aside. In general, roughly 20-30% of the liquid collected during a distillation run will be heads.

What happens if you get caught making moonshine?

Making of moonshine is felony. Get caught making moonshine and you’ll face a felony charge of producing liquor without a license, a crime punishable by a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 and/or up to three years in prison. Get caught selling it and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Can you make moonshine if you don t sell it?

No. In the United States, distilling alcohol without a license is illegal in all 50 states. Doesn’t matter whether it’s personal or for resale, or in what volume. There is no such thing as a “home distillers” license/permit.

How much does a gallon of moonshine sell for?

As with most liquor, the price you’ll pay for moonshine depends on the quality, amount, and where you get it from. “Street” moonshine is more commonly sold by the quart or gallon. You can expect to pay $30 to $100 for a gallon. Moonshine is a high-proof, unaged alcoholic beverage otherwise known as white whiskey.

How many pounds of sugar do I need to make 5 gallons of mash?

8 pounds
When making a pure sugar wash- add the sugar first and then add water to reach the desired mash volume. If you are making a 5 gallon sugar mash with 8 pounds of sugar- add the sugar and then you will add around 4.5 gallons of water to reach the 5 gallon mark.

What 3 Ways Can alcohol be made?

Alcohol can be made by three different methods: Fermentation of fruit or grain mixtures. This is often followed by distillation of fermented fruit or grain mixtures (Spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka and gin are distilled.) Chemical modification of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas or coal (industrial alcohol)

Should you stir your mash while fermenting?

Stirring helps even out the temperature in a mash and mixes the liquids and solids more thoroughly. If you can manage it, you should always stir your mash at least a few times during the saccharification rest.

What’s the best yeast for moonshine?

Yeasts Reviewed Here

But It’s Still Illegal : The Salt Let’s be clear: Making spirits at home with plans to drink it remains against federal law, folks. Even so, more and more people appear to be taking up home distilling as a hobby.

What is the easiest alcohol to make at home?

Most people will agree that mead is the easiest alcohol to make because it requires very little equipment and ingredients. If you don’t have the items already in your pantry, you can easily procure them from the grocery store. To make mead, you need about 2-3 pounds of honey for 1 gallon/3.78 liter of water.

Can I use bread yeast to make moonshine?

Bread Yeast – If your making a rum or corn whiskey mash recipe Bread yeast is one of the best yeast for the job. Not to mention it’s easy to get your hands on. Just head down to your local grocery store to pick some up. Bread yeast will leave a great flavor in your final product.

How much does a gallon of moonshine cost?

What are some good recipes for moonshine still?

10 DIY Moonshine Still Plans (and 6 Moonshine Recipes to Try) 1 1. Watermelon Moonshine. I promised delicious recipes to accompany the moonshine still plans. This is one of those recipes. If you’re someone who 2 2. Dandelion Moonshine. 3 3. Peach Moonshine. 4 4. Honey Moonshine. 5 5. Apple Pie Moonshine.

How do you make a moonshine pot out of an aluminum pot?

Aluminum pot with an aluminum lid (we used a tamale steamer from a place that rhymes with Target…Doh!) Now, seriously, let’s get this moonshine still going! Drill a 1/8 inch hole into the lid of the aluminum pot for your still. Throw the lid over a piece of scrap wood to make it easier and drill a hole a few inches back from the edge of the lid.

What are the components of a moonshine still?

Moonshine has been around for a long time and there are many types of stills today as the designs have evolved over time. It started with a simple pot still that has 4 components: the fire, the pot, the condenser and something to collect it in. Oh, let’s not forget the mash.

Aluminum pot with an aluminum lid (we used a tamale steamer from a place that rhymes with Target…Doh!) Now, seriously, let’s get this moonshine still going! Drill a 1/8 inch hole into the lid of the aluminum pot for your still. Throw the lid over a piece of scrap wood to make it easier and drill a hole a few inches back from the edge of the lid.

What’s the best way to strain fruit moonshine?

Cooking thermometer: Temperature is arguably one of the most important factors in making moonshine. HABOR Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer is an easy to use tool to monitor your temperature and yield great results. Cheesecloth: A cheesecloth is a great way to strain your mash.