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.
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Is grain alcohol the same as moonshine?
Moonshine: From Woods To Whiskey Throughout its storied past, moonshine has been called many things: shine, white lightning, hooch, fire water, white dog, or bathtub gin. Without regulation, there was no standardization to the methods or monikers of “moonshine”.
Currently, to be called “moonshine”, there are some loose qualifications the spirit must meet. Ultimately, moonshine is grain alcohol at its purest form. Moonshine was originally made in secret during the prohibition era and, to contemporary purists, it’s not considered “moonshine” unless it’s clandestine.
However, most distilleries now legally produce moonshine, regardless of whether they bottle and sell a product labeled as “moonshine.” Whiskey, prior to aging, is moonshine! So, What is Moonshine? Moonshine is defined as a homemade, un-aged whiskey, marked by its clear color, corn base, and high alcohol content (sometimes peaking as high as 190 proof).
- Traditionally, it was produced in a homemade still and bottled in a mason jar.
- For most of its history, moonshine was distilled in secret to avoid taxes and alcohol bans (specifically during the Prohibition Era).
- The term “moonshiner” was popularized in the 18 th century, where individuals deep in the woods of the Appalachia attempting to avoid being caught by police distilled under the light of the moon.
How it’s Made Moonshine consists of:
Corn Barley Wheat or Rye (optional) Yeast Water
While distillate or moonshine can be made from pretty much any type of grain, it originally was made from barley or rye. Moonshine at its purest form, is whiskey, or bourbon distillate. It is un-aged, high in proof, and clear in color. During the Prohibition Era, if grains were unavailable or too expensive, moonshiners would use white sugar which still gave them that alcohol “kick” they were looking for, but with a sweeter taste to it.
Making moonshine has two main steps: fermentation and distillation. Fermentation is the process of yeast breaking down the sugars in the grains to produce alcohol. Once the fermentation process is complete, the “moonshine mash” (fermented grains and yeast) is sent to the still. As the temperature rises in the still, the steam is forced through the top of the still into the worm box.
The worm box is typically a barrel with cold water flowing through it and a metal coil pipe down the center. Alcohol vapors flow through the coil pipe where they cool and condense back into a liquid. The last part of distillation is the spout or valve that leads from the worm box to a bucket or steel drum.
- Typically this would be sent through at least one filter, but potentially more.
- The “XXX” label, that has been popularized in moonshine imagery, was originally an indication of quality; each “X” represented a time that it had been distilled.
- Moonshine Today Moonshine has changed quite a bit since the backyard bottlers of Prohibition.
In 1933, U.S. alcohol production became legal, as long as you paid the appropriate taxes and had the correct permits. While this makes moonshine legal, you are still prohibited from distilling some at home. Why is this? Mainly for safety reasons. Distilling is a very precise chemical process that, when done incorrectly, can create a dangerous environment or produce a toxic libation.
- Governmental regulations are not just for tax purposes, but to protect the consumer from drinking something that could cause serious health issues.
- Unlike other spirits, legally produced moonshine can be made with any source material, at any proof, can have coloring and flavoring added – the works.
- There are no rules for its classification,” said Colin Blake, director of spirits education,
With such a loose classification of this grain alcohol, many different flavored products can still be considered moonshine! At Jeptha Creed, we offer a high-proof original moonshine highlighting the traditional flavor profile, but made with modern distillation processes.
- All of our moonshines start with the same four grains as our flagship bourbon, featuring our heirloom Bloody Butcher Corn.
- If you’re less interested in this pure un-aged whiskey flavor, we have expanded into the modern spectrum of moonshine with a naturally-flavored lineup.
- Delicious moonshine flavors like apple pie, blackberry, cinnamon, and lemonade represent our ode to the history with a focus on the future.
Our moonshine is even sold in mason jars as a “hats off” to the non-regulated history it came from. Our line of moonshines are a far cry from the potentially deadly spirits that used to flow from homemade stills. Representing its full integration into the contemporary alcohol industry, moonshine now even has its own holiday! National Moonshine Day is on the first Thursday in June (June 2 nd of 2022).
What is the difference between moonshine and alcohol?
What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Moonshine? Those who know a little bit about alcohol eventually ask the question “What’s the difference between whiskey and moonshine?” The short answer? Absolutely nothing. Both whiskey and moonshine have the same production process – give or take a few variables.
Moonshine” came to be distinguished from whiskey for its illegal nature rather than it being a different type of alcohol – moonshine is just whiskey that hasn’t been taxed. The practice of making moonshine began early on in American history when the newly-established US government established a tax on liquor and spirits to help pay for the costs of the Revolution.
Feisty colonial whiskey fans, many of whom were farmers who supported their families in bad harvest years with their alcoholic product, refused to pay for the tax, leading to an underground whiskey trade. Moonshine making continued from then on up until Prohibition went into effect in 1920, when its popularity exploded.
- Suddenly, because there was no legal whiskey available anywhere, moonshine was in high demand, and the distillers who were used to evading the law already began to make a fortune.
- The practice of using sugar as a base for moonshine became more common as distillers tried to stretch their profits further.
After Prohibition, moonshine’s popularity naturally fell until it became more or less known as a backwoods country phenomenon. Historically, the taste of moonshine was closer to vodka than it is to a dark-colored whiskey. That’s because moonshine was rarely if ever aged – the process of acquiring and storing oak barrels for aging would have been very difficult undercover.
The taste could vary, though, since there were no legal standards. That’s part of what made moonshine somewhat dangerous – not only for the distiller, who could get caught and thrown in jail, but also for the drinker, who could go blind if the distiller was careless or greedy and did not remove the methanol naturally generated by the distillation process.
Of course, Grand River Spirits is a legal distillery – so our “moonshine” labeling is simply a fun homage to American history and our roots in Southern Illinois. It also means we follow all industry best practices and our spirits are perfectly safe to drink (in moderation, of course).
What makes moonshine different?
What is Moonshine? – Moonshine is a type of unaged whiskey. It is typically made from corn, rye, or wheat and is often flavored with fruits, spices, or other botanicals. It is typically produced in small batches in homemade stills and is considered to be a very high-quality spirit.
Because it is not aged, moonshine has a much harsher flavor than other types of whiskey. Despite its name, it does not have to be made on the moon—in fact, it can be made anywhere. The term “moonSHINE” actually comes from the term “moonshiner,” which was used to refer to people who produced illegal liquor in secret.
This is becoming increasingly popular and can now be found in many liquor stores. It is often served chilled or mixed with other drinks.
Is grain alcohol 100% alcohol?
Updated: May 22, 2023 Even if you’re a regular drinker, you might not be sure what grain alcohol is. At 95% alcohol, this is certainly not a social drink to enjoy with a restaurant meal. If someone’s buying grain alcohol, chances are they’re looking to achieve a state of extreme intoxication.
Since alcohol is such a common drink in the US with over 86% of Americans drinking at some point in their life, it pays to be aware of the dangers associated with this type of intensely pure alcohol. If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol, Landmark Recovery is equipped with the tools to help you choose recovery over addiction.
Call 888-448-0302 today for 24/7 support. Before we examine some of the dangerous consequences of drinking too much grain alcohol, what is it exactly besides super-strong?
Why is moonshine clear and whiskey isn t?
The Super Simple Beginner Corn Mash Recipe
Moonshine or White Whiskey? Moonshine, corn whiskey, and white whiskey — what’s the difference? “Clear whiskey” has been taking the liquor world by storm over the past 5 years, and there is a lot of misinformation when it comes to the differences between these spirits, so we’re here to set the record straight.
- What are the differences between them — are there any differences? These are some of the questions we receive, and we’re going to provide some clarity.
- Corn whiskey and white whiskey are basically the same thing.
- They are raw, unaged whiskeys made from a primarily corn mash — at least 80% — and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof.
Whether it will be labeled and advertised as a corn whiskey or a white whiskey is up to the manufacturer. At its root, white whiskey is essentially the same as moonshine because it is un-aged and clear. The aging process that takes place in a wooden barrel is what gives whiskey its color and flavoring.
So technically speaking, any product that is labeled moonshine could also be called white whiskey, but moonshine draws its name due to its illegal origin. The term moonshine refers to spirits that haven’t been taxed — which is illegal. Now that the production of moonshine is legal, and taxes are being paid, many distillers choose to keep the name moonshine due to the rich history of their recipes.
Moonshiners of old didn’t have a set standard for what qualified as moonshine. Moonshiners around the country used many different things including rye, corn and sugar to make their ‘shine. Here in the South, most moonshine is made from corn, and due to the similarities in the distilling process, most southern moonshine is the same as corn whiskey.
Whether you call it moonshine or white whiskey, one fact is undeniable: It is here to stay. Providing a clear-liquor alternative to vodka, raw corn liquor has developed an enormous following in the United States. Whether you mix it or drink it neat, moonshine and white whiskey are extremely desirable.
So come on by, and have a free tasting of our line of Dumplin Creek Moonshine, as well as our Mitchum’s American Corn Whiskey. : Moonshine or White Whiskey?
What is the strongest alcohol in the world?
What type of alcohol is the strongest in the world? Spirytus, a 96% alcohol by volume vodka created in Poland, is the strongest alcoholic beverage in the world (ABV).
Can you drink grain alcohol straight?
Can You Drink Grain Alcohol? – You shouldn’t drink pure grain alcohol. Drinking grain alcohol can lead to alcohol intoxication. In addition, the high alcohol content of grain alcohol can cause a rapid spike in blood alcohol levels, even in small quantities.
- Alcohol poisoning can lead to death.
- Everclear, a popular grain alcohol brand name, noted that the liquid product has a notorious reputation because of its high alcohol content.
- Most people who drink grain alcohol don’t take it straight in its pure form because even a few drops can be toxic.
- Instead, it is diluted and used in mixed drinks.
Also, grain alcohol leaves a burning aftertaste in your mouth, which is another reason you might not want to take it undiluted. Alternatively, most people mix it with a sweet substance to make a milder alcoholic beverage.
Is grain alcohol haram?
Abu Hanifa and Abu Yusuf Opinion – Abu Hanifa and Abu Yusuf uphold that Khamr is haram to consume, but restrict its definition to the fermented juice of grapes and dates. This means alcohol derived by means of honey, barley, wheat and millet are ‘permitted’, whereas all forms of grape and date derived alcohol are impure and haram.
They summarise the position in the following three points: (a) Linguistically, khamr is alcohol derived from grapes. This is what is prohibited by decisive, unequivocal texts of the Qu’ran and the Noble Sunnah, hence it is categorically unlawful (haram) and impure (najis). Consuming any amount is unlawful, even if without intoxication.
Moreover, deeming it lawful would entail kufr. (b) Alcohol derived from dates or raisins is also haram and impure regardless of the amount consumed. Yet this ruling is not based on decisive, unequivocal texts as is the case with grapes; its unlawfulness is rather based on legal judgment (ijtihad), and so its unlawfulness is not as severe as with grapes.
- Hence, deeming it lawful would not entail kufr, however, would make one a fasiq.
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Intoxicants are from these two trees,” while pointing to grapevines and date-palms.
- There is also a consensus of the companions regarding this type of alcohol.
- C) As for alcohol derived from honey, fig, wheat, barley or corn, it is haram and impure when used as an intoxicant i.e.
to get drunk, in an amount that intoxicates, or if used in vain (lahw). But, if not used in any such manner, it would be permissible and pure. This ruling differs from the above since it is based on hadiths that are not decisive and unequivocal, although they are rigorously authentic (sahih).
- Beer would fall under the third category as it is usually made from barley.
- The contemporary use of beer, however, clearly does not meet the criteria for permissibility.
- It is made with the intention to intoxicate and generally has a sufficient distinctive alcohol content.
- Beer is therefore sinful to consume and an impure substance.
Synthetic Alcohol also falls under the third category. Ibn Rushd al-Qurtubi رحمه الله explains the Hanafi position further in his encyclopaedia of comparative Islamic Jurisprudence. He says, the Quran prohibits intoxicants because of the underlying cause of preventing ‘the remembrance of God and breeding enmity and hatred’ Khamr relates to grape and dates, but for all other substances like honey, barley, etc, which are not explicitly khamr, it’s the quantity that becomes prohibited, as the intoxication is found in the consumption of a substantial amount.
- Drinking grape or date-derived wine (prohibited and punishment applicable to drinking ‘even a drop’).
- Intoxication from non-grape intoxicants (prohibited but may not qualify for criminal punishment).
It may be useful to note, the above distinction came about as the Hanafi’s tried to lay down the punishment for drinking alcohol. They found there is a discernible difference between how alcohol from grape and alcohol from barley is stipulated and therefore cannot carry the same level of punishment.
Is Everclear safe to drink straight?
How to Drink Everclear Safely – Everclear is a high-test distilled grain alcohol spirit that has very high alcohol content compared to other distilled spirits. Typical distilled spirits are about 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume, but Everclear (which is a brand name) is can range from 120 proof (60% alcohol) to 190 proof (95 percent alcohol).
- The most important rule for drinking Everclear is this: never drink it straight or even with a mixer.
- Everclear is not produced and meant for cocktails; rather, it’s intended to be used to create lower proof alcohols, such as in making liqueurs or limoncello,
- Avoid using straight Everclear in cocktail recipes; it’s simply too strong and unsafe; the potential for alcohol poisoning from misuse is high. Instead, use it as it is intended by creating a lower poof liqueur with it, and then using that liqueur in the cocktails.
- Everclear is not the same as vodka. While it is relatively odorless and flavorless like vodka, you cannot use it to substitute for vodka in cocktails because it is more than double the strength of vodka.
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The recipes below allow you to make lower proof liqueurs with Everclear, and then offer cocktails you can make with those liqueurs.
What is another name for grain alcohol?
Ethanol (abbr. EtOH; also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol) is an organic compound.
Which alcohol is known as grain alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol is produced via fermentation of sugars in grain by the yeast therefore it is called as grain alcohol. It’s chemical formula is C2H5OH. Ethanol also used in beer, spirits etc.
What type of alcohol is grain alcohol?
What is Grain Alcohol & How is it Used in Spirits? – Grain alcohol is a distilled neutral spirit made from fermenting grain. It is the purified form of ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol, neutral grain spirit, or rectified spirit. Grain alcohol, a neutral spirit, can be made from corn, rye, wheat, grapes, grains, sugarcane, tubers, and beets. Grain alcohol is harsh in its undiluted form, so you don’t consume it straight. Instead, you should mix it with other drinks. Alcohol manufacturers often use it for making other alcoholic drinks like wine, vodka, homemade liqueurs, or cheap whiskey.
What is the formal name for grain alcohol?
Ethanol (also known as Ethyl Alcohol, Grain Alcohol, CH3CH2OH.