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Is white lightning the same as moonshine?
White Lightning White lightning, a white whiskey made surreptitiously and illegally, was once produced in great quantities in South Carolina. It got its name from its color and the kick it delivers when consumed. The beverage achieved popularity in South Carolina and the rest of the South largely because of the high taxes on legal whiskey, the ready availability of the major raw material–traditionally corn– and the region’s poverty, which made moonshining an attractive industry for many farmers.
Production mushroomed between 1915, when South Carolina went legally dry, and 1933, when national prohibition ended. White lightning became part of the culture of some rural areas, including parts of southern Appalachia. The potable, often referred to as “moonshine” because it was usually produced at night, is often made under conditions so primitive that it has proved lethal.
But its “proper” manufacture is considered an art form by some backwoods connoisseurs. The whiskey is produced from mash, which is a mixture of grain, sugar, water, and yeast that ferments to produce the alcohol. Lack of aging leaves the whiskey with a clean “white” look.
Distilleries are commonly made of copper for the most part, which, the producers think, helps maintain the flavor. Manufacturers usually make their own stills. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, humorously called “revenooers” by the moonshiners, have sharply curtailed the illegal operations.
In 2003 a South Carolina law enforcement official said the last distillery raid had probably occurred just three months earlier. But isolated moonshiners still ply their art in South Carolina, and many of their customers wax ecstatic when they are lucky enough to purchase a batch they consider safe and savory.
Title White Lightning Author Robert A. Pierce Keywords white whiskey made surreptitiously and illegally, often referred to as “moonshine”, Website Name South Carolina Encyclopedia Publisher University of South Carolina, Institute for Southern Studies URL https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/white-lightning/ Access Date July 25, 2023 Original Published Date July 7, 2016 Date of Last Update August 26, 2022
: White Lightning
What alcohol is called white lightning?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the English cider brand. For illicitly produced alcohol, known in the United States as “white lightning”, see moonshine,
| White Lightning 3 litre bottle, with the ‘extra 50% free’ branding | |
| Type | White cider |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Inch’s Cider |
| Country of origin | England |
| Introduced | Early 1990s |
| Discontinued | 2009 |
| Alcohol by volume | 8.4% 7.5% (until May 2009) 5.5% (after May 2009) |
| Ingredients | Apple pomace |
White Lightning was a brand of English white cider produced from the early 1990s to 2009.
Is moonshine considered white liquor?
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?
Is white lightning still made?
Heineken UK has withdrawn its White Lightning cider just months after relaunching the brand as a “responsible” alternative to cheaper super-strength white cider drinks. Heineken UK has withdrawn its White Lightning cider just months after relaunching the brand as a “responsible” alternative to cheaper super-strength white cider drinks. The brewer reduced the alcohol strength of the white cider from 7.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) to 5.5% in May but has now scrapped the brand after accepting that its attempt to improve the image of the white cider category has failed.
- It has also previously removed all extra-fill promotions and three litre packs across its higher strength cider products in a bid to “combat growing public concern about the role of the white cider category”.
- Heineken says it will concentrate its efforts on premium and mainstream ciders such as its Bulmers, Strongbow and Jacques brands.
Mark Gerken, sales managing director for the off trade at Heineken UK, says: “In these tough trading times categories like premium cider offer better, more sustainable profit opportunities for retailers and they should devote enough space to the brand leaders.”
Is White Lightning strong?
Firefly White Lightning Bottling Note – This is Firefly’s White Lightning Moonshine, all the way from Wadmalaw Island in South Carolina, USA. Presented at 100.7 Proof (50.35% ABV, for those of us on this side of the pond), this is a powerful, subtly rustic but tasty tipple.
What is White Lightning used for?
White Lightning is a granular product that you mix with warm water – a little goes a long way to create a cleaning solution for your projects. NO GREASE, DEBRIS – When used properly, White Lightning helps clean grease and debris from your furniture, kitchen cabinets, or whatever you want to paint.
What is the shelf life of White Lightning?
Shelf life is 12 months from date of manufacture when stored in clean, dry area with temperature between 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C). For best results, keep the sealant in tightly closed containers when not in use.
How much alcohol is in White Lightning?
4.2 from 68 ratings Saved! Lightning Max’s iconic name and label reflect the rebellious nature of the infamous ‘moonshine.’ This 50% ABV vodka is distilled with precision from Canadian wheat and pure Rocky Mountain spring water.
What is the strongest cider in the world?
Strong cider
| ABV | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sea Cider Rumrunner (2009+ Newfoundland Screech Rum) 12.5% | 12.5% |
| 2 | Millstone Cellars Cobbler Retired 8.0% | 8.0% |
| 3 | Chemin des Sept Turbo Brut (Chêne Américain et Français) 8.5% | 8.5% |
| 4 | Millstone Cellars Vin De Pomme Retired 8.0% | 8.0% |
Why is moonshine called white lightning?
S.C. Encyclopedia | White lightning, a white whiskey made surreptitiously and illegally, was once produced in great quantities in South Carolina. It got its name from its color and the kick it delivers when consumed.
What is the equivalent to moonshine?
Moonshine, at least commercial varieties, can easily be called American Vodka, much like Poitin could be called Irish vodka.