By Betty Perry


Nowadays, many people want to move away from anything mass produced and opt instead for something they have made themselves. After all, if you know exactly how much effort went into the production process, you'll appreciate the end result much more. Beer, cheese, bread and preserves are just some of the things that you can make at home but if you like a challenge and doing something unusual, you may want to invest in a pot distiller and a good moonshine recipe.

Moonshine goes by many names, depending on where in the world it is made and what the main ingredients are. However, no matter what you call it, the drink is essentially a very strong liquor with a high alcohol content and is distilled in small batches, usually illegally. Especially in the Appalachian region of the United States, farmers would often turn their harvests into drink because it was easier to transport over long distances and could earn them a handsome income.

The drink that comes from the Appalachian region is distilled from corn mash. This is a mixture of mashed corn, yeast, sugar and pure water. The corn is mainly responsible for the drink's flavor. The reason for adding yeast is that the mash has to ferment so that the sugar can be turned into alcohol and provide the kick you want to get from each fiery drop.

After three or four days, the mash has fermented enough. You can now filter the liquid and bottle it as a type of beer. To turn it into something strong enough to make your eyes water, however, you need to distill it. To do this, place the mash in a large distilling pot and heat it. The vapors will rise into a special part of the pot known as the condenser, where they will cool into a clear liquid with lots of kick.

Not every version of moonshine uses corn mash. In Scotland, for example, wheat or barley is used, while in Ireland, Finland and Iceland, potatoes are the ingredient of choice. Russians may opt for beets and in many Asian countries rice is used. Sometimes distillers in the Democratic Republic of Congo use cassava or even plantains.

Often distillers will use fruits instead of grains or starches. Sugar cane is a common ingredient in the countries of the Caribbean and Central America. In Eastern Europe, a drink made from plums is popular but you can also find versions using apricots, cherries, peaches or even walnuts, each with its own distinct flavor.

Many versions of moonshine are made with grapes. You'll find these especially in areas where wine production is common too and grapes are plentiful. In South Africa, a high-quality grape-based firewater with a name that translates as 'white lightning' can even be bought legally in liquor stores and at farmer's markets.

By nature, moonshine is actually an illegally distilled drink. In most countries distilling your own liquor can land you a stiff fine or some prison time. However, in many areas you may distill your own liquor for personal use if you have a special license to do so. Therefore, check the local legislation before you invest in an expensive distilling pot.




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