Due to the growing drinking culture, bars and liquor stores have been offered a wide range of specialty wines, beers, and spirits. The resurgence of moonshine is one of the fastest-growing crazes. This home distilled beverage from backwoods Appalachia is now legally regulated by the US government in certain states.
However, what is moonshine exactly? Why do people love to experience drinking it? In spite of legality issues surrounding it, its popularity among craft distillers is undeniably impressive.
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What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is also known as “homebrew,” and is made from a mixture of corn syrup, sugar, yeast, and water. Moonshine, unlike whiskey and Bourbon, is not aged. It can sometimes reach 190 proof, which is a high level of alcohol. It is made traditionally in a homemade moonshine still, and then bottled in mason jars.
Irish and Scottish immigrants introduced it to the US in the 18th century. It became an integral part of Southern culture. The government started to become interested in taxation as it grew in popularity. It was made in the middle of the evening under the light of a full moon. This was done to conceal the smoke from the local law enforcement officers. This is where it got its name.
Moonshine can be purchased online and in certain states nowadays.
Why Do People Love Moonshine So Much?
Moonshine can be mixed with other spirits, but most people drink it straight out of the jar. You can mix it with coke, ginger ale, and lemonade. This drink can also be made with fresh fruits such as peaches, blueberries, blackberry, cinnamon, and tangerine juice.
Is Moonshine Safe to Drink?
You have probably heard horror stories about moonshine or other illegally distilled beverages. Moonshine, which is brewed illegally in small-scale stills, remains dangerous. Moreover, alcohol vapors are produced during distillation, and they can be flammable. As a result, moonshine is recommended to be distilled outdoors to prevent the possibility of explosion.
While most stills today are made of pure copper, some still use old-fashioned stills. Old handmade stills use lead-based solder for connecting. The connections and radiators can leak lead. When the body gets exposed to this toxic substance, the person can be poisoned and can lead to memory loss, brain swelling, paralysis and even death.
Tainting can occur in larger quantities of distilled moonshine. Methanol evaporates at a lower temperature than ethanol, making it the first liquid produced in the distillation process. The more batches you have, the more ethanol is produced.
Methanol can be highly poisonous and can have serious side effects if it is metabolized in your body. This can permanently damage your optic neuron and may cause partial or total blindness. This can happen if you consume the lethal amount of 30 milliliters. The dangerous effects of methanol can easily be missed if you only take a small amount. It will only cause a hangover.
How To Determine Which Moonshine Is Safe to Consume?
To test the purity of moonshine alcohol, you can put some on a metal spoon and set it on fire. It is safer to drink if it produces a blue flame. It will produce a yellow or red flame if it contains lead. Although this spoon test cannot detect methanol because it produces a colorless flame.
There are hundreds of thousands of moonshine produced everyday, so there is a good chance that some of it may be contaminated. So, to be safe, as with other alcoholic beverages, you should consume it responsibly. Know all the right information.
What are the Other Uses of Moonshine?
Moonshine can be used in many different ways, including:
- Lighter fluid – Instead of using more toxic gasoline, you can use flammable moonshine instead to start your barbecue.
- Alternative Fuel Source – Use this liquor outdoors to heat or cook.
- Cleaning agent – To kill germs and bacteria, you can spray alcohol directly on surfaces.
- Antifreeze – Moonshine is a natural antifreeze alternative to chemical ones.
- Preservative – This potent potable is used to preserve eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits.
- Mouthwash – This whiskey mouthwash is excellent for eliminating mouth germs. It works in the same way as other alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Can you Overdose from Drinking Moonshine?
When you overdose with moonshine, it can lead to death. Call emergency medical assistance immediately if you suspect someone has consumed large amounts of alcohol.
These are the symptoms of an alcohol overdose.
- Staggering and confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea
- No gag reflex
- Seizures
- Breathing problems
- Slow heart rate
- Slow response time
- Low body temperature
- Clammy skin
Key Takeaway
Moonshine, when processed correctly, is a strong alcohol that has an acrid taste. To prevent experiencing the adverse effects of drinking moonshine, avoid buying from inexperienced sellers and distillers. Only shop at well-respected liquor stores to ensure the highest quality that you can buy.
The friendly team at villagewarehousewineandspirits.com can help you with your queries and ensure that you purchase legal and well-known brands.
