What is moonshine?

Moonshine is a high-proof, illegally distilled spirit, traditionally made from corn mash, known for its clear appearance because it isn't aged, and named for being produced secretly at night to evade taxes and law enforcement, especially during the US Prohibition era, though now legal versions mimic the style. It's essentially a potent, homemade whiskey, often clear like "white lightning," and can be dangerously contaminated if made illicitly but is also sold legally by distilleries today.

Is moonshine legal in the UK?

No, making "moonshine" (distilled spirits) at home in the UK is illegal without a license from HM Revenue & Customs, even for personal consumption, due to strict alcohol duty regulations. While home brewing beer and wine for personal use is allowed, distilling spirits requires a license, though you can legally buy commercially produced spirits, including some sold as novelty "moonshine," from licensed sellers. 

What is the strongest alcohol in the UK?

Grain Vodka

Balkan 176 vodka is the strongest vodka on the UK market at a massive 88% ABV. Imported from the Balkan Mountains which is situated in south-eastern Europe, this vodka is triple distilled and hand crafted in small batches.

Why is moonshine so bad?

Methanol: The Toxic Side Of Moonshine

The real culprit of these true stories, however, is methanol. Methanol, or methyl alcohol, is a byproduct of the distilling process. A principle ingredient in fuel, pesticides, paint thinners, and much more, consuming methanol isn't something that should be taken lightly.

What kills most alcoholics?

The major causes of alcohol-related death are alcohol poisoning, cancer, car accidents, heart failure, liver damage, and violence.

What is moonshine? More than one definition....

Is moonshine 100% alcohol?

No, moonshine is not 100% alcohol; it's typically between 40% and 80% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 80 to 160 proof, though some commercial versions are around 100 proof (50% ABV), and it's dangerous and impossible to drink 100% pure ethanol. While stills can produce vapors close to 95% alcohol, moonshine's final content varies greatly, with illegal versions often being very potent, while legal brands offer range. 

What is the strongest alcohol on Earth?

Exploring Polmos Spirytus: The World's Strongest Alcohol

Originating from Poland, this spirit boasts an astonishing alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage that reaches an impressive 95%, making it a unique and powerful presence in the realm of distilled beverages.

What are the signs of moonshine poisoning?

Signs to watch for: Early signs: vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness. 12-48 hours after drinking: abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision and/or blindness, coma and convulsions.

What is the best moonshine to drink?

Best Moonshine Flavors in 2021: Midnight Moon Awards

• Midnight Moon Original Wins “Most Likely to Make Your Dreams Come True” ...
• Apple Pie Moonshine Wins “Most Likely to Make You Feel at Home” ...
• Cherry Moonshine Wins “Best Celebratory Drink” ...
• Peach Moonshine Wins “Most Likely to Live in Paradise”

Can you distill 100% alcohol?

In the vacuum process, the azeotrope (or point where distillation ceases to work) moves toward 100 percent as the pressure is lowered. At a pressure below 1/10 atmosphere, the azeotrope disappears, enabling distilling all the way to 100 percent alcohol.

Is free pouring illegal in the UK?

In the UK its illegal to free pour without being able to prove you can do it accurately. This leads to a bit of a grey zone in the law, and as a result everyone uses jiggers. The other full time bartender at my work free pours wine, and as a result I'm often 10-15ml short when I'm trying to pour a 250ml.

Which alcohol is hardest on the liver?

Myth 3: Drinking hard liquor is worse than drinking beer or wine. Contrary to popular belief, the type of alcohol you drink doesn't make a difference – what matters is how much you drink. "The safe limit is fixed at 14 units a week," explains Dr Lui. "Below this limit, alcoholic fatty liver is less likely to occur.

Why do you throw away the first bit of moonshine?

The more volatile components such as acetone, methanol and the various esters are undesirable; methanol for instance has been known to cause blindness. It is common practice to throw away the first portion of the distillate, this way you will get rid of the methanol.

Is moonshine the healthiest alcohol?

Aside from the dangers of the contaminants that may be found within the moonshine, the high alcohol content of moonshine also poses risks, such as alcohol poisoning and liver disease. If someone drinks moonshine, the people around them must understand the signs of methanol poisoning and alcohol poisoning.

What is the most common cause of sudden death in alcoholics?

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the immediate cause of death in a relatively high number of cases of death of chronic alcoholics (up to 23%).

How do you know if you were spiked?

The symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with. They can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance.

What alcohol gets you drunk fastest?

Port and other sweet fortified wines at 20% alcohol are ideal for getting drunk quick. Also the other muck in alcoholic drink, the congeners, tannins etc., all determine the particular effect on the drinker. This is why mixing your drinks can be a bad idea.

What are the 7 levels of drunk?

The stages of alcohol intoxication are:

• Sobriety, or subclinical intoxication.
• Euphoria.
• Excitement.
• Confusion.
• Stupor.
• Coma.
• Death.

Is any alcohol 100 percent?

One thing to consider is the definition of purity, and the fact that it's essentially impossible for any macroscopic sample of a substance to be 100% pure at room temperature. I can confidently say that nobody has ever made a bottle of ethanol that contains no other molecule.

What does "proof" mean in moonshine?

Moonshine proof is determined by the alcohol content or concentration in the final product, typically measured using a hydrometer, which measures the specific gravity of the liquid. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the proof and the more the liquid will deviate from the specific gravity of water.

Why is it called moonshine?

Moonshine is a term typically used to refer to illicitly distilled liquor. The word is derived from the notion of the liquor being made and distributed at night, under cover of darkness. Makers of moonshine are called moonshiners.

How to drink 100% proof moonshine?

Moonshine Party Punch

1. • 2 cups of Midnight Moon 100 Proof Moonshine (or your favorite flavored moonshine)
2. • 4 cups lemonade.
3. • 2 cups pineapple juice.
4. • 1 cup orange juice.
5. • 1 cup lemon-lime soda (or club soda for less sweetness)
6. • Sliced citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges) for garnish.