How to Make Moonshine

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to make moonshine using an old moonshiners recipe, similar to methods used by commercial distillers today. While this guide is for educational purposes only, understanding the process can be beneficial for those with the appropriate permits. It covers the ingredients, equipment, and steps involved in creating a moonshine mash.

Step 1: Gather Moonshine Ingredients

To start, you will need the following ingredients:

• Corn (usually cracked corn)
• Malted barley
• Water
• Optional: sugar (for increased alcohol content)

Step 2: Prepare Brewing Equipment

Ensure you have the necessary brewing equipment:

• A brew system (e.g., electric homebrew system)
• Distillation equipment (for legal use only)
• Hoses and pump for transferring liquids

Step 3: Add Water

• Measure and add the appropriate amount of water to your brew system. This will serve as the base for your mash.

Step 4: Incorporate Ingredients

• Add your cracked corn to the water.
• Mix well to ensure the corn is fully submerged.

Step 5: Gelatinization

• Heat the mixture to around 150°F (65°C) to allow the starches in the corn to gelatinize.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Step 6: Set Up Hoses and Pump

• Connect the hoses and pump to prepare for transferring the mash later in the process.

Step 7: Add Malted Barley

• After gelatinization, add crushed malted barley to the mixture.
• This will help convert the starches into fermentable sugars.

Step 8: Create the Moonshine Mash

• Stir the mixture thoroughly to incorporate the barley.
• Allow the mash to rest for a period, usually around an hour, to enable the enzymatic action.

Step 9: Remove Spent Grain

• Once the mash process is complete, use the pump to separate the liquid (wort) from the spent grain.
• Discard the spent grain appropriately.

Step 10: Chill the Wort

• Cool the wort quickly using a chiller or an ice bath to prevent unwanted microbial growth.

Step 11: Transfer to Fermentation Bucket

• Move the cooled wort into a sanitized fermentation bucket for the next stage.

Step 12: Take a Gravity Sample

• Use a hydrometer to take a gravity sample of the wort.
• This will help you calculate the potential alcohol content.

Step 13: Check Alcohol Content

• Analyze the gravity reading to determine the sugar content, which affects the final alcohol concentration.

Step 14: Add Yeast

• Pitch the yeast into the fermentation bucket.
• Choose a yeast suitable for high alcohol fermentation for optimal results.

Step 15: Aerate the Mixture

• Use a spoon or a whisk to aerate the mixture.
• This step is crucial for the yeast to thrive and begin fermentation.

Step 16: Distillation (Optional)

If you have the legal permits:

• Set up your distillation equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Follow legal guidelines and safety protocols during the distillation process.

Conclusion

In summary, making moonshine involves preparing a mash from grains, fermenting it, and distilling it if legally permissible. Always remember that distilling alcohol for personal consumption without the proper permits is illegal. If you are interested in pursuing this hobby, ensure you have the necessary permissions and equipment. Enjoy the learning process and explore the art of distilling responsibly!