Can moonshine be made legally?
The production of moonshine — or really any spirit — without a license is prohibited by the U.S. government and is very much illegal. Clear whiskey in the style of moonshine might be for sale, but technically speaking, moonshine is moonshine because it’s produced illicitly.
What makes moonshine illegal?
So why is moonshine still illegal? Because the liquor is worth more to the government than beer or wine. In 2005, almost $5 billion of federal excise taxes on alcohol came from legally produced spirits. Until 1978, it was illegal to home-brew liquour or beer—and the rules on wine-making were somewhat ambiguous.
Which states allow moonshine?
The State of Missouri, for example, theoretically allows the manufacturing of 100 gallons of liquor per year (but, as mentioned, it is still federally illegal). Other states that theoretically allow moonshining are Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island.
Is legal moonshine real moonshine?
“Moonshine, by definition, is any high proof spirit that’s illegally distilled,” says Nicole Pearlman of Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee — the first legal moonshine distillery in a state known for its history of moonshine production. When you break it down, moonshine is really just a high-proof spirit.
Can moonshine make you go blind?
If you’re drinking moonshine, yes. Today the most common cause of blindness from drinking is methanol. Methanol, otherwise known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, can damage the optic nerve and even kill you in high concentrations.
Why is moonshine called moonshine?
The term “moonshine” comes from the fact that illegal spirits were made under the light of the moon. In every part of America, early moonshiners worked their stills at night to avoid detection from authorities. Taxing liquors and spirits was an effective way to generate revenue for the government.
Is making moonshine a felony?
Get caught making moonshine and you’ll face a felony charge of producing liquor without a license, a crime punishable by a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 and/or up to three years in prison. Get caught selling it and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
What part of moonshine is toxic?
Methanol Toxicity
Methanol Toxicity Methyl alcohol (methanol) is the bad stuff that could be found in moonshine. Pure methanol is very dangerous and it is definitely able to cause blindness and even kill people. As little as 10 ml of pure methanol could blind someone and as little as 30 ml could kill someone.
Is it legal to make moonshine in Maine?
Maine offers both a small distillery license (micro-distillery) and a large or basic distillery license. A holder of a small distillery license may distill, rectify, blend and bottle not more than 50,000 gallons of spirits per year.
What does real moonshine taste like?
Moonshine is usually distilled from corn, malted barley, rye or some combination thereof. “If I had to drink moonshine, this is the winner.” “Smells like bread. Tastes like soggy bread on fire.” “Strong, ethanol nose, chemical taste.” “Peppery, super burny on the back of my throat.” “Sweet, then bitter.
Is Everclear and moonshine the same?
Both Everclear and Moonshine are unaged spirits; however, Everclear is made from grain and Moonshine from corn. Everclear is a brand name of a neutral-tasting, very potent grain alcohol. Moonshine is intended to be an unaged, rough beverage, but keeping the flavors added by the grains used in the fermentation process.
How can you tell if moonshine is methanol?
One way to determine the presence of methanol is to monitor still temperature. If anything is produced by the still before wash temperature reaches 174 degrees, it’s methanol. Discard it. Again, methanol boils at a lower temperature than ethanol and will concentrate at the beginning of distillation runs.
Why is moonshine against the law?
Classically it is corn liquor distilled from fermented corn and / or sugar. Distilling alcohol without state and federal permits is illegal in every single state in the US. Making moonshine is illegal because the government wishes to collect tax revenue.
What states can you legally make moonshine?
Moonshine in Nevada. In general, Nevada has some very tolerant alcohol making and selling regulations. Owning a still to make your own moonshine is completely legal in the state IF you possess the required permits and license.
Is it illegal to make moonshine in an US state?
The production of moonshine – or really any spirit – without a license is prohibited by the U.S. government and is very much illegal. Although you might see ” moonshine ” sitting on your local liquor store shelves, it’s not exactly the most accurate moniker for a bottled brand.
Is moonshine legal in any state?
“Moonshine” is illegal for “personal use” in every state, it is NOT allowed for personal use. All distilled alcoholic beverages made in the US must be regulated and taxed. Untaxed distilled spirits are illegal to make, sell, or possess.
