Moonshine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses, see moonshine (disambiguation).
Moonshine (sometimes known as Poteen, mooney, hooch, mountain dew, or white lightning) is a common slang term for home-distilled alcohol, especially in places where this production is illegal.
The name is often assumed to be derived from the fact that moonshine producers and smugglers would often work at night (i.e. under the light of the moon) to avoid arrest for producing illegal liquor. The 1811 edition of the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose, defines "moonshine" as follows: "A matter or mouthful of moonshine; a trifle, nothing. The white brandy smuggled on the coasts of Kent and Sussex, and the gin in the north of Yorkshire, are also called moonshine." [1] It has been suggested that the term might derive from smugglers' explaining away their boxes and barrels as "mere moonshine" (that is, nothing). (Jonathon Green, American Dialect Society Mailing List, 31 Oct 2001)
Moonshine is made by yeast fermenting a sugar source to produce ethanol and then separating the alcohol from the fermenting mixture (the mash) through distillation using a still. Because of its illegal nature and simple production, moonshine is usually not aged in barrels as are other, similarly-produced liquors such as whisky or bourbon, and it sometimes contains impurities, off flavors, and toxins such as methanol that the more sophisticated distillation methods of commercial distilleries are able to control. In popular culture, moonshine is usually presented as being extremely strong and is commonly associated with the Southern United States, and Appalachia.
[edit] Moonshine production today
Moonshine continues to be produced in the U.S., mainly in Appalachia. The simplicity of the process, and the easy availability of key ingredients such as corn and sugar, make enforcement a difficult task. However, the huge price advantage that moonshine once held over its "legitimate" competition legally sold has been reduced. Nevertheless, over half the retail price of a bottle of distilled spirits typically consists of taxes. Many of those who buy moonshine do so for the thrill of obtaining and consuming an illicit product and as a defiance of authority. Also, the number of jurisdictions which ban the sale of alcoholic beverages is steadily decreasing. This means that many of the former consumers of moonshine are much nearer to a legal alcohol sales outlet than was formerly the case. Moonshining is far from totally over, but is certainly far less widespread than it was decades ago. For individual moonshiners, with the availability of cheap refined white sugar, moonshine can be produced at a small fraction of the price of heavily taxed and legally sold distilled spirits. This alcohol is also used by some for herbal tinctures.
[edit] Product safety
Sloppily-produced moonshine can be contaminated with toxins, mainly from materials used in construction of the still. Despite the well-known hazards, it is claimed that stills constructed using car radiators for a condenser are still used. The lead used in soldering these radiators ends up in the moonshine, and in some cases, glycol products from antifreeze used in the radiator can appear as well. Both are poisonous.
Methanol and other toxic alcohols can occur naturally in distilled spirits and are called fusel oils. The methanol is concentrated in the first few percent of condensate produced in a batch. The other fusel oils are mostly found at the end of a batch or run. Ordinarily these portions are discarded; if ingested alone or included with the rest of the distilled product they may cause toxic effects. Like commercial beer, wine, and liquor, properly produced moonshine contains very small amounts of methanol at levels that are not toxic. A common way to determine the "quality control" of a batch of moonshine was to see if the moonshiner would dare to drink it.
Any alcohol over 100 proof (i.e. 50%) is very flammable and easily ignitable. This is especially true during the distilling process in which oxidized vaporized alcohol can accumulate in the air if there is not enough ventilation.
[edit] Mixtures
Occasionally moonshine is deliberately mixed with industrial alcohol-containing products, including methanol and denatured alcohol. Results are toxic, with methanol easily capable of causing blindness and death.
In the past moonshine has been mixed with beading oil or lye, to fool people into believing that it is of a higher proof. This is due to the fact that when shaken, bubbles form on the surface relative to the alcoholic strength (known as "the bead"). Bubbles lasting longer and of a more fine nature indicate higher proof.
[edit] Tests
A common "folk" quality test for moonshine was to pour a small quantity of it into a metal spoon and set it alight, the theory being that safe distillate burns with a blue flame, but tainted distillate burns with a yellow flame. Practitioners of this simple test sometimes held that if a radiator coil had been used as a condenser there would be lead in the alcohol, which would give a reddish flame. This led to the phrase: "Lead burns red and makes you dead." Of course, these tests should not be relied upon to test the purity of moonshine or any distilled alcohol.
[edit] Moonshining worldwide
[edit] Armenia
The Armenian name for moonshine is aragh (the word comes from Arabic araq عرق, meaning "sweat" or "juice"); however, the Russian word samogon is used more often, as aragh is synonymous with regular vodka. The production of samogon is widespread in Armenia. White mulberry, grape, cornelian cherry and apricot moonshine are especially popular, particularly in the countryside.
[edit] Australia
Home-distillation of alcohol is illegal in Australia, but rarely enforced. The sale of stills up to 5 litre capacity and other distilling equipment, including yeasts, flavourings and other ingredients specific to distillation, is legal.
[edit] Brazil
In Brazil one form of moonshine is called "Maria Louca". It's basically a cachaça made in jails by inmates. It is made from many cereals, ranging from corn to rice. Another is called "Pinga", a homemade cachaça made from sugar cane juice. [citation needed]
[edit] Bulgaria
In Bulgaria moonshine is called "Rakia" [Ракия]. It is made from plums and grapes. "Rakia" is currently the most popular drink in Bulgaria along with wine.
[edit] Colombia
In Colombia moonshine is called "Tapetusa" and is of illegal manufacture. However it is quite popular in some regions and has been traditional for hundreds of years. The cost of tapetuza is a fraction of the heavily taxed legal alcoholic beverages. The aborigines used to make their own version of alcoholic drink called "Chicha" even before the advent of europeans. Chicha is usually made of corn, corn is chewed and spat on an earthen container that was then buried for some time (weeks).
Additionally, in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the Wayuu tribe produces the "Chirrinche" which is both for local consume and trade with tourists. Chirrinche is regarded to be a very strong spirit and often produces a huge hangover.
[edit] Czech Republic
Czech moonshine is traditionally made from distilling plums and is known as 'Slivovice'. Traditionally produced in many garages and cellars, nowadays it is created by specialist distillers using plums provided by individuals to prevent dangerously high methanol content. It is found especially in the region of Moravia and is a popular part of celebrations including wedding parties.
[edit] Finland
Finnish moonshine is home-made vodka, usually made from any fermentable carbohydrates, most commonly grain, sugar or potato. The most common name is pontikka. It is said that this name came about due to the poor quality French wine from Pontacq. Other names are kotipolttoinen (home burnt), ponu (an abbreviation of pontikka), tuliliemi (fire sauce), moscha (the most common Finland-Swedish term), korpiroju (wildwood junk) or korpikuusen kyyneleet (tears of wildwood spruce) as stills often are located in remote and inaccessible places.
Unlicensed moonshining is illegal in Finland, but it is often considered a challenge or hobby. In practice prosecution follows only if the authorities become aware that the product is being sold. Most Finnish moonshiners use simple pot stills and flash distillation. Some have constructed sophisticated reflux or rock stills for fractional distillation, containing plate columns or packed columns, with reflux filling components of Raschig rings, crushed glass, nuts, glass pellets or steel wool. The city of Kitee is the most famous Finnish "moonshine-city". A legitimate brand of vodka called "Kiteen kirkas" ("Kitee's Clear") is available commercially.
[edit] Georgia
In Georgia the traditional grape moonshine is called as chacha. Recently, with modernized technology of distilling and aging chacha is promoted as "Georgian brandy" or "Georgian vodka", and is compared to grappa.
[edit] Guatemala
The broadest term for Guatemalan moonshine is cusha. It is popular in large regions of the countryside, where it is made fermenting fruits, particularly for mayan festivities. If forbidden, practically nobody is prosecuting its manufacture. Cusha is also a valuable good for shamans, which consume it during cleansing ceremonies and spit their "patients" with it.
[edit] Hungary
Hungarian moonshine is called házipálinka (pálinka is a Hungarian liquor, házi means 'from home') which refers to the fact that it has been made at home. It is mostly made in rural areas (as the ingredients, which are usually fruits, are widely available). Its production is considered illegal, however this is only enforced when being sold, as it constitutes tax fraud.
[edit] Iceland
Icelandic moonshine (Landi) is largely made by hobbyists as a protest against the high liquor taxes enforced by the government. Due to the lack of natural cover and harsh weather conditions, most "moonshining" activity occurs indoors in a controlled environment. Although potatoes are the most common constituent of Icelandic moonshine, any carbohydrate can be used, including stale bread. Landi is often drunk by teenagers who can't buy liquor at the stores.
[edit] India
Locally produced moonshine is known in India as Tharra (also known in different parts of the country under other names). It is made by fermenting the mash of sugar cane pulp in large spherical containers made from waterproof ceramic (terra cota) up to near 90% alcohol. However, it is a dangerous drink, mainly because of the risk of copper formaldehyde poisoning. In South India, moonshine is any alcoholic drink that is prepared outside the distilleries, out of the tight liquor-control. Usually, objects such as batteries and copper wires are added to increase the potency of the preparation. Toddy and Arrack are not synonyms or Indian names for moonshine liquor. Toddy is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees, and arrack refers to strong spirits made traditionally from fermented fruit juices, and sap of palm tree.
[edit] Iran
The strong Iranian vodka called aragh-sagi (عرق سگی) (Doggish Vodka) is widely produced and consumed, albeit secretly and inside the home because of government disapproval. Regular red wine and beer is also produced at home. Many producers have a range of familiar clients throughout the cities.
[edit] Ireland
Grain or potato based moonshine made illegally in Ireland, is called poitín (IPA [ˈpˠocʲiːn], anglicized as poteen or potcheen) or formerly potheen (IPA [ˈpɒtiːn] but in Ireland [ˈpɔtʃiːn]). The term is a diminutive of the word pota 'a pot'.
[edit] Italy
Clandestine distillation of alcohol was common in the once poor eastern parts of Italy, but with tighter control over the supply of distilling equipment its popularity has slumped. Nowadays, the supply of equipment bigger than 3 litres is controlled, and anything smaller must bear a sign stating that moonshining is illegal.[2]
In the island of Sardinia one can still find local varieties of grappa which are dubbed 'filoferru', the local pronunciation for 'iron-thread'; this peculiar name comes from the fact that grappa stills were buried to hide them from authorities with iron-thread tied to them for later retrieval.
[edit] Republic of Macedonia
The Republic of Macedonia is a country where moonshine is not only legal, but is also the liquor of choice. Typically, the moonshine is made out of grapes, which are the leftovers from the production of wine. Macedonian moonshine is highly popular because it is commonly used for medicinal purposes. This process usually uses diluted moonshine with burned sugar, and the liquor is then boiled and consumed while still hot.
[edit] Netherlands
In the Netherlands home distillation is illegal.
[edit] New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the few countries where home distillation is legal. In New Zealand, stills and instruction in their use are sold openly.
[edit] Nigeria
In Nigeria, home based brewing is illegal. Moonshine is variously called 'ogogoro', 'kainkain', 'abua first eleven', 'agbagba', 'akpeteshi', 'aka mere', 'push me, I push you', 'crazy man in the bottle', or 'Sapele water' depending on locality.
[edit] Norway
Due to the very high taxation of alcohol, moonshining continues to be a popular albeit illegal activity in various parts of the country. Moonshine is called Hjemmebrent or Heimebrent (which translates into English as "home-burnt") in Norwegian, and the mash is called Sats. In the county of Telemark mash is also referred to as Bæs. In the old days on Finnskogen they called the mash The Wine of the Forest (Skogens vin), a name mostly used by the poorer people without access to distilling equipment. Moonshine is commonly enjoyed mixed with coffee, and sometimes a spoon of sugar, in Norway. This drink is known as Karsk. While brewing is permitted in Norway, distilling is not permitted, and it is illegal to possess equipment for distilling. All alcoholic beverages above 60% (NOT vol. %) are considered hard drugs in Norway, and as such are prohibited, with any involvement in their production or sale subject to heavy punishment.
[edit] Poland
Image:Łacka Śliwowica.jpg The Polish name for moonshine is bimber; although the word samogon (from Russian) is also used. Far less common is the word księżycówka, which literally means moonshine. The tradition of producing moonshine might be traced back to the middle ages when tavern-owners used to manufacture vodka for local sales mainly from various kinds of grain and fruits. Later on, other means were adopted, particularly those based on fermentation of yeast with the help of sugar. Some of the moonshine is also made from distilling plums and is known under the name of śliwowica (similar to the Czech word 'slivovitz'). The plum moonshine made in area of Łącko (Southern Poland) called Łącka Śliwowica gained nation-wide fame, with tourists travelling long distances to buy one or two bottles of this strong liquor. Because of the climate and density of the population, most of the activity occurred indoors.
In Poland, the simplest recipe for producing moonshine by fermentation of yeast with the use of 1 kilogram of sugar, 4 liters of water, and 10 dkg of yeast is jokingly abbreviated as 1410 - the year of the Battle of Grunwald, most famous victory of Kingdom of Poland, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and their allies over the Knights of the Teutonic Order in the Middle Ages.
[edit] Romania
In Romania, plum brandy is called ţuică (tzuika) or palincă (palinka), depending on the alcohol content. It is prepared by many people in rural areas, using traditional methods, both for private consumption and for sale. Although this is illegal, and the drink is technically moonshine, the government tolerates these practices, and does not consider this bootlegging, due to the nature of the drink. Most ţuică is sold in markets, fairs and even roadside, bottled in unlabeled PET bottles. Some communities have acquired production licences and legally produce and bottle ţuică.
[edit] Russia
The Russian name for any home-made distilled alcoholic beverage is called samogon (ru: самого́н), literally translated as "self-distillate". The most popular source for samogon is sugar as it is quite effective. Other sources include beets, corn, and even plywood. Samogon of one distillation only is called pervach (ru: первач), literally translated as "the first" - it is well known for its impressive smell. The production of samogon is illegal but widespread in Russia. Samogon oftentimes had a strong repulsive odor but, for lack of any other spirit, and is still very popular. It was common during the Soviet era, when products were scarce and the supply unstable.
[edit] Scotland
Illicitly produced whisky from Scotland is called peatreek. The term refers to the aroma (or reek) infused in the drink by drying the malted barley over a peat fire.
[edit] Slovakia
Probably the most common moonshine in Slovakia is slivovica, sometimes called plum brandy in English. It is notorious for its strong but enjoyable smell delivered by plums from which it is distilled. The typical amount of alcohol is around 50% (it may vary between 40-60%). The home made slivovica is highly esteemed. It is considered a finer quality spirit compared to the industrial products which are usually not that strong (around 40%). Nowadays this difference in quality is the primary reason of its production, rather than just the economical issues. A bottle of a good home made slivovica can be a precious gift, since it cannot be bought. The only way to obtain it is by having parents or friends in rural areas who make it. Slivovica is sometimes used also as a popular medicine to cure the early stages of cold and other minor aches. Although illegal, the small home productions seem to be tolerated by the government.
Several other fruits are used to produce similar home made spirits. Namely pears - hruškovica and cherries - čerešňovica.
Another traditional Slovak moonshine is called borovička, distilled from juniper berries or pine. Its flavor resembles gin but it is quite strong and can reach 50-70% alcohol.
[edit] Slovenia
In Slovenia, especially in the western part, moonshine is distilled from fermented grapes, which were left from wine production, and sugar if necessary. It is called tropinovec (tropine, means squeezed half-dried grapes, in the west of the country) or Šnopc. Because it has around 60%-70% of alcohol is often mixed with boiled water to make it lighter( vol. 50%). Tropinovec is rarely drunk in large quantities. It is often mixed with fruits (cherries, pears, etc.) to cover the strong odor and taste, or herbs (Anise, Wolf's bane, etc.) for alternative medical treatment.
[edit] South Africa
In South Africa moonshine is known as "mampoer" and are made from peaches. Even though it is illegal to distill your own alcohol in South Africa, it is widely available from liquor stores and at farmer's markets.
[edit] Sweden
The most common moonshine ("hembränt", literally "home burnt") in Sweden is made of potatoes and/or sugar. Common nicknames are "Skogsstjärnan" (forest star), "Garagenkorva" (a wordplay on "garage" and "Koskenkorva") and "Chateau de Garage" (a pun on French wine brands). Producing moonshine is illegal. The sale of the equipment is also illegal. However there are loopholes. For instance selling a still in parts may be legal and it may be sold for legal purposes like making your own distilled water for your car battery. Stores selling homebrew-equipment also sell other things that indicate they are intended for the use of making moonshine, for instance flavourings, activated carbon, special yeast and so on. The making of mash is legal, but distilling it is not. Distilling is often done with simple distillation, but sometimes freeze distillation is used, especially to make your own calvados or other drinks with lower alcohol content.
[edit] Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, home based brewing is illegal. However, this is a lucrative underground business in most parts of the island. Illicit brew is known by many names 'Kasippu' (this is the most common and accepted name), 'Heli Arrakku' (archaic term means, Pot-Liquor), 'Kashiya' (which is a pet name derived from more mainstream term Kasippu), 'Vell Beer' (means, beer of the paddy field), 'Katukambi', 'Suduwa' (means, the white substance) depending on locality.
[edit] Thailand
In Thailand, home-brewed alcohol, most commonly distilled from glutinous rice, is called lao khao (rice liquor). It is sometimes mixed with various herbs to produce a medicinal drink called yadong.
[edit] United States
Although home distillation of ethanol for commercial purposes is still illegal in the United States, legislation was introduced [3] in November of 2001 to legalize home distillation in much the same way as home brewing of wine and beer were legalized in 1978. This bill had a single sponsor and did not make it out of the committee. Despite the illegal status, home distillation is growing in popularity in the U.S. with ready availability of instructions, materials and support. As early as prohibition, there have been stories of moonshiners using their product as a powerful fuel in their automobiles, usually when evading law-enforcement agencies while delivering their illegal product. Due to the astounding rise of gasoline prices after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, some government officials have been considering the legalization of "home distillery kits" (or kits to build stills), specifically for the production of ethanol as a fuel source.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Home Distillation of Alcohol - Online forums, wiki resource, and how-to information for home distillers
- North Carolina Moonshine - Historical information, images, music, and film excerpts
- Moonshine is Risky - Report on lead levels in U.S. moonshine
- Moonshine news page - Alcohol and Drugs History Society
- Home Distilling at the Open Directory Projectde:Schwarzbrennerei
lt:Samanė ja:密造酒 no:Hjemmebrent nn:Heimebrent pl:Bimber ru:Самогон fi:Pontikka sv:Hembränning uk:Самогон
