What Is Moonshine? A Clear Guide to the Infamous Spirit

Moonshine is a term that often causes confusion. You might associate it with the dangerous homemade alcohol that can cause blindness, or perhaps with the bootleg liquor made in bathtubs during Prohibition. Even celebrities like Nelly have added to the confusion by releasing their own "moonshine" products, which are often fruity, lower-proof spirits rather than traditional high-proof corn whiskey.

While many people think of moonshine as forbidden alcohol, it's technically a category of unaged whiskey. So what exactly defines moonshine? What's it made from? And can it really make you blind? Let's explore the true nature of this notorious spirit and the risks associated with its production and consumption.

Defining Moonshine

The term "moonshine" dates back to 15th century England, but the spirit itself emerged in the late 1700s. Originally, it referred to any distilled liquor produced or distributed illegally. The name comes from the practice of making the alcohol under cover of darkness to avoid detection. Over time, it became specifically defined as a clear, unaged, high-proof whiskey made primarily from corn. This definition became particularly prominent during American Prohibition in the 1920s.

Other common names for moonshine include:

• Rotgut
• White lightning
• White dog
• Corn liquor

Moonshine's American History

Moonshine has a rich and rebellious history in the United States:

The Whiskey Rebellion

In 1791, the new federal government imposed a heavy tax on liquor to repay Revolutionary War debts. Pennsylvania farmers and distillers responded with three years of protests, sometimes violent, known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Moonshine production became a popular form of tax protest.

The Whiskey Ring

History repeated in the 1870s when another liquor tax was enacted after the Civil War. A group of Missouri distillers and farmers known as The Whiskey Ring conspired against the government, bribing officials to pocket taxes themselves.

Prohibition

When federal alcohol prohibition began in 1920, demand for moonshine skyrocketed. Producers began experimenting with new flavors and additives to meet the growing illegal market.

What Goes Into Moonshine?

Traditional moonshine is made primarily from corn, though some producers use rye or barley instead. The basic ingredients include:

• Corn (or other grains)
• Yeast
• Malt
• Sugar
• Water

While moonshine was originally popular for tax evasion, modern interest focuses on its flavor and high alcohol content. However, the distillation process creates a toxic byproduct called methanol that can have deadly consequences when consumed.

Moonshine typically has much higher alcohol content than other spirits. While vodka, bourbon, and gin usually range from 35-50% ABV, moonshine can reach up to 95% alcohol by volume.

How Moonshine Is Made

The traditional method involves using a copper still:

Fermentation

Corn is cooked in water to create a "mash," then cooled and mixed with sugar and yeast. The yeast consumes the sugar and produces ethanol as a waste product.

Boiling

The fermented mash is filtered and transferred to a still where it's heated to boiling.

Evaporation

Since ethanol evaporates at a lower temperature than water, the alcohol vapor is collected in another chamber where it cools and condenses into liquid form.

Bottling

The final product is removed from the receiver, filtered, and bottled. Some producers add flavorings like fruit juice or herbs at this stage.

How Moonshine Compares to Other Spirits

While the distillation process is similar to other spirits, key differences set moonshine apart:

Whiskey

Uses similar ingredients but is aged, giving it its characteristic amber color.

Vodka

Like moonshine, it's clear and unaged, but typically distilled multiple times to remove impurities.

Gin

Made from grain alcohol and juniper berries, with various botanicals added for flavor.

Tequila

Made from agave plants and produced mainly in specific Mexican regions.

The Dangers of Moonshine

The primary risk comes from improper distillation. While commercial liquors undergo multiple distillations to remove impurities, moonshine is typically distilled only once. This can leave behind dangerous levels of methanol.

Methanol and ethanol (the drinkable alcohol) are both produced during distillation, but they affect the body very differently. The production process itself can also be dangerous, with risks of explosion from flammable alcohol vapors.

Can Moonshine Really Cause Blindness?

Yes, the rumors are true. While humans can tolerate significant amounts of ethanol, just a small amount of methanol can be devastating. Our liver processes methanol into formaldehyde and then formic acid. As little as 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of methanol can produce enough formic acid to cause permanent blindness.

The danger is compounded because methanol and ethanol are both clear liquids, making it impossible to detect methanol by appearance alone. Some illegal producers even add methanol to increase the drink's potency.

Understanding Methanol Poisoning

Methanol poisoning can cause methanol-induced optic neuropathy (Me-ION), which damages the optic nerve connecting visual information to the brain. The lethal dose of methanol is approximately 6 teaspoons (30 mL), though some people may be affected by smaller amounts.

With illegally produced moonshine, there's no way to know how much methanol any given batch contains, making every sip potentially dangerous.

Staying Safe Around Moonshine

To avoid the risks associated with moonshine:

• Keep it legal: Only purchase from licensed distilleries and retailers
• Leave it to professionals: Don't make moonshine at home or consume homemade versions
• Stay informed: Research distilleries and retailers before purchasing
• Consider alternatives: The safest approach is to avoid moonshine altogether

The Bottom Line

While moonshine has a romanticized history as a rebellious spirit, it's illegal for good reason. The risks of permanent disability or death from improperly distilled moonshine are very real. If you're tempted to try this high-proof alcohol, remember that safety should always come first. Stick to legally produced spirits from reputable sources, and never attempt to make your own moonshine.