How to quickly prepare a great Moonshine Whiskey

Firstly, it’s worth noting that producing moonshine whiskey requires a lot of expertise, patience, and commitment. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the process before embarking on it.

Here are some of the key ingredients that you will need to prepare a great moonshine whiskey:

Grains – the most common grains used are corn and barley. However, some recipes call for a mix of different grains. The type and quantity of grains you use will determine the flavor profile of your moonshine.

Yeast- You will require fresh yeast to assist with the fermentation process. This will work to convert the sugars in the grain into alcohol.

Water – you will need a significant amount of water for the fermentation process and the final distillation. Therefore, it is advisable to use clean, distilled water, which doesn’t contain any impurities.

Sugar – In some instances, sugar may be added to the mixture to increase the alcohol content. However, the use of too much sugar can negatively affect the overall flavor of the moonshine.

Equipment – You will need a still, thermometer, hydrometer (to measure the sugar content), and a large pot to make the mash.

Let’s dive into the process of preparing a great moonshine whiskey:

Step 1 – Prepare the Mash: Your first step in preparing great moonshine whiskey is creating the mash. Mash is the mixture of water, grains, and sugar. Pour sufficient water and your preferred grains into a large pot and heat the mixture to around 70°C (164°F). Then allow the mixture to cool to a temperature of around 21°C (70°F), before adding a packet of yeast. Stir the mixture thoroughly, cover it, and allow it to sit for a few days to ferment. Once fermentation has occurred, the yeast will have consumed most of the sugars, leaving behind a mixture that is roughly 10% alcohol.

Step 2 – Distillation: The next crucial step is the distillation process. Distillation ensures that the correct ratio of alcohol to water is achieved. Through the process, impurities and other elements that can affect the taste of your whiskey are removed. Pour the fermented mixture into a still and heat it. Vapors will start to form, and as the temperature increases, the first drops of liquid will fall into the collection bowl. The first few drops- which have a high percentage of alcohol- are usually discarded, as they are too potent. Collect the remaining liquid, which has an alcohol content of around 40%, which is perfect for a moonshine whiskey.

Step 3 – Aging (optional): Aging your moonshine whiskey can significantly improve its flavor. However, this process isn’t always necessary. You can age your whiskey in an oak barrel, which can add color to your whiskey while imparting flavor notes of vanilla and caramel. Alternatively, you may also use a mason jar and add a small amount of charred wood chips and leave them to soak for a few weeks.

In conclusion, the process of preparing a great moonshine whiskey cannot be achieved overnight. It requires attention to detail, the right combination of ingredients, and ample time for fermentation. With that being said, the above steps should give you a basic understanding of the process involved in creating your own moonshine whiskey, and with a bit of practice and trial and error, you can perfect your unique recipe. As always, remember to consume alcohol in moderation, and never drink and drive.