Editing Moonshine

{{Short description|High-proof liquor, generally made illicitly}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox drink
| name         = Moonshine
| image        = 
| image_alt    =
| caption      = 
| type         = [[Whisky]]
| abv          = At least 40%
| proof        = At least 80°
| manufacturer = 
| distributor  = 
| origin       = 
| introduced   = 
| discontinued = 
| colour       = Clear to [[off-white]] depending on ingredients
| flavour      = 
| ingredients  = [[Grain]] ([[mashing]]), [[sugar]] ([[Alcoholic beverage#Fermented water|fermented water]], [[kilju]])
| variants     = 
| related      = 
| website      =
| region       =
}}

[[File:Himkok.jpg|thumb|A modern [[do it yourself|DIY]] pot still]]

'''Moonshine''' is [[alcohol proof|high-proof]] [[liquor]], traditionally made or distributed [[alcohol law|illegally]].<ref name="KosarBook">{{Cite book|title=Moonshine: A Global History|last=Kosar|first=Kevin|date=15 April 2017|publisher=Reaktion Books|location=London|isbn=978-1-78023-742-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=dictionary.com |title=moonshine |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/moonshine |access-date=March 26, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Cambridge Dictionary |title=moonshine |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/moonshine |access-date=March 26, 2023 }}</ref> The name was derived from a tradition of distilling the [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] at night to avoid detection. In the first decades of the 21st century, commercial distilleries have adopted the term for its outlaw cachet and have begun producing their own legal "moonshine", including many novelty flavored varieties, that are said to continue the tradition by using a similar method and/or locale of production.<ref name="Lippard Stewart">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1050142447 |title=Modern Moonshine : The Revival of White Whiskey in the Twenty-First Century |publisher=West Virginia University Press |last1=Lippard |first1=Cameron D. |last2=Stewart |first2=Bruce E. |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-946684-83-7 |edition=First |location=Morgantown |oclc=1050142447}}</ref>

In 2013, moonshine accounted for about one-third of global alcohol consumption.<ref name="DalviPillinger2013"/>

==Terminology==
Different languages and countries have their own terms for moonshine {{xref|(see: [[Moonshine by country]])}}.

==Fractional crystallization==
{{see also|Fractional crystallization (chemistry)}}

The [[ethanol]] may be concentrated in fermented beverages by means of freezing. For example, the name ''[[Applejack (drink)|applejack]]'' derives from the traditional method of producing the drink, ''[[wikt:jack#Verb|jacking]]'', the process of [[Freeze distillation#Freeze distillation|freezing fermented cider]] and then removing the ice, increasing the alcohol content.<ref name="pop">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Applejack|encyclopedia=Alcohol in Popular Culture: An Encyclopedia |editor=Rachel Black|author=Ken Albala|year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara, CA|isbn=978-0-313-38048-8 |page=10| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mb0SZIYCXREC&pg=PA10}}</ref><ref name="Foley">Michael Foley, ''Drinking with the Saints: The Sinner's Guide to a Holy Happy Hour'' (2015, {{ISBN|1621573834}}): Perhaps the most interesting option is applejack, the first distilled liquor native to North America and a great favorite among the colonists. [Now] usually a blend of apple brandy and neutral spirits that retains the flavor of the apples[.]</ref> Starting with the fermented juice, with an alcohol content of less than ten percent, the concentrated result can contain 25–40% [[alcohol by volume]] (ABV).<ref name="SBC">Sanborn Conner Brown, ''Wines & Beers of Old New England: A How-to-do-it History'' (1978, {{ISBN|0874511488}})</ref>

==Moonshine stills==
[[File:Nomiku (first generation).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|A [[thermal immersion circulator]], like this ''[[sous vide]]'' stick, is used to evaporate ethanol in [[#Plastic still|plastic stills]] or [[#Spiral still|spiral stills]].]]

In some countries, moonshine [[still]]s are illegal to sell, import, and own without permission. However, enthusiasts explain on internet forums how to obtain equipment and assemble it into a still.<ref name="brannaren">{{cite web |url=http://www.bryggforum.nu/download/spiralbrannaren.pdf |title=Spiralbrännaren |language=Swedish }}</ref> To cut costs, stainless steel vessels are often replaced with [[Moonshine#Plastic still|plastic stills]], vessels made from [[polypropylene]] that can withstand relatively high heat.

* A [[Moonshine#Column still|column still]], or a [[Moonshine#Spiral still|spiral still]], can achieve a vapor alcohol content of [[Rectified spirit|95% ABV]].
* Moonshine is usually distilled to 40% ABV, and seldom above 66% based on 48 samples.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Holstege |first1=CP |last2=Ferguson |first2=JD |last3=Wolf |first3=CE |last4=Baer |first4=AB |last5=Poklis |first5=A |title=Analysis of Moonshine for Contaminants |journal=Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology |date=2004 |volume=42 |issue=5 |pages=597–601 |doi=10.1081/clt-200026976 |pmid=15462151|s2cid=97866750 }}</ref> For example, conventional [[Moonshine#Pot still|pot still]]s commonly produce 40% ABV, and top out between 60% and 80% ABV after multiple distillations. However, ethanol can be dried to [[Rectified spirit|95% ABV]] by heating 3A molecular sieves such as 3A [[zeolite]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Carmo |first1=M. J. |last2=Gubulin |first2=J. C. |title=Ethanol-Water Adsorption on Commercial 3A Zeolites: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Data |journal=Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering |date=September 1997 |volume=14 |issue=3 |doi=10.1590/S0104-66321997000300004 |language=en |issn=0104-6632|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Burfield |first1=David R. |last2=Hefter |first2=Glenn T. |last3=Koh |first3=Donald S. P. |title=Desiccant efficiency in solvent and reagent drying 8. molecular sieve column drying of 95% ethanol: An application of hygrometry to the assay of solvent water content |journal=Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology. Chemical Technology |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=187–194 |language=en |doi=10.1002/jctb.5040340408 |date=1984|bibcode=1984JCTBC..34..187B }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Simo |first1=Marian |last2=Sivashanmugam |first2=Siddharth |last3=Brown |first3=Christopher J. |last4=Hlavacek |first4=Vladimir |title=Adsorption/Desorption of Water and Ethanol on 3A Zeolite in Near-Adiabatic Fixed Bed |journal=Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research |volume=48 |issue=20 |pages=9247–9260 |doi=10.1021/ie900446v |date=21 October 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Simo |first1=Marian |last2=Sivashanmugam |first2=Siddharth |last3=Brown |first3=Christopher J. |last4=Hlavacek |first4=Vladimir |title=Adsorption/Desorption of Water and Ethanol on 3A Zeolite in Near-Adiabatic Fixed Bed |url=https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie900446v |journal=Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research |pages=9247–9260 |doi=10.1021/ie900446v |date=21 October 2009|volume=48 |issue=20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Burfield |first1=David R. |last2=Hefter |first2=Glenn T. |last3=Koh |first3=Donald S. P. |title=Desiccant efficiency in solvent and reagent drying 8. molecular sieve column drying of 95% ethanol: An application of hygrometry to the assay of solvent water content |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jctb.5040340408 |journal=Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology. Chemical Technology |pages=187–194 |language=en |doi=10.1002/jctb.5040340408 |date=1984|volume=34 |issue=4 |bibcode=1984JCTBC..34..187B }}</ref>

The preferred heat source for [[#Plastic still|plastic stills]] or [[#Spiral still|spiral stills]] is ''[[sous vide]]'' sticks; these control temperature, time, and circulation, and are therefore preferred over [[Electric heating#Immersion heater|immersion heater]]s. Multiple units can be used to increase the wattage. Also, ''sous vide'' sticks, commonly sold in 1200 W and generally temperature regulated up to {{cvt|90|C}} (ethanol boils at {{cvt|78|C}}), will evaporate the ethanol faster than an [[Electric heating#Immersion heater|immersion heater]], commonly sold in 300 W. [[Electrical injury]] may occur if immersion heaters are modified, such as if a {{cvt|35|C}} thermostat is removed from an [[aquarium heater]] (because doing so may break its [[waterproofing]]), or if an immersion heater is disassembled from an [[electric water boiler]].

===Evaporation stills===
{{also|Bathtub gin}}

====Plastic still====
A plastic still is a device for [[distillation]] specially adapted for separating [[ethanol]] and [[water]].{{citation needed|date=April 2024}} Plastic stills are common because they are cheap and easy to manufacture. The principle is that a smaller amount of liquid is placed in an open smaller vessel inside a larger one that is closed. A cheap 100 W [[immersion heater]] is typically used as heat source, but a [[thermal immersion circulator]], like a ''sous vide'' stick is ideal because it comes with a temperature controller. The liquid is kept heated at about {{cvt|50|C}} which slowly evaporates the ethanol to 40% ABV that condense on the inner walls of the outer vessel. The condensation that accumulates in the bottom of the vessel can then be diverted directly down through a filter containing [[activated carbon]]. The final product has approximately twice as much alcohol content as the starting liquid and can be distilled several times if stronger distillate is desired. The method is slow, and is not suitable for large-scale production.

===Boiling stills===

====Fractional distillation====
{{Main|Fractional distillation}}Fractional distillation is the [[Separation process|separation]] of a [[mixture]] into its component parts, or [[Fraction (chemistry)|fractions]]. [[Chemical compound]]s are separated by heating them to a [[temperature]] at which one or more fractions of the mixture will [[Vaporization|vaporize]]. It uses [[distillation]] to [[Fractionation|fractionate]]. Generally the component parts have boiling points that differ by less than 25&nbsp;°C (45&nbsp;°F) from each other under a pressure of one [[Atmosphere (unit)|atmosphere]].

=====Column still=====
{{Main|Column still}}
[[File:Column still.svg|thumb|left|[[Column still]] legend: {{olist |list-style-type=upper-alpha
    |Analyzer*
    |Rectifier*
}}{{olist
    |Wash
    |Steam
    |Liquid out
    |Alcohol vapor
    |Recycled less volatile components
    |Most volatile components
    |Condenser
}} *Both columns are preheated by steam.]]

A column still, also called a continuous still, patent still or Coffey still, is a variety of [[still]] consisting of two columns. A column still can achieve a vapor alcohol content of [[Rectified spirit|95% ABV]].

======Spiral still======
A spiral still is a type of [[column still]] with a simple slow air-cooled distillation apparatus, commonly used for bootlegging.<ref name="brannaren"/> Column and cooler consist of a {{convert|5|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} copper tube wound in spiral form. The tube first goes up to act as a simple column, and then down to cool the product. Cookware usually consists of a {{convert|30|L|adj=on}} plastic wine bucket. The heat source is typically a [[thermal immersion circulator]] (commonly runs at 1200 W), like a ''sous vide stick'' because it is hard to find 300 W [[immersion heater]]s, and it is risky to disassemble the immersion heater from an [[electric water boiler]] because it may cause [[electrical injury]]. The spiral burner is popular because, despite its simple construction and low manufacturing cost, it can provide [[Rectified spirit|95% ABV]].

====Pot still====
{{Main|Pot still}}

A pot still is a type of distillation apparatus or [[still]] used to [[Distillation|distill]] [[flavored liquor]]s such as [[whisky]] or [[cognac]], but not [[rectified spirit]] because they are poor at separating [[Congener (beverages)|congener]]s. Pot stills operate on a [[batch distillation]] basis (as opposed to a [[Coffey still|Coffey]] or column stills, which operate on a [[continuous distillation|continuous]] basis). Traditionally constructed from [[copper]], pot stills are made in a range of shapes and sizes depending on quantity and style of spirit. Geographic variations in still design exist, with certain kinds popular in parts of [[Appalachia]], a region known for moonshine distilling.

Spirits distilled in pots commonly have 40% ABV, and top out between 60 and 80% after multiple distillations.

== Safety ==
[[File:Former moonshiner John Bowman explaining the workings of a moonshine still American Folklife Center.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Former [[West Virginia]] moonshiner John Bowman explains the workings of a still. (November 1996, [[American Folklife Center]])]]

Poorly produced moonshine can be contaminated, mainly from materials used in the construction of the [[still]]. Stills employing [[Radiator (engine cooling)|automotive radiators]] as condensers are particularly dangerous; in some cases, [[glycol]] produced from [[antifreeze (coolant)|antifreeze]] can be a problem.

The head that comes immediately after the foreshot (the initial product of the still) typically contains small amounts of other undesirable compounds, such as [[acetone]] and various [[aldehydes]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.clawhammersupply.com/blogs/moonshine-still-blog/12206385-making-moonshine-the-dummies-guide|title=Making Moonshine: The Dummies' Guide|work=Copper Moonshine Still Kits - Clawhammer Supply|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref> [[Fusel alcohol]]s are other undesirable byproducts of fermentation that are contained in the "aftershot," and are also typically discarded.

Alcohol concentrations at higher strengths (the [[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals|GHS]] identifies concentrations above 24% ABV as dangerous<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hgmltd.co.uk/clients/Alcoholic%20beverages.htm|title=Hazardous Goods Management|access-date=31 August 2017}}</ref>) are flammable and therefore dangerous to handle. This is especially true during the distilling process, when vaporized alcohol may accumulate in the air to dangerous concentrations if adequate ventilation is not provided.

===Adulterated moonshine===
{{See also|Moonshine by country#By contaminated moonshine|List of methanol poisoning incidents}}

Contaminated moonshine can occur if proper materials and techniques are not used. The prolonged consumption of impure moonshine may cause [[renal disease]], primarily from increased lead content.<ref name="oxford">{{cite web|url=http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/150/12/1275.full.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020090455/http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/150/12/1275.full.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2016|title=Risk of End Stage Renal Disease Associated with Alcohol Consumption|publisher=Oxford Journals|access-date=24 December 2011}}</ref>

====Heavy metals====
Analysis of Georgia moonshine samples revealed potentially toxic levels of copper, zinc, lead, and arsenic.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gerhardt |first1=RE |last2=Crecelius |first2=EA |last3=Hudson |first3=JB |title=Trace element content of moonshine. |journal=Archives of Environmental Health |date=November 1980 |volume=35 |issue=6 |pages=332–4 |doi=10.1080/00039896.1980.10667515 |pmid=7458415}}</ref> A review of twelve arsenic poisoning cases found contaminated moonshine responsible for about half, suggesting it may be a significant source in some areas.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gerhardt |first1=RE |last2=Crecelius |first2=EA |last3=Hudson |first3=JB |title=Moonshine-related arsenic poisoning. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |date=February 1980 |volume=140 |issue=2 |pages=211–3 |doi=10.1001/archinte.1980.00330140069020 |pmid=7352816}}</ref>

====Lead====
Radiators used as condensers may contain [[lead]] at the plumbing joints, and their use has resulted in blindness or [[lead poisoning]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whiskeystill.net/blogs/whiskey-still-co-blog/why-your-copper-moonshine-still-needs-to-be-lead-free|title=Why Your Copper Moonshine Still Needs To Be Lead Free – Whiskey Still Company|date=December 2016 }}</ref> from tainted liquor.{{sfn|Peine|Schafft|2012|p=97}} This was a deadly hazard during the [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]]-era United States. Consumption of lead-tainted moonshine is a serious risk factor for [[Lead poisoning#Classification|saturnine gout]], a very painful but treatable medical condition that damages the kidneys and joints.<ref name="DalviPillinger2013">{{Cite journal|last1=Dalvi|first1=Sam R.|last2=Pillinger|first2=Michael H.|date=May 2013|title=Saturnine gout, redux: a review|journal=The American Journal of Medicine|volume=126|issue=5|pages=450.e1–8|doi=10.1016/j.amjmed.2012.09.015|issn=1555-7162|pmid=23510947}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Loghman-Adham M |title=Renal effects of environmental and occupational lead exposure |journal=Environ. Health Perspect. |volume=105 |issue=9 |pages=928–938 |date=September 1997 |pmid=9300927 |pmc=1470371 |doi= 10.2307/3433873|jstor=3433873}}</ref>

The incidence of impure moonshine has been documented to significantly increase the risk of [[renal disease]] among those who regularly consume it, primarily from increased lead content.<ref name="oxford" />

====Methanol====
Contamination is still possible by unscrupulous distillers using cheap methanol to increase the apparent strength of the product. Moonshine can be made both more palatable and perhaps less dangerous by discarding the "foreshot" – the first {{convert|50|-|150|mL|floz}}<!-- Wouldn't the quantity depend on the capacity of the still? --> of [[ethanol|alcohol]] that drip from the condenser. Because methanol vaporizes at a lower temperature than ethanol, it is commonly believed that the foreshot contains most of the methanol, if any, from the mash. However, research shows that methanol is present until the very end of the distillation run.<ref name="intechopen">{{Cite journal|last=Spaho|first=Nermina|date=28 June 2017|title=Distillation Techniques in the Fruit Spirits Production|url=https://www.intechopen.com/books/distillation-innovative-applications-and-modeling/distillation-techniques-in-the-fruit-spirits-production|journal=Distillation - Innovative Applications and Modeling|language=en|doi=10.5772/66774|isbn=978-953-51-3201-1|doi-access=free}}</ref> Despite this, distillers will usually collect the foreshots until the temperature of the still reaches {{convert|80|C}}.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

[[Outbreak]]s of [[methanol poisoning]] have occurred from methanol accidentally produced in moonshine production or deliberately used to strengthen it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.who.int/selection_medicines/committees/expert/19/applications/Fomepizole_4_2_AC_Ad.pdf |title=Application to Include Fomepizole on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines |date=November 2012 |page=10}}</ref>

=====Purification=====
In modern times, reducing methanol with the absorption of a [[molecular sieve]] is a practical method for production.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.spkx.net.cn/EN/abstract/abstract15544.shtml|title=Study on Method of Decreasing Methanol in Apple Pomace Spirit|journal=Food Science |author=Hui-Ling Ma |author2=Xiu-Ping Yang |author3=Ying Zuo |date=15 April 2006 |volume=27|issue=4|pages=138–142}}</ref>

=====Methanol safety by fermentation ingredient=====
* Grain starches: [[Methanol]] is not produced in toxic amounts by fermentation of sugars from grain starches.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
* Methanol is produced in the fermentation of fruits via the action of pectin methylesterase, while of regulatory concern this does not typically exceed toxic levels and poisonings typically occur from methanol addition <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Blumenthal |first1=P |last2=Steger |first2=MC |last3=Einfalt |first3=D |last4=Rieke-Zapp |first4=J |last5=Quintanilla Bellucci |first5=A |last6=Sommerfeld |first6=K |last7=Schwarz |first7=S |last8=Lachenmeier |first8=DW |title=Methanol Mitigation during Manufacturing of Fruit Spirits with Special Consideration of Novel Coffee Cherry Spirits. |journal=Molecules |date=28 April 2021 |volume=26 |issue=9 |page=2585 |doi=10.3390/molecules26092585 |doi-access=free |pmid=33925245 |pmc=8125215}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |journal=J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs|title=The impact of unrecorded alcohol use on health: What do we know in 2020?|date=2021 |doi=10.15288/jsad.2021.82.28 |last1=Lachenmeier |first1=Dirk W. |last2=Neufeld |first2=Maria |last3=Rehm |first3=Jürgen |volume=82 |issue=1 |pages=28–41 |pmid=33573720 }}</ref> (e.g. as a [[lacing agent]]).

=== Tests ===

====Alcohols====
[[File:Lukastest etoh tbutoh.JPG|thumb|[[Lucas' reagent|Lucas test]]: Negative (left) with ethanol and positive with ''t''-butanol.]]

The Lucas test in [[alcohols]] is a test to differentiate between [[Alcohol (chemistry)#Primary,_secondary,_and_tertiary|primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols]]. It can be used to detect the levels of [[fusel alcohol]]s.

====Strength====

A quick estimate of the alcoholic strength, or proof, of the distillate (the ratio of alcohol to water) is often achieved by shaking a clear container of the distillate. Large bubbles with a short duration indicate a higher alcohol content, while smaller bubbles that disappear more slowly indicate lower alcohol content.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

A more reliable method is to use an alcoholmeter or [[hydrometer]]. A hydrometer is used during and after the fermentation process to determine the potential alcohol percentage of the moonshine, whereas an alcoholmeter is used after the product has been distilled to determine the volume percent or proof.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

===Misconceptions===
[[File:Moonshine3.jpg|right|thumb|A typical jar of moonshine, with a sample being ignited to produce a blue flame. It was once wrongly believed that the blue flame meant that it was safe to drink.]]

A common folk test for the quality of moonshine was to pour a small quantity of it into a spoon and set it on fire. The theory was that a safe distillate burns with a blue flame, but a tainted distillate burns with a yellow flame. Practitioners of this simple test also held that if a radiator coil had been used as a condenser, then there would be [[lead]] in the distillate, which would give a reddish flame. This led to the [[mnemonic]], "Lead burns red and makes you dead," or simply, "Red means dead."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skylarkmedicalclinic.com/Moonshine.htm|title=Moonshine|access-date=23 July 2008|website=Skylark Medical Clinic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716082440/http://www.skylarkmedicalclinic.com/Moonshine.htm|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>{{medrs|date=April 2020}}

== Legality ==
Manufacturing of spirits through distilling, [[Fractional crystallization (chemistry)|fractional crystallization]], etc. outside a registered distillery is [[Alcohol-related crime|illegal]] in many countries.

===USA===
Currently in the United States, there are four states that allow the production of moonshine for personal consumption ([[Alaska]], [[Arizona]], [[Massachusetts]], and [[Missouri]]). Additionally, [[North Dakota]] law permits the production of moonshine for personal consumption up to the federally legal amount{{--}}which is zero gallons; entailing that production of any amount is illegal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moonshine Legal States 2023 |url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/moonshine-legal-states |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=worldpopulationreview.com}}</ref>  
{| class="wikitable"
|+Legal States
!States
!Legality
|-
|Alaska
|Personal use only
|-
|Arizona
|Must have a permit for personal use/register still
|-
|Massachusetts
|Personal use on own property only
|-
|Missouri
|Personal use up to {{convert|200|USgal|l}} per year
|-
|North Dakota
|Only up to federally-allowed amount (zero gallons)
|}

==Society and culture==
Popular offerings for the Maya deity and [[folk saint]] [[Maximón]] include money, tobacco, and moonshine.<ref name="NATG">[https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142143/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/north-america/guatemala/maximon-santiago-atitlan-maya-saint/ ''Meet Maximón: The Liquor-Drinking, Chain-Smoking Saint'', National Geographic, Bethany Jones, January 24th, 2018]</ref>

==History==
[[File:The Moonshine Man of Kentucky Harper's Weekly 1877.jpg|thumb|''The Moonshine Man of Kentucky,'' an illustration from ''[[Harper's Weekly]],'' 1877, showing five scenes from the life of a Kentucky moonshiner]]
[[File:B Lindholm Lönnbränneri Scène från Lovisa skärgård.jpg|thumb|''Moonshining, a scene from the archipelago of [[Loviisa]] in the 19th century'', by [[Berndt Lindholm]]]]
[[File:Moonshine apparatus Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum.JPG|thumb|A historical moonshine distilling-apparatus in a museum]]

Traditionally, moonshine usually is a clear, unaged whiskey,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/17/world/moonshine-legal-golden-age/index.html|title=Exploding moonshine: The new golden age of outlaw liquor|website=[[CNN]] |date=17 June 2015 |access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> made with barley [[mashing|mash]] in Scotland and in Ireland, and made with [[maize|maize corn]] mash in the United States.<ref name="okstatencyclo">{{Cite web|url=http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/m/mo013.html|title=Moonshine|website=Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture|publisher=[[Oklahoma State University]]|access-date=21 March 2014|author=Guy Logsdon, [[Oklahoma Historical Society]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009061541/http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/M/MO013.html|archive-date=9 October 2008}} [https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=MO013 Alt URL]</ref> The word ''moonshine'' originated in the 18th century, in the British Isles, as a result of [[excise tax]] laws, and became an American English usage in the post–Independence U.S. after the [[Tariff of 1791]] (Excise Whiskey Tax of 1791) outlawed un-registered distilleries, which provoked the [[Whiskey Rebellion]] (1791–1794), wherein for four years the Excise Whiskey Tax went unpaid by the tax rebels by way of violent protest. The Excise Whiskey Tax was law until 1802, upon repeal of the Tariff of 1791.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TTBGov - Whiskey Rebellion |url=https://www.ttb.gov/public-information/whiskey-rebellion |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=www.ttb.gov}}</ref> 

In the 19th century, the [[Revenue Act of 1861]] and the [[Revenue Act of 1862]] levied heavy taxes upon the distilleries producing vinous spirits, which taxation increased the number of illegal distilleries, which then increased police actions by the IRS agents despatched to collect taxes from distilleries; the agents were known as ''Revenuers''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |author=Joyce, Jaime |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1242988394 |title=Moonshine: A Cultural History of America's Infamous Liquor |date=10 June 2014 |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-7603-4584-9 |oclc=1242988394}}</ref> Illegal distilling accelerated during the Prohibition era (1920–1933), which mandated a total ban on alcohol production under the [[Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution]]. Since the amendment was repealed in 1933, laws focus on evasion of taxation on any type of spirits or intoxicating liquors. Applicable laws were historically enforced by the [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] of the [[US Department of Justice]], but are now usually handled by state agencies. 

===Etymology===
The earliest known instance of the term "moonshine" being used to refer to illicit alcohol dates to the 1785 edition of ''Grose's Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue'', which was published in England. Prior to that, "moonshine" referred to anything "illusory" or to literally the light of the moon.<ref name="KosarBook" /> The U.S. Government considers the word a "fanciful term" and does not regulate its use on the labels of commercial products; as such, legal moonshines may be any type of spirit, which must be indicated elsewhere on the label.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Kings County Distillery Guide to Urban Moonshining : How to Make and Drink Whiskey|last1=Spoelman|first1=Colin|last2=Haskell|first2=David|date=22 October 2013 |isbn=978-1-4197-0990-6|publisher=Abrams Books|location=New York|oclc=843332480}}</ref>

===Prohibition in the United States===
{{Main|Prohibition in the United States}}
In Prohibition-era United States, moonshine distillation was done at night to deter discovery.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://anthro.appstate.edu/field-schools/papers/2007/sumich | title=It's All Legal Until You Get Caught: Moonshining in the Southern Appalachians | publisher=Appalachian State University | access-date=21 March 2014 | first=Jason| last=Sumich}}</ref> While moonshiners were present in urban and rural areas around the United States after the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], moonshine production concentrated in [[Appalachia]] because the limited road network made it easy to evade revenue officers and because it was difficult and expensive to transport corn crops. As a study of farmers in [[Cocke County, Tennessee]], observes: "One could transport much more value in corn if it was first converted to whiskey. One horse could haul ten times more value on its back in whiskey than in corn."{{sfn|Peine|Schafft|2012|pp=98–99}} Moonshiners such as Maggie Bailey of [[Harlan County, Kentucky]], [[Amos Owens]] of [[Rutherford County, North Carolina]], and [[Popcorn Sutton|Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton]] of [[Maggie Valley, North Carolina]], became legendary.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Block|first1=Melissa|title='Queen of the Mountain Bootleggers' Maggie Bailey|date=8 December 2005|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5044685|website=[[National Public Radio]]|access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=Motsinger>{{cite news |first=Carol |last=Motsinger |url=http://www.citizen-times.com/story/carol-motsinger/2014/11/10/maggie-valley-popcorn-sutton/18814929/ |title=New Movie Focuses on WNC Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton |newspaper=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]] |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref>

Once the liquor was distilled, drivers called "runners" or "bootleggers" smuggled moonshine liquor across the region in cars specially modified for speed and load-carrying capacity.{{r|Cooper}} The cars were ordinary on the outside but modified with souped-up engines, extra interior room, and heavy-duty [[shock absorber]]s to support the weight of the illicit alcohol. After Prohibition ended, the out-of-work drivers kept their skills sharp through organized races, which led to the formation of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing ([[NASCAR]]).<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-moonshine-bootlegging-gave-rise-nascar-180962014/ | title=How Moonshine Bootlegging Gave Rise to NASCAR | magazine=[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]] | access-date=4 April 2019 | first=Jennifer| last=Billock}}</ref> Several former "runners," such as [[Junior Johnson]], became noted drivers in the sport.<ref name="Cooper">{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=William J. |last2=Terrill |first2=Thomas E. |title=The American South: A History, Volume II |date=2009 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Md. |isbn=978-0-7425-6097-0 |page=625 |edition=4th |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=foGTgJkUOTEC&q=bootleg+moonshine}}</ref>

Some varieties of maize corn grown in the United States were once prized for their use in moonshine production. One such variety used in moonshine, Jimmy Red corn, a "blood-red, flint-hard 'dent' corn with a rich and oily germ," almost became extinct when the last grower died in 2000. Two ears of Jimmy Red were passed on to "seed saver" Ted Chewning, who saved the variety from extinction and began to produce it on a wider scale.<ref>{{cite web |last=Neimark |first=Jill |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/01/02/574367086/from-hooch-to-haute-cuisine-a-nearly-extinct-bootleggers-corn-gets-a-second-shot |title=From Hooch To Haute Cuisine: A Nearly Extinct Bootlegger's Corn Gets A Second Shot |website=npr.org |publisher=[[NPR]] |date=2 January 2018 |access-date=23 June 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623103109/https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/01/02/574367086/from-hooch-to-haute-cuisine-a-nearly-extinct-bootleggers-corn-gets-a-second-shot |archive-date=23 June 2022 }}</ref>

There have been modern-day attempts on the state level to legalize home distillation of alcohol, similar to how some states have been treating [[Legalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States|cannabis]], despite there being federal laws prohibiting the practice. For example, the [[New Hampshire]] state legislature has tried repeatedly to pass laws allowing unlicensed home distillation of small batches.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhpr.org/politics/2018-01-02/should-home-distilling-be-legal-in-n-h-lawmakers-to-vote-wednesday| title=Should Home Distilling Be Legal In N.H.? Lawmakers To Vote Wednesday | date=January 2, 2018}}</ref> In 2023, [[Ohio]] introduced legislation to do the same, with other states likely to follow.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/solarapi/v1/general_assembly_135/bills/sb13/IN/00/sb13_00_IN?format=pdf| title=S.B. No. 13 | access-date=January 30, 2023}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Liquor|Drink}}
* [[Bootleggers and Baptists]]
* [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]] (ATF)
* [[Congener (alcohol)]]
* [[Dixie Mafia]]
* [[Farmhouse ale]]
* [[Free Beer]]
* [[Homebrewing]]
* [[Moonshine by country]]
* [[Moonshine in popular culture]]
* [[Nip joint]]
* [[Rum-running]]
* [[Sour mash]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* Davis, Elaine. ''Minnesota 13: "Wet" Wild Prohibition Days'' (2007) {{ISBN|978-0-9798017-0-9}}
* {{Cite journal|last1=Peine|first1=Emelie K.|last2=Schafft|first2=Kai A.|title=Moonshine, Mountaineers, and Modernity: Distilling Cultural History in the Southern Appalachian Mountains|journal=Journal of Appalachian Studies|publisher=[[Appalachian Studies Association]]|date=Spring–Fall 2012 |volume=18|issue=1/2|pages=93–112|doi=10.2307/23337709 |jstor=23337709|s2cid=142229259 }}
* Rowley, Matthew. ''Moonshine!'' History, songs, stories, and how-tos (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-57990-648-1}}
* Watman, Max. ''Chasing the White Dog: An Amateur Outlaw's Adventures in Moonshine'' (2010) {{ISBN|978-1-4391-7024-3}}
* King, Jeff. ''The Home Distiller's Workbook: Your Guide to Making Moonshine, Whisky, Vodka, Rum and So Much More!'' (2012) {{ISBN|978-1-4699-8939-6}}

== External links ==
{{Wiktionary|hooch}}
* [http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/moonshine/index.html "Moonshine – Blue Ridge Style"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729010744/http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/moonshine/index.html |date=29 July 2012 }} An Exhibition Produced by the [http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org Blue Ridge Institute] and the [http://www.ferrum.edu Museum of Ferrum College]
* ''Déantús an Phoitín'' (''Poteen Making''), by Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín (a one-hour 1998 Irish documentary film on the origins of the craft).
* [http://www.ibiblio.org/moonshine/ North Carolina Moonshine]&nbsp;– Historical information, images, music, and film excerpts
* [http://historyofalcoholanddrugs.typepad.com/alcohol_and_drugs_history/moonshine/index.html Moonshine news page]&nbsp;– [[Alcohol and Drugs History Society]]
* [http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2580 Georgia Moonshine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523191819/http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2580 |date=23 May 2006 }}&nbsp;– History and folk traditions in Georgia, USA
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10556048 "Moonshine 'tempts new generation{{'"}}]&nbsp;– BBC on distilling illegal liquor in the 21st century.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TywPjx3VHeM Moonshine Franklin Co Virginia] Moonshine Still from the past – Video
* [https://a-c-e.uk/moonshine-stills/ moonshine stills] at a-c-e.uk

{{Alcohol and health}}
{{Alcoholic beverages}}
{{Distillation}}
{{Prohibition}}
{{American frontier}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Alcohol-related crimes]]
[[Category:Culture of the United States]]
[[Category:Distilled drinks]]
[[Category:Homebrewing]]
[[Category:Illegal drug trade]]
[[Category:Moonshine| ]]
[[Category:Whisky]]