Grain alcohol and moonshine are closely related, but they are not exactly the same. Grain alcohol refers to any distilled spirit that is made from grains such as corn, wheat, or barley. It is a highly concentrated alcohol that typically contains around 95% alcohol by volume (ABV). Moonshine, on the other hand, is a specific type of grain alcohol that is produced illegally or clandestinely.
The term “moonshine” originated during the period of prohibition in the United States, when the production and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned. During this time, many people turned to making their own alcohol in secret, often under the light of the moon to avoid detection. These homemade spirits were known as moonshine.
What sets moonshine apart from commercially produced grain alcohol is its clandestine nature. Moonshine is typically made in small, homemade stills without proper regulation or oversight. The production process is often unrefined and lacks the quality control measures employed by legal distilleries. This can result in variations in flavor and potency, and even the presence of impurities.
In contrast, commercially produced grain alcohol undergoes a regulated and standardized distillation process. It is made in large-scale distilleries that adhere to strict quality control standards. Commercial grain alcohol is often filtered and purified to remove impurities, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent product.
However, it is worth noting that there are legal moonshine distilleries that produce high-quality, artisanal moonshine. These distilleries operate within the bounds of the law and follow strict regulations to ensure the safety and quality of their products. These legal moonshines often strive to recreate the flavors and traditions of the illicit moonshine produced during prohibition.
While grain alcohol and moonshine are both made from grains and are highly concentrated spirits, moonshine specifically refers to illegally produced or clandestine grain alcohol. Commercial grain alcohol is typically produced in a regulated and standardized manner. However, legal moonshine distilleries have emerged, offering a more refined and regulated version of this once illicit spirit.