In the old days, moonshine was made through a process of fermentation and distillation. Moonshiners would start by creating a mash using Indian corn, which was readily available and inexpensive. The corn would be ground into a coarse meal and cooked with water to create a mash. This mash would then be left to cool before the next step.
To initiate fermentation, sugar and yeast would be added to the cooled mash. The yeast would consume the sugar, converting it into alcohol through the process of fermentation. This would result in the creation of a liquid that had a moderate alcohol content. However, it was not yet strong enough to be considered true moonshine.
To increase the potency of the liquid, moonshiners discovered that they could distill it multiple times. Distillation involves heating the liquid and collecting the evaporated alcohol, which is then condensed and collected as a more concentrated form of alcohol. By distilling the liquid three times, moonshiners were able to significantly increase the alcohol content and produce a liquor with a substantial kick.
The process of distillation was often carried out using homemade stills, which were simple yet effective apparatus. These stills consisted of a pot or kettle where the liquid was heated, a pipe or tube to carry the vaporized alcohol away from the heat source, and a cooling mechanism to condense the vapors back into liquid form. Moonshiners would carefully monitor the temperature and control the flow of vapor to ensure the best possible outcome.
It's important to note that making moonshine was illegal during this time, as it bypassed government regulations and taxes on alcohol production. Moonshiners operated in secret, often in rural areas away from prying eyes. They relied on their knowledge and experience to perfect their craft and avoid detection.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to study the history and techniques of moonshine production. While I have never personally made moonshine myself, I have spoken with individuals who have shared their experiences and insights.
Moonshine was made in the old days by fermenting a mash made from Indian corn and then distilling the resulting liquid multiple times. This process allowed moonshiners to create a potent liquor with a strong kick. Despite its illegal nature, the production of moonshine was a skillful and secretive art form that required knowledge, experience, and a touch of ingenuity.