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HomeTopicsGrain Alcohol Moonshine
Grain Alcohol and Moonshine
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Grain alcohol, also known as moonshine, Everclear or poteen, is a fiery beverage that packs a punch. Unlike some liquor, grain alcohol embraces its roughly edged flavors to provide its enthusiasts with one of the purest, strongest forms of alcohol.
What is Grain AlcoholNatural grain alcohol is a form of pure alcohol produced by fermenting and distilling grain. It's far stronger than other alcoholic beverages, such as beer, vodka and whiskey because the grain is allowed to reach a high ethanol content before being distilled.
Everclear grain alcohol is one of the more popular brands available. Although drinking Everclear or any pure grain alcohol straight is inadvisable, due to its potency, some mixed drinks may require a touch of moonshine. While most alcohol is 80 proof, grain alcohol weighs in at a staggering 190 proof, nearly two-and-a-half times stronger.
Moonshine and the Founding FathersFor better or worse, the history of moonshine is enveloped in the history of America. Trying to find a way to replenish the country's coffers after the Revolutionary War, the federal government decided to tax the alcohol trade, its first step in a long history of meddling in affairs of the liver.
Early moonshiners were originally farmers who survived bad years by turning their corn into profitable whisky. To them, paying the tax meant they wouldn't be able to feed their families. Federal agents were attacked when they came around to collect the tax, and several were tarred and feathered.
In 1794, several hundred angry citizens took over the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. President George Washington called for a gathering of militiamen under federal authority. About 13,000 troops dispersed the mob and captured its leaders. This Whiskey Rebellion was the first major test of federal authority for the young government.
While the rebellion failed, moonshining lived on. When prohibition went into effect in 1920, sub-rosa purveyors of grain alcohol were in their glory. Since prohibition's repeal in 1933, the making of illegal moonshine has largely petered out.
Irish Eyes are SmilingBanned from export between 1661 and 1997, poteen is Irish liquor classified as moonshine. It runs about 180 proof and is made in a copper kettle. If running down to the store for a six-pack doesn't satisfy your alcohol ambitions, why not make your own?
How to Make MoonshineIf you're interested in how to make grain alcohol at home, here's an easy recipe to start with.
Homemade Moonshine RecipeIngredients
Directions
You can purchase moonshine stills at discounted prices through many sites online. If you lack the patience or space to make moonshine on your own, buy it in stores and use it to mix some pretty potent concoctions. Here are a couple of recipes to brighten up your day.
Grain PunchIngredients
This recipe makes enough for a large party. The key here is to eat the fruit. Avoid bananas, which are too mushy.
Tyson PunchIngredients
In general, grain alcohol does its best work in concert with fresh fruits and juices, so feel free to experiment on your own. But be aware that the juice's purpose is to disguise the alcohol, so you may be drinking more than you think. That said, bottoms up! Resources wiseGEEK (n.d). What is Grain Alcohol? Retrieved April 29, 2008, from wiseGEEK Web site: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-grain-alcohol.htm. The Webtender (n.d.). Grain Alcohol. Retrieved April 29, 2008, from Webtender Web site: http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/31. Howstuffworks (n.d) How Moonshine Works. Retrieved April 29, 2008, from howstuffworks Web site: http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/moonshine.htm. Celtia (n.d). Poteen – the Guid Ould Stuff. Retrieved April 29, 2008, from Celtia Web site: http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Article/785672.
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