The amount of moonshine that a 50-gallon still can produce will depend on several factors, including the type of still being used and its size, where it is located, and the ABV that has been requested.
Generally speaking, a 50-gallon still should be able to produce around 200-600 bottles of moonshine – this could provide anywhere from 250-1000 750 mL bottles depending.
When it comes to a traditional copper still (discussed in more detail below), many large stills are rated in terms of flow volume – typically around 4-7 gallons per hour. That means a 50-gallon still can produce anywhere from 7-14 gallons of moonshine per hour.
To produce even more moonshine, some DIYers may use a larger still. For example, a 100-gallon still could potentially produce twice as much as a 50-gallon still, depending on its flow rate.
The ABV of the moonshine is also a factor to consider when calculating yield. Higher ABV means lower yield, so a higher ABV moonshine will produce less than a lower ABV version. Generally speaking, 40-proof moonshine will have a higher yield than a higher proof option.
Finally, it’s also important to consider where the moonshine is being made. Some areas, such as Oregon and Colorado, have laws that restrict the amount of moonshine that can be produced in a single still.
If the moonshine is being made in a state with such laws, the yield may be lower.
Overall, a 50-gallon still should produce around 200-600 bottles of moonshine. Depending on the factors discussed above, this number could vary significantly. As always, we recommend following the local laws and regulations surrounding the production of moonshine.
How much moonshine do you get from 5 gallons of mash?
The amount of moonshine you can get from 5 gallons of mash depends on several factors, such as the percentage of fermentable sugars in the mash and the efficiency of your distilling system. Generally, a 5-gallon mash should yield about 3-4 gallons of moonshine.
However, if you are able to distill multiple batches from your mash, more moonshine can be obtained from the same 5 gallons of mash. The more efficient your distilling system, the more moonshine you can expect to obtain from 5 gallons of mash.
Applying vacuum or pressure to the mash can also increase the amount of moonshine yield. Additionally, the percentage of alcohol in the moonshine can vary based on the starting gravity of the mash, the type of yeast used, and the length of fermentation.
Many home distillers use recipes that can yield moonshine at approximately 40-50% alcohol by volume, while commercial distillers can often produce even higher proof moonshine.
What is the average proof of homemade moonshine?
The average proof of homemade moonshine can vary widely depending on the techniques used to distill it. Generally speaking, the average proof of moonshine made in a traditional copper still is roughly 140 proof, though it can range anywhere between 100 and 190 proof depending on the method and ingredients used.
The traditional method of distillation relies on multiple runs and various cuts of the alcohol vapor to achieve the desired result and proof. However, some homemade distillers will use shortcuts such as fewer cuts or a single run that can produce moonshine with a much lower proof than 140.
Additionally, moonshine made in a non-traditional still, such as an immersible heater, is usually significantly weaker than that made in a copper still.
How much do you throw away when making moonshine?
When making moonshine, the amount of waste created varies depending on a few different factors such as how much is being made, how efficient the distillation process is, and what kind of materials are being used.
Generally speaking, however, the amount of waste created will depend on the type of yeast used, the amount of nutrients in the mash, and the efficiency of the still.
When using a grain-based mash, most will yield between 35-65% of the original grain, depending on the yeast strain. The rest of the grain and the mashed grain is discarded as waste. The liquid portion of the mash (the wash) is transferred to the still and is distilled to create the moonshine.
How much of the waste is discarded also depends on the efficiency of the still, which can vary based on the type and size of the still used.
In addition to the waste created by the grain and mash, there will be a certain amount of waste created when the moonshine is being bottled. This includes any sediment or impurities that formed during the distillation process, along with any spilled liquid from the bottles.
Depending on the size of the batch, this amount of waste can vary from a few ounces to several gallons.
Overall, the amount of waste created when making moonshine will depend on the size of the batch, the type and efficiency of the still, as well as the amount of waste that is created from the bottling process.
Can you drink 200 proof moonshine?
No, it is not generally recommended to drink 200 proof moonshine. The alcohol content of moonshine is usually between 40 and 80 proof, but it can range up to 190 proof or even higher. Generally, the higher the proof is, the greater the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Furthermore, since moonshine is typically unaged and made from grain alcohol, it can contain impurities and toxic chemicals that can be potentially dangerous. As such, drinking high-proof moonshine can be an extremely hazardous venture and should not be undertaken lightly.
It is best to limit your intake of any type of moonshine to lower proof levels, as well as to purchase it only from reputable moonshine makers.
Can you make moonshine as long as you don’t sell it?
Yes, you can make moonshine as long as you don’t sell it. In the U. S. , the laws governing the production of alcohol for personal use vary from state to state. Generally, as long as you report it on your taxes, you can legally make and use your own moonshine.
You may need to obtain a permit or license depending on the state you live in. It is illegal, however, to make and/or sell moonshine as it is unregulated and the recipe and ingredients may not adhere to safety standards.
To stay safe and within the law, it’s best to avoid selling any moonshine you make.
What is the highest proof moonshine you can make?
The highest proof moonshine that you can make is typically 190 proof, which would be 95 percent alcohol by volume. The process of creating moonshine at high proof involves running the alcohol through a still multiple times to create a higher concentration of alcohol by volume.
You must also be careful in the storage and handling of the finished product, as it is highly flammable. The history of moonshine production goes back centuries, and is a craft mastered by those who take the time to understand the process and become proficient in creating a high-proof moonshine.
How long will moonshine last in a jar?
Moonshine in a jar will generally last a long time. Its shelf life can be up to several years or even decades if properly stored. However, over time its flavor will begin to change and degrade. To ensure the longest shelf life possible, keep the moonshine in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and oxygen.
Once opened, moonshine should be refrigerated and can last up to two years. As long as the product is tightly sealed and stored properly, it should be safe to consume within that time frame.
It is important to note that moonshine is high in alcohol content, making it more resistant to spoilage and bacteria growth than other kinds of liquor. Although it has a high alcohol content, keep in mind that it is still an agricultural product with natural ingredients that need to be treated carefully to ensure it still tastes fresh.
What proof moonshine will run a car?
The closest thing to concrete evidence is anecdotal reports from people who claim to have used moonshine as a fuel source in their vehicle. However, this is far from a reliable form of evidence since these reports usually cannot be verified and can be subject to exaggeration or embellishment.
Using moonshine as a fuel source is certainly not advised, as it could cause significant damage to a vehicle’s fuel system. The alcohol content of moonshine is typically very high, which can corrode metal parts in the engine, including the fuel lines, injectors, and engine valves.
The high flammability of moonshine can also be dangerous, as it can easily ignite and cause a vehicle fire.
Additionally, it is illegal to use moonshine as a fuel, as the production of moonshine is unregulated and the alcohol content is often unknown. This means that using it as fuel can be problematic and can lead to fines or other penalties.
For these reasons and more, using moonshine as a fuel source is not recommended.
How much Heads do you throw out on a 5 gallon still?
The amount of heads that you throw out on a 5 gallon still will depend on a number of factors, including the ABV percentage of the mash, the purity of the distillation, the type of still being used, the yeast strain that is being used, and the shape and size of the still.
Generally speaking, the head should be thrown out per each run until the ABV percentage of the distillate drops below 1%. During a single run, most hobbyists will get rid of between 0. 5-2 Liters of heads, depending on the other factors mentioned above.
Some experienced distillers will keep the poor quality heads and redistill them with the tail in another run, so that nothing is wasted.
How many fifths of liquor does it take to make a gallon?
It takes 7. 75 fifths (or 38. 75 750mL bottles) to make a gallon of liquor. One fifth, also known as a 750 mL bottle, is equal to 1. 5 pints or 25. 36 oz of liquor. A gallon contains 128 oz of liquid, so when multiplying 25.
36 by 7. 75, you will get 193. 4 total oz of liquors, which is close to 192 oz and the closest to 128 oz in a gallon.
How much does a still cost in Australia?
The price of purchasing a still in Australia varies significantly depending on the size, materials, and features you’re looking for in a still. A simple 2 gallon copper still with a basic pre-set heat source, such as an electric immersion heater, may cost between $260 and $400 AUD, while a larger 20 gallon unit made with premium materials may cost upwards of $2000 AUD.
When considering a still purchase, it is important to consider the intended purpose and consider which type of still might best meet your needs. Also, be sure to consider any necessary accessories, such as cooking thermometers, alkaline test kits, and hydrometers, which will add to the initial cost.
It is also important to make sure that the still is legal for distilling in Australia.
Can I buy a still in Australia?
Yes, it is possible to buy stills in Australia. However, there are some restrictions. First, you must obtain a permit to make and sell distilled spirits. This permit is issued by the Australian Taxation Office.
To obtain a permit to make and sell distilled spirits, you must have a valid Australian business number and the required licenses and permits for your business activity. You will also need to obtain an excise license from the relevant state or territory to collect excise duty on any alcohol produced.
Additionally, all distilled spirits must meet Australian standards and be labeled in accordance with relevant regulations. Although the process to obtain a still in Australia is lengthy and complex, it is possible.
Once you have obtained the required permits, you may purchase your still from many local and online retailers.
Are air stills legal in Australia?
Yes, air stills are legal in Australia. Air stills, also known as atmospheric stills, are a type of distillation equipment that can be used to produce essential oils, perfumes, flavorings, and other products.
Air stills are generally well regulated by the government in Australia, and must comply with safety standards when in operation. In order to operate an air still legally, it must be connected to an approved ventilation fan and equipped with the necessary safety features.
Additionally, operators of air stills must comply with any business licensing requirements in order to legally operate their business in Australia. Finally, it should be noted that some states and territories in Australia may have further regulations or restrictions on air stills that may differ from those in other states and territories.
Is it legal to distill your own spirits in Australia?
No, it is not legal to distill your own spirits in Australia. In order to produce alcohol lawfully, it is necessary to hold a distilling licence granted by the Australian Tax Office. Even then, alcohol can only be produced for commercial purposes, not personal use.
It is also illegal to possess equipment or materials that could be used to distil alcohol. Penalties for producing alcohol or for possessing distilling equipment include fines or imprisonment. For these reasons, it is not legal to distill your own spirits in Australia.