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I have already published many times the recipes of my subscriber, who prepares tinctures on his moonshine. Once I asked him to tell me how to choose real moonshine.
His answer slightly discouraged me: “How do I know? I never chose it and did not buy it. I always drive myself. Come to me, I’ll pour you.” And I would go after all, but far …
Then I decided to learn about how to choose the right moonshine and today I am sharing the results of my research with you. So let’s go!
What is moonshine
Moonshine is a high-strength alcoholic drink, which is usually made at home by distillation through special factory or self-made devices.
Usually ready-made mash is distilled, obtained in the process of fermentation of any sweet or unsweetened products, but with the addition of sugar.
Until 1917, moonshine was called “tavern”.
After 1917, the concept of “moonshine” was documented as a strong alcoholic drink made from potatoes with the addition of sugar syrup. But in our time, it doesn’t matter what the mash is made from.
What is the difference between pervak and real moonshine
Pervak is a strong alcoholic drink. Get it during the process of making moonshine. This is a drink after the first, initial distillation of the finished mash. Fortress 60-72%.
Since ancient times, high-quality alcoholic beverages have been called pervak.
According to the factory technology, the primary distillation product is then passed through a carbon filter, which filters out harmful impurities such as aldehydes, metals, phenols.
In the home production of moonshine, pervak is run through the moonshine again, but without “tails”.
In general, the process is very confusing and, in short, there are three fractions – the first, middle, tails. Here is the first one, this is the pervak, which is then distilled or filtered. He is the strongest.
The second can be drunk immediately after the first distillation. Tailings used to be used in industry, for example, they were added to tar. It is not recommended to use them inside the body.
And, if we conclude, then Pervak differs from moonshine only in the presence of harmful substances that need to be further filtered out.
Real moonshine is several times distilled pervak infused with various herbs.
Where is the best place to buy moonshine
Moonshine, like real homemade wine and chacha, is usually not sold at the grandmothers’ market. Before buying this intoxicating drink, you need to make sure that it is produced from high-quality raw materials under normal, close to sterile conditions.
If this is a neighbor who has been making this drink for several years (and is still alive), then you can safely buy from him.
But I, having no neighbors and grandmothers nearby, buy moonshine in a factory-made store. Of course, this is not much different from the product that I tried in the village with my grandfather, but it warms well.
My personal top 3:
- Sibbitter Moonshine 0.5 l. Fortress 40%.
- Rural moonshine wheat 0.5 l. 42%.
- Kosogorov moonshine No. 3 wheat. 0.5 l. 40%.
Connoisseurs and connoisseurs, of course, will say that this is “not it”, “not that”, “the real one should be 72%”. But I like these drinks, which are just limited in strength, leaving the essence.
How to choose a good moonshine
For true adherents of homemade moonshine, I will give several ways to determine the quality of moonshine on your own.
These include:
- Definition of smell. If the smell is pleasant, without fusel notes, then you have a good product.
- Color definition. Moonshine should be transparent, without cloudy impurities and inclusions of the product for distillation.
- Definition of taste. Roll a small amount across the palate and tongue. Strong bitterness and rigidity indicate the presence of impurities and low-quality initial raw materials.
- Flammability definition. Set fire to some. It should burn evenly and beautifully, like alcohol. If it fades or flares up, then you can’t drink it. By the way, this method is also suitable for determining the quality of any other alcohol with a strength of over 40%.
- Determination of frost resistance. To do this, place moonshine in the freezer for at least three hours. The temperature should not be higher than -18. If the drink is frozen or an ice suspension has formed in it, then return it to the seller, let him drink it himself.
- Weight definitions. 1 liter of real moonshine should weigh 953 grams. If more or less, taking into account the error of the scales, by 10 grams, then this drink is not of high quality.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
Do you have ways to determine the quality of moonshine? Where do you usually buy it? Or, like Alexander, do you prefer to drive him yourself?