Anyone here tasted Moonshine (white lightening)?

I haven't but curious about it. Why not just buy 151 proof Bacardi? Is it smooth? Does it have different flavors such as Apple, peach, or strawberries which adds to its taste? How much is it for a mason jar? Gallon? Etc.?

I have had real moonshine and over the counter, watch out, my friend threw up on one shot of real, I had 2 and I was wasted. Store bought is more like vodka to me. 151 is rum, and taste like rum.

Yes- one of my nieces was dating an interesting fellow from West Virginia who brought up a couple of bottles of his home brewed moonshine to a family event. One was the straight stuff- like clear liquid fire and one was called "apple" and was like apple flavored fire.
I don't know what the proof was but the results were quickly felt and I had to stop after a couple.


Paul

For decades I've sold pure grain ethyl alcohol (vodka) for industrial use. We bring in 26,000 gallon railcars of "beverage grade" juice, and blend it with "denaturants" to make the stuff undrinkable. We buy this corn based ethanol at 200 proof, and generally sold it that way plus the denaturants. It was exceptionally well controlled, with all access points under lock and key.................so no sneaking any out the door for a party.

We didn't pay excise tax on this product since it was not to be consumed as a beverage, otherwise the federal tax on the railcar would be about $850,000, while the cost of the ethanol is only about $45,000. Our supplier is the exclusive producer of Skyy Vodka, for example, and Skyy does have to pay $900,000 (including taxes) for the same car that we buy for $45,000. Yep, the federal taxes are about 20 times the cost of the product. State excise taxes on booze varies, with Washington being the highest, as I recall. In the state of Washington, excise taxes add an additional $2.5 million to cost of that railcar, making the total excise taxes 75 times more than the cost of the ethanol. Think of that next time you have a drink, Washington!

One railcar is enough booze that, after being "deproofed", (cut with water) one could make 1,000,000 people 5.5 drinks each. Thirsty?

I have a bottle of Chinese White Lightning. It tastes hideous and I think I could use it to remove paint.

Moonshine is just whiskey minus the aging process in a barrel. I'm not a big fan. Actually, I've yet to meet anyone who is. It cracks me up when I see it being sold as a "premium" beverage. The cost basis for Moonshine is about as cheap as any well alcohol you drink in a trailer-park bar.

I'm from W Va so I've had the real thing. It's completely different from the 190 proof Everclear sold in ABC stores (the highest proof allowed). I've never heard of flavored shine but I highly recommend mixing something with it. A shot of moonshine will burn a bit, but everclear will burn the lining out of your stomach, HUGE difference.
I haven't the faintest clue what it costs, someone always brought it to the party and that was a long time ago.

Large ethanol producers make two strengths...............190 proof and 200 proof. When you buy Everclear, some company has simply bought a bunch of 190 proof beverage grade ethanol from someone like ADM (Archers Daniels Midland), put it in a bottle, and sold it to your liquor store. To make standard vodka, they simply take the same stuff and add water until it reaches about 80 proof.

Actually, I'm meeting a buddy in a few minutes to consume some beverage grade ethanol, so I must be off!

First, understand that what you see in any store is just a replica of moonshine. By definition it is illegally distilled alcohol, thus eliminating anything sold legally. Second is the fact that it is always harsh. Usually bringing the proof down will help smooth it out. Of course, quality of ingredients and distillation process will also effect the outcome. Now, back to the topic.

Way back when, my younger brother and I went to see an aging, not well uncle who was a favorite. For years he had a drink with buddies and went home for dinner. His condition didn't allow exposure to sunlight, so he was stuck at home most of the time. He decided to take an old five gal still out of mothballs and make his own so he could invite his friends to his place for "cocktails." We went to his place for dinner and he asked if we wanted a drink. Our dad had mentioned this stuff, so we said yes. It was actually very smooth with distilled water, paint thinner as my uncle said!

If you want to see a great comedy, watch "Moonshiners" on discovery channel. First, you have people selling an illegal product showing their identity and locations. Then you have the guy selling shine to build his bankroll for a legal operation. My favorites are "dumb and dumber" who can't seem to do anything right. Since of course this show is unscripted, it's forntunate that no fed agents or law enforcement of any kind watch television or they might get busted! Don't you love REALITY shows?

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes