Home Brew Who does it?

[BatchFile]

I've heard that putting it in the freezer for a short time and removing the ice (only the water freezes - the alcohol doesn't) is easier and MUCH safer than distilling as you can't get the temperature wrong and poison yourself - anyone tried it?

[Guest Nibbler]

Put it this way 2 - 3 shot glasses was enough to put you on your back

[ICT_GUY]

x2 with a still will get you around 75% abv depending on how good your still is.

 

IT is Totally illegal to distil spirits without a licence! The authorities take a very dim view of doing this!

 

The myths surrounding moonshine and it being dangerous come down to the fact that at 75% or more ABV you can reach dangerously high blood toxicity levels of alcohol in one or two drinks. Certainly at 75%+ you can go from being merry to unconscious in one mixed drink (each shot = x2 at normal strengths). Then there is the fact that you can ingest large amounts without becoming intoxicated immediately, above 10%abv your body takes longer to absorb the alcohol. Again you might feel fine but then your body will continue to absorb the alcohol even if you stop drinking. The wood alcohol danger is a factor of not making your starting mixture and apparatus properly (clean). Also there is a danger of fire and explosion if your equipment is faulty or badly made.

 

The main reason its illegal though is that a bottle of 40% rum costs around 50p to make and the tax man hates you not paying tax!

[danrhodes]

LOL distill some moonshine x2 then what do you get, rocket fuel?

[jamesb]

LOL distill some moonshine x2 then what do you get, rocket fuel?

 

Yes.

 

It's where the whole 'proof' terminology came from. They used to prove the strength of alcohol by mixing a little of it with gunpowder, and it is essentially a rough measure of flammability. Anything 100 proof or more (slightly more than 50% alcohol) will ignite very easily. Stronger, and you're bordering on the explosive.

[danrhodes]

Yes.

 

It's where the whole 'proof' terminology came from. They used to prove the strength of alcohol by mixing a little of it with gunpowder, and it is essentially a rough measure of flammability. Anything 100 proof or more (slightly more than 50% alcohol) will ignite very easily. Stronger, and you're bordering on the explosive.

 

Excellent! "This looks like it will mix with tonic and ice well, BOOOOOOOOOM!!!"

[ICT_GUY]

With a still the maximum abv you could possibly get is around 95%. different processes are used to make industrial 100% ethanol. Its also incredibly hygroscopic at these concentrations.

[soveryapt]

Ok, does anyone else just want to see how many times they have to distill something before it becomes explosive now .. I wonder what my parents are using their shed for currently (as I don't have one yet to go and potter in .. lol)

[Guest Nibbler]

The stuff we made burnt very easily having said that it aslo removed the varnish off a table when it was split on it and left for about 20 mins

[glensc]

You used to be able to buy bottles of rectified ethyl alcohol in East Germany on the way back from West Berlin, can't remember if it was 98 or 99% by volume.

[danrhodes]

You used to be able to buy bottles of rectified ethyl alcohol in East Germany on the way back from West Berlin, can't remember if it was 98 or 99% by volume.

 

One shot of that, and I think it would be lights out!

 

D

[Sarconia]

You used to be able to buy bottles of rectified ethyl alcohol in East Germany on the way back from West Berlin, can't remember if it was 98 or 99% by volume.

 

Cor... and I thought that 80% Absinythe (sp?) that someone bought back from Turkey the other year was bad... that along with the Cannabis Vodka... urk! I'm amazed I actually surived them both.

[Rydra]

If I ever get my house sorted, I might start myself a home brew. Got all the barrels and jars pipes etc, and there's a wilkinsons down the road from me.

 

Anyone recommend a better place to buy the stuff from with a little more choice? I quite fancy a light ale, something akin to Summer lightning... A little bit hoppy.

[ICT_GUY]

Wilkos has more choice on-line that you can collect in-store. Their prices are typically 10% - 30% than anywhere else and come form the same suppliers.