Moonshine Thursday

Every Thursday since the T.V show Moonshiners has come back on, I have received predictable questions either in person, over the phone, e-mail, or on the blog all containing to the subject of moonshine.  So much so that I have dubbed Thursday, Moonshine Thursday.  This post is really here so I can refer these questions to a set of answers when people ask,  “So how do I make moonshine?” or, “Well it’s not illegal if it’s for personal use”.  To answer your first question, I can’t really lead you on that personal quest, and to answer the second question, show me that law…

I’m not here to be anyone’s, Jiminy Cricket, but honestly if you get caught doing it your screwed. So I’ve compiled some good reading for you…

This one is about the culture of moonshining:

The hipster kids that drove the home-brew movement, making ale in their kitchens, are the ones now making booze in their kitchens. That part is very foodie, very crafty and very caught up in authenticity and care, and there’s a booming — booming — hobby world. The federal law makes no dispensation for personal use. The penalties are still very severe: fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. 

More About It

Well why can you make your own beer or wine but not moonshine?

Answer  (Uncle Sam)

Anyone Can Do It Right?

Most people think after seeing the show, “Well if he can do it, surely I can – they are just some dumbass hicks.”  News flash, these people have been doing it their whole life (40-50 years), their parents were doing it for their whole life (50-60 years), and there parents did it also (you get the picture).  They might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but they have way more experience then you think.  If you mess up, it’s bad news.

168 dead after drinking toxic moonshine in eastern India

Well if they are taping the show moonshiners, it has to be legal right?

This is what ABC said about the show…

“”Virginia ABC agreed to participate in an informative piece that documents the history of moonshine and moonshine investigations in Virginia. Virginia ABC did not participate nor was aware of the false depiction of moonshine manufacturing, distribution and/or transportation in the filming, and would not have participated in the `documentary’ had it known of this portrayal,” the statement said.”

Read more:

My Final Thoughts

The law is the law on this one, and it’s pointless on getting into my personal opinion if its lame or not.  I’m sure if you spent some time searching on the internet you will have all of your questions answered about legality and all of that.   Hope this helps, don’t want to be the buzz kill.