Category: FAQ
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The Most Frequently Asked Question: Is it Legal to make Moonshine at Home?
In many Western countries, home distillation for personal use is often prohibited or heavily regulated due to safety concerns, taxation issues, and the risk of producing unsafe spirits. Commercial distillation is strictly regulated and requires permits and licenses to ensure compliance with safety standards, taxation, and quality control. However, laws regarding home distillation vary significantly.…
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What are the fermentable sugars, and which is best?
Fermentable sugars are carbohydrates that yeast can metabolize and convert into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation. They play a crucial role in the production of alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits, as well as in the fermentation of other foods and beverages. Here’s a list of some common fermentable sugars: Monosaccharides: Disaccharides: Trisaccharides:…
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Are the Brix/Balling/Plato, Oechsle and Baumé scales all the same?
While the Brix, Balling, Plato, Oechsle, and Baumé scales are all used to measure the sugar content in liquids, and a certain points on the scale can seem like they’re almost identical, they are not exactly the same and use different formulas or methodologies to measure sugar content or density. While these scales are related…
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How do you use an Alcoholometer / Proof-Hydrometer?
What is an Alcohol Meter (Alcoholometer) or Proof Hydrometer? An alcoholometer or proof hydrometer is a specialized instrument used to measure the alcohol content in spirits, liquors, and other distilled beverages. It measures the volume of alcohol in a liquid mixture compared to the total volume. Any unfermented sugars in the solution will render the…
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How do you use a Triple-Scale Hydrometer?
The triple-scale hydrometer is an essential tool for moonshiners. It is used to measure specific gravity, potential alcohol content, and sugar content in liquids. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use your triple-scale hydrometer: What is a Triple-Scale Hydrometer? A triple-scale hydrometer is a glass instrument used to measure the density of a liquid…
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What’s The difference between a Hydrometer and an Alcoholometer?
Hydrometers and alcoholometers are both measuring instruments, but they have different purposes and are used to measure different properties of liquids. Hydrometer: Alcoholometer (Alcohol Meter or Proof Hydrometer): Main Differences: While both instruments use similar principles of buoyancy to measure liquid density, their designs, scales, and applications are tailored to their specific purposes, making them…
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What are Stuck Fermentations, and how do you fix them?
Understanding Stuck Fermentations: A stuck fermentation refers to a situation where the fermentation process unexpectedly slows down or stops before the yeast has completely converted the sugars into alcohol. This can lead to a mash/wash with higher residual sugar content, lower alcohol content, or off-flavors. Stuck fermentations can occur due to various reasons and addressing…