In the southern states of the USA, a homemade liqueur, very similar to whiskey, is prepared, called “moonshine mash”. In practice, it is the result of the fermentation of a mixture of ingredients, especially corn, sugar, milk and yeast, which is then distilled into a high alcoholic drink. Follow these instructions if you want to try making your own.
Ingrediants
- 2, 3 kg of corn flour
- 2, 3 kg of white granulated sugar
- 40 liters of water (distilled if possible)
- 1 stick of dry brewer's yeast
- 470 ml of malt extract
Steps
Step 1. Fill a 75 liter stainless steel (or copper) pot with 40 liters of previously sanitized water
Put the pot on the stove and heat the water up to 49 ° C.
A large, sturdy outdoor stove is for you if you have little space in the house
Step 2. Add the cornmeal to hot water
Pour in slowly, about a pound at a time. Stir occasionally to dissolve the flour well.
Step 3. Put the sugar in the flour and water mixture
Stir slowly, adding half a kilo of sugar at a time. Try to keep the water temperature between 49 and 63 ° C for 30 minutes.
Avoid overheating the mixture and stay within the recommended limits, otherwise the corn starch will not turn into sugar
Step 4. Remove the pot from the heat when the mixture reaches the consistency of a soft polenta
Cool the pot and carefully place it in a container filled with cold water.
Step 5. Crumble the yeast dough in 500ml of hot water and mix to dissolve completely
Add the malt extract to the water and yeast and pour everything into the flour mixture. You will notice that the mixture becomes thick as the fermentation process begins; yeast consumes sugar releasing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
If you wish, you can add a little hot water to dilute the mixture
Step 6. Transfer everything to a ceramic or glass container and store it in a warm place at around 19 ° C for 3-5 days
Cover the container with a thin cloth to protect the mixture from insects and other unwanted residues, but which at the same time allows air circulation and contact with other yeasts.
- Fermentation needs oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, so the glass (or ceramic) container does not need to be sealed.
- Alternatively, you can use a lid with an air chamber that lets out the carbon dioxide but allows you to avoid external contamination.
- A foam will form on the surface. The mixture will be ready for distillation when the foam stops appearing.
Advice
- Before adding the yeast, you can understand if the starch has turned into a sufficient amount of sugar by putting a drop of iodine in a sample of the mixture. If the iodine turns dark purple, then heat the mixture a little longer over low heat (at least 30 minutes but even more). If the iodine turns light purple, then you can proceed with the yeast.
- You can find brewer's yeast and malt extract both online and in specialized stores. Try different strains of yeast to find the one that makes a best whiskey for you.
Warnings
- Remember that making alcohol at home, even for personal use, is illegal in some states. Check your country's legislation before starting an adventure that violates the law.
- Preparing fermentation distillates without the proper equipment and control (as happens at home) can be very dangerous. Distillation can cause explosions and fires while alcohol consumption can cause poisoning.
