Category Archives: Health

How To Test For Methanol (Is It Possible?)

Are you wondering how to test for methanol in your drink? Amateur distillers, commercial brewing professionals, and keen alcohol drinkers may be interested in testing for methanol in alcoholic beverages. Below, we talk about what methanol is, where we commonly find methanol, and why it’s important to test for methanol in alcoholic beverages.  Later, we’ll walk{…}

How Does Methanol Cause Blindness? (Explained!)

Image of diy distilling how does methanol cause blindness

Methanol (or methyl alcohol) is an alcohol commonly found in industrial solvents, including antifreeze, carburetor fluid, and canned fuels. It is hazardous and toxic. The chemical composition of methanol is CH3OH making it the shortest chain and therefore simplest alcohol. Methanol is particularly dangerous because it can be challenging to detect. It’s odorless and colorless, so it’s not{…}

What Are Fusel Alcohols (Fusel Oil Explained!)

Image of diy distilling what are fusel alcohol and oils

Any alcohol compound containing more than two atoms of carbon is called a “fusel” alcohol. The word “fusel” comes from German, and means “bad liquor.” Fusel alcohols are sometimes referred to in chemistry texts as “higher alcohols.” Also, because of their oily sheen, they are sometimes also referred to as “fusel oils.” The following compounds{…}

Why is Moonshine Dangerous (Must Read)

Image of diy distilling why is moonshine dangerous

Moonshine is synonymous with illegal and highly potent hooch that’s been distilled in the dead of night. As well as being illegal, it gets a bad rep for being dangerous. But what makes it dangerous? The term moonshine often refers to a homemade corn whiskey or other home-distilled spirits. If not done correctly, moonshine can{…}

How Much Methanol Is There In Whiskey? (And Other Alcoholic Drinks)

Image of diy distilling how much methanol in whiskey and other alcoholic drinks

In this article, we’re going to look at how much methanol there is in Whiskey and other standard alcoholic drinks.  All fermentation will result in a small amount of methanol being produced, which can be carried through to the final product, and concentrated through distillation. Fermentations of ingredients with a high level of pectin, such{…}

Which Alcohol Is Least Harmful To Your Liver?

Image of diy distilling which alcohol is the least harmful for your liver

Alcohol is well known for not being particularly good for you.. and most people understand that alcohol causes liver damage. But what is the science behind this? How does alcohol affect the liver? Is the damage permanent?  In this article, we’re going to take a look at different types of alcohol such as wine, beer cider,{…}

Why Does Gin Give Me A Headache?

Image of diy distilling why does gin give me a headache

Whether you prefer a gin and tonic, a slow gin fizz, or Bombay Sapphire on the rocks, gin lovers everywhere may sometimes wonder why gin gives them a headache? Gin is a liquor that boasts a 40 percent alcohol volume, which means it is 80 proof and strong. It is derived from grain distillation along{…}

How to Make Pitorro At Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Pitorro is a popular Puerto Rican drink, especially during special occasions. It follows the same{...}

The Best Still For Making Whiskey (In 2024)

With so many whiskey-making stills on the market, choosing one that will cater to your{...}

The Best Still For Making Vodka (In 2024)

I make a lot of gin, and to make gin you need vodka first. Over{...}

The Best Thermometer For Distilling (In 2024)

One aspect that allows us to create high-quality spirits hinges on having a reliable and{...}

How To Cut Heads and Tails When Making Gin

One question we get asked a lot in the Facebook group and our Ask an{...}

A Distillers’ Guide To Excise Duty (Excise Tax Considerations)

From the Author: This article has been written as a necessity given the variety of{...}