Category Archives: Safety

Does Moonshine Go Bad (Check This!)

Image of diy distilling does moonshine go bad does moonshine go off

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have jars and bottles of old brews laying around – some years old – some possibly older! Being the curious person I am I want to see how these artifcats taste. Perhaps they have aged into something incredible.. But is it safe to do so? How long does moonshine{…}

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{…}

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{…}

How To Clean A Still (Complete Guide To Maintaining Distillation Hardware)

Whether you are making an alcoholic beverage or a luxurious essential oil at home, preparing perfect distillate calls for the right equipment and a good quality still. Having a clean still, that’s safe from all unwanted substances and residues is just as important as the actual process of distillation to make the perfect drink. Copper{…}

How Long Does Gin Last? (And How To Tell If It’s Gone Bad)

Image of diy distilling does gin go bad

As a general rule, a bottle of gin can last forever. The flavors will be best preserved if you keep the bottle sealed in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Once opened, the flavors will change more rapidly due to oxidization, but the gin will still be safe to drink. If possible, keep{…}

How to Avoid Methanol When Distilling Alcohol (Must Read!)

Image of 64diy distilling how to avoid methanol when distilling

Making your own spirits at home is not only interesting but also a great learning experience. However, preparing any alcoholic beverage by yourself calls for the right care and precision. Methanol is an unwanted byproduct of fermentation. It can be concentrated if distillation is performed incorrectly and this can lead to harmful or even lethal{…}

What Are The Symptoms Of Methanol Poisoning (And How To Treat It!)

Image of diy distilling what are the symptoms of methanol poisoning and how to treat it

Methanol is the simplest form of alcohol and is closely associated with ethanol, which is mostly found in wine, beer, and spirits. However, methanol is much more toxic and could lead to death when left untreated. The following symptoms will manifest themselves as the first signs of methanol poisoning: Fortunately it’s also possible to treat{…}

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{...}