Is really high quality moonshine available in the USA?

I am asking this question, as I live in a 3rd world country, where we could produce fantastic stuff provided we can find a true artist distiller.

All we'd have to do, is import the Mason jars. Corn, coming out of our ears
(no pun intended...)

The idea would be then to export, as that is where the business is at.

Just think about Tequila, which from being antifreeze a long time ago, turned into a Megabillion industry

If the answer is a big NO, then I will give up on the project, as it has to be a great business,

otherwise no point dwelling on the issue.

Thank you.

Regards, Alberto

 

Well certainly a lot of it is made. My uncle used to when he was alive. There is also Everclear, pure alcohol if that counts. There is no regulation when it is for personal consumption but when it is for sale the government steps in with regulations and naturally the tax stamps. The dyed in the wool moonshiners want nothing to do with the regulations and tax stamps or the government for that matter and that is where the problems start. Not sure there is a market for it outside of those already served because, at least from my experience anyone who wants it is getting it. But then that just may be me because we have some family history in that business.

 

Real homemade moonshine and brandy is available however unless you know the right person it is hard to get due to potential legal issues. IMHO fruit flavored shines are great especially blackberry.

 

I've only ever found it in Quebec. But there is a product called Alcools 94. its 94% alcohol. I wouldnt call it high quality, but it does a job. and does it well.


When i was in Georgia, there were tons of signs offering moonshine. I'm guessing its all marketing, but I was curious to try it. I didnt, since I figured it wasnt real.

 

"Moonshine" means illegal. It isn't a type of liquor. I've had and made "moonshine" vodka, gun, and whiskey. The moment it is legal it stops being moonshine.

 

I think they're trying to make it seem bad, and therefore cool. Forbidden fruit sort of a thing. I was under the impression that moonshine was not aged, so to be moonshine, legal or not, it should not be aged. One great line in an article I read referred to moonshiners as the original craft distillers! [emoji3]
T

 

I was always under the impression it was pure alcohol. Not watered down to a certain percentage.

 

"White Dog" corn whiskey isn't aged, but I've drank a lot of well aged shine.

I think it is all just silly marketing, personally.

 

PLENTY of excellent (and even more NOT so excellent) moonshine available in my area.

Of course, I have NO idea whatsoever on how one could procure such a thing...

 

Thank you all for the replies...
Please re-read the original post, as the thread is going to tangents.

Going back to my question, might there be a market for excellent quality
(is there anything else ?) moonshine legally made in the 3rd world and then exported to the USA?

Clearly, the idea is to start a legit business, where the financial results, due to lower production costs, would make it an attractive business.

Regards, Alberto

 

Even going way back it wasn't unusual to be mixed with something. In my mind I think the term has come to mean any home made distilled liquor and not the more mundane fermented variety. But sure, much of it is pure and why I mentioned Everclear at the outset.

 

Again, we have Everclear, pure alcohol (190 proof) sold over the counter. A great deal of home made is available to those who want it. I just do not ever remember a single person saying "Gee, I wish I could buy really good moonshine" at least partially because those so motivated already can, just not at the liquor store.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everclear_(alcohol)


As far as terminology, if by moonshine you are not speaking of home made distilled alcohol you need to be more specific.

 

Almost every liquor store (or, ABC store as they're called in my area) has shelves of mason jars full of ever plausible "flavor" of "moonshine."

Don't often see much of it selling, other than perhaps to some tourists who want to say that they purchased "moonshine."

Could there be a market? Sure. What would make your product stand out & move off the shelves?

 

Now we're talking...

I need to do a market enquiry, the usual due diligence, and then find out
what sort of equipment we need, but I think the crucial ingredient is the 'master distiller',
the guy that puts 'love' into what he's producing, and come up with a great product.

Never tasted it before, but like tequila used to be, possibly not a great, refined
product.

Question is, can "moonshine" be made a top quality item?

Of course, there is marketing, reviews, etc. Got to start somewhere...

...next...

Regards, Alberto

 

Thank you for the clarifications Brian, and possibly moonshine is not as great as what it could be, just as tequila used to be, and look at it know.

I have been wrong many times, but sometimes I also have been right, and I do not give up easily, so I will find out more and if feasible, then great, if not, then we'll make something else.

Regards, Alberto

PS. We also have sugar cane alcohol here, which sounds a lot like Everclear, possibly not even potable. I'll find out.

 

Yes, Belle Isle Moonshine. They are doing very well, and they have several flavors which sell well.
Full disclosure: I am invested.

 

At my local liquor store there's several shelves of various brands of "moonshine", mostly in some fruit-based flavor. It's all just grain alcohol. Personally I think it's a fad.