Fact or Fiction: Can Drinking Moonshine Cause Blindness?

I think just about everyone has heard the old saying that drinking moonshine can cause blindness. Even if you don’t personally know anyone who’s gone blind from drinking moonshine, you’ve probably heard this rumor before. But is there any actual truth to this rumor, or is it just some tall-tale myth used to dissuade moonshiners?

Can Moonshine Cause Blindness?

The short answer is yes, drinking moonshine can in fact lead to blindness. With that said, moonshine that’s made properly using a copper still and the right safety precautions will eliminate this possibility. When a person goes blind from drinking moonshine, it’s because the beverage wasn’t made correctly, which is why it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions along with common sense when distilling your moonshine.

Methanol

The reason why some people have gone blind from drinking moonshine is because of the methanol content. All moonshine contains methanol, which is a cousin to ethanol. Methanol is an incredibly potent, toxic chemical that can result in optic nerve damage or even death when consumed. Just a single shot of this toxic chemical can prove to be fatal.

Methanol is a byproduct that’s formed during the distillation of alcohol. When alcohol is distilled, trace amounts of methanol will form in the pipes. Small trace amounts of methanol won’t cause any reason for concern; however, large amounts may gradually add up to create dangers levels. The good news is that you can usually taste methanol when it’s present in moonshine. After taking a sip of methanol-tainted moonshine, you will likely notice a bitter flavor that’s hard to enjoy. Toss out any moonshine with a flavor such as this and distill another batch just to be on the safe side.

How To Protect Against Methanol

Of course, the best precaution you can take to avoid methanol in your moonshine is to discard the first batch. I know some people are eager to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but a good rule of thumb is to always throw out your first batch of moonshine. The first batch in a still typically contains the highest concentration of methanol along with several other unwanted chemicals. Distilling a second batch will dramatically reduce the amount of methanol, leaving you with a safe and delicious batch of white lightning.

As long as you follow common sense and use practice safe distillation practices, you shouldn’t experience any problems with methanol in your moonshine.