Moonshine Fermentation: Essential Tips For Beginners

Arguably, one of the most important steps during the production of moonshine is fermentation. Once you’ve brewed all of your ingredients together, you can then add yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol (process known as fermentation). Fermentation is critical towards achieving true moonshine with a high alcohol per volume content. Overlooking this step, or performing it incorrectly, will essentially ruin an otherwise perfect batch of shine. Keep reading to learn some essential beginner’s tips for moonshine fermentation.

Use a Covered Container

I can’t stress enough the importance of storing your mash in a covered container during fermentation. Some first-time moonshiners may attempt to ferment their mash in an open bucket or pot, but you’ll quickly realize this is a poor decision. Trying to ferment mash in an open container will invite bugs and other unwanted pests. You have to remember that fermentation is a time-consuming process, and leaving your mash out in the open for days on end will attract bugs and critters.

The good news is that you can keep unwanted pests out of your mash by fermenting it in a covered container. Just remember to check and make sure the top is fully secured before you walk away from your fermenting mash. So, what’s the best way to cover your moonshine mash container? There are several different techniques, one of which is to place a cheesecloth over the top. Doing so allows air to pass through while keeping out bugs, flies and other unwanted pests.

Be Patient

Of course, another essential tip to remember when fermenting moonshine is to be patient. Producing moonshine isn’t a quick or easy process by any means. Fermentation takes a fair amount of time to convert the sugars into alcohol. The exact time depends on a variety of factors, including the ratio of sugar to yeast, size of your batch, temperature and surrounding environmental factors. With that said, fermentation for a typical batch of moonshine usually takes somewhere between 1 and 2 weeks, so set your batch up in the corner of a closet or room and find something else to occupy your time.

Temperature

The temperature at which you cook your mash will play a direct role in its ability to ferment. During the summer, it’s usually best to cook moonshine mash at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the winter calls for a slighter higher temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking your mash at these temps will encourage proper fermentation.