What is Moonshine And Where to Buy it in Australia?

Moonshine, also known as ‘white lightning’ or ‘mountain dew’, is an alcoholic beverage traditionally made by distilling fermented corn to create a highly potent liquor that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years.

Many folklore and urban legends surround its origin, and today it continues to be consumed in limited amounts due to its high alcohol content.

But what exactly is moonshine? And where can you buy this unique spirit in Australia? Read on for answers to all your questions about Moonshine!

What is Moonshine?

Moonshine has been around since the 18th century, and it’s an alcoholic beverage made from grain, usually corn. It gained notoriety during prohibition when it was illegally produced and sold in America.

Traditionally, moonshine is produced using a still to distil it. The still passes heated air through a vat containing the mash of corn or grain steeped in water and then fermented. A copper tubing system collects and condenses the vaporised alcohol into liquid form as Moonshine.

Moonshine is also referred to as white lightning or simply shine, with each region having its unique name for this potent beverage, including hooch or mountain dew. Although typically high-proof due to its illegal production, modern-day Moonshiners have become more professional and are making quality products with precise proofs, like any other alcoholic drink.

Today Moonshine has enjoyed the world for its richness in flavour, earning itself a place on any menu!

Moonshine Alcohol Percentage

Moonshine alcohol, although illegal in many parts of the world, is a type of spirit made by distilling fermented grain mash, by products of wine, or other alcohols. The production and sale of Moonshine are unregulated, and the evidence shows it can reach some extreme alcohol levels.

Generally speaking, Moonshine averages around 80 proof which translates to 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). Some extreme varieties may reach up to 120-160 proof—testing at as high as 60-80% ABV or nearly double the potency of readily available store-bought liquor.

Moonshine Flavours

Moonshine comes in a wide array of flavours and is often made with either store-bought or locally foraged ingredients. Common flavours for Moonshine include everything from fruity to herbaceous and fresh to aged.

Fruity flavours such as cherry, apple, and peach are popular versions of this alcoholic beverage. Apple Pie Shine with its delicious combination of apple, cinnamon and nutmeg is sure to be a hit. On the other hand, many make Moonshine with herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint; infusing them in the batch creates a unique twist on an old classic.

For those with a sweet tooth, Ole Smoky Butterscotch Moonshine delivers a sweet and salty vanilla flavour, with buttery and rich finish.

Ageing Moonshine, like Crazy Uncle Barrel Aged Moonshine, drums up an entirely different flavour profile; using oak ageing barrels gives the spirit smoky and smooth notes you can’t get any other way. With so many options available, there’s a flavour of Moonshine that everyone can enjoy.

Is it still illegal to make Moonshine?

Making Moonshine is a practice that dates back centuries and can still be found in certain parts of the country today. Despite its long-standing roots, the illegal production of Moonshine carries stiff penalties for those who choose to break the law.

Although not heavily regulated, there are specialised licence programs for those interested in producing Moonshine legally, and many states have approved several distilleries in recent years. In any case, home distillation of spirits remains outlawed, posing serious safety risks that legitimate factories can manage more effectively.

Where to buy Moonshine in Australia

To find the best Moonshine in Australia, shoppers should look at their local online liquor store. Since Moonshine is an unregulated spirit, it can’t be sold in supermarkets and must be purchased from a licensed retailer specialising in distilled spirits.

Many stores across the country will offer a selection of Australian-made Moonshine. Alternatively, those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can find an array of authentic Moonshine options on the websites of retailers like Hairydog.