Moonshine is a general term for high proof liquor, traditionally distilled and sold illegally, typically containing at least 40 percent alcohol by volume and ranging in color from clear to off white depending on the ingredients used, often corn or other grain. The name comes from the practice of distilling at night, by moonlight, to avoid detection by authorities. In the United States, illegal home distilling grew after the Tariff Act of 1791 helped spark the Whiskey Rebellion, and production surged again during Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, concentrating especially in the Appalachian region, where limited roads made enforcement difficult and converting corn into whiskey made it easier to transport value. A federal ban on home distilling dating to 1868 remains in effect today, though a small number of states, including Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri and New Hampshire, currently allow personal production.
Facts
Partially Attested
Origin RegionThe source says the word moonshine originated in the British Isles; the American illicit distilling tradition developed later, so the region of the drink itself is not single. Connections
Expresses Tradition
Uses Ingredient
Sources
1. Moonshine, Wikipedia
Etymology section, first sentenceQuote, Etymology section, first sentence
The word moonshine originated in the 18th century, in the British Isles, as a result of excise tax laws
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.