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The definition of moonshine is a homemade, unaged whiskey which is clear in color and has a high alcohol content, sometimes as much as 100% proof. It is called moonshine because it used to be made and purchased under the cover of darkness, but in the moonlight.
This was because the government of the USA wanted to tax any spirit made without a license. It is still illegal to brew this at home in all states except for Missouri, although liquor companies are reinventing the drink.
Traditionally moonshine was produced in a homemade still and bottled in a mason jar. It was often not made to high standards and could cause death, blindness or paralysis. Because it’s not aged it is difficult to make. If you age a spirit you normally put it in an oak barrel which corrects the flavor.
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
Pressure Cookers which are good for Distilling Moonshine
BILACA Quart 9-in-One Multi Programmable Pressure Cooker
This is a fantastic pressure cooker. Not only is it a pressure cooker, but it is a slow cooker, rice cooker, makes soup, sautés, steams, warms, makes yogurt and cooks meat and stew. However, you just want it to make moonshine and it will fit the bill perfectly well.
- 9-in-1 Multi Pressure Cooker: BILACA electric pressure cooker combines 9 kitchen appliances in 1 compact appliance....
- Faster Cooking Times: BILACA pressure cookers can be a huge time saver. Advanced steam technology seals in steam to cook...
- 24 Hour Timed Start and Time Selection: These state-of-the-art functions make it super convenient to schedule your...
- Non-Stick Coating Inner Pot : Healthy, food-grade Non-Stick Coating (18/8) inner cooking pot has no chemical coating and...
- Accessories: While competitors make you purchase accessories, the Bilaca Pressure Cooker includes a healthy recipe...
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a fantastic pressure cooker. Not only is it a pressure cooker, but it is a slow cooker, rice cooker, makes soup, sautés, steams, warms, makes yogurt and cooks meat and stew. However, you just want it to make moonshine and it will fit the bill perfectly well.
The appliance is dishwasher safe and is easy to clean.
It has a 1 year manufactures warranty and lifetime customer support.
There are no cons as far as I can see.
Crock-Pot 2100467 Express Easy release 6 Quart Slow, Pressure, Multi-Cooker. 6 Qt, Stainless Steel
This appliance does lots of things including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing and steaming, but you’ll only need to use the pressure setting if you are using it to make moonshine. It has three advanced features; manual pressure, simmer and boil. You will probably want to use the manual pressure while making moonshine as you’ll want to collect the vapor from the cooker.
It has a 6-quart capacity which will produce enough moonshine for a good few days.
- Pressure cook, slow cook, brown/sauté, or steam with 1 appliance
- 3 advanced features: Manual pressure, simmer, and boil function
- Stress free steam release dial keeps hands away from the steam when releasing pressure
- Cooks upto 70% faster than conventional oven
- 6 Quart capacity serves 7 plus people
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pressure cooker has an aluminum non-stick pot which will be fine for your moonshine for a while although you may eventually have to replace it with a stainless steel pressure cooker.
It cooks 70% faster than on the hob so you will get your moonshine pretty quickly.
The aluminum may start to pit after regular use.
Viking Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker with Easy Lock Lid, 8 Quart
This pressure cooker is ideal for making moonshine. It isn’t electric, but it works on all different types of stove, including an induction hob.
There are helpful interior markings so you can measure easily. It also indicates what the maximum fill point is. The heat is distributed equally as it has a 3-ply base which will make for a better moonshine. In addition, this saves on energy.
- Innovative clamp-style lid allows cook to lock in any position
- Open & Close the Lid with the Turn of a Knob
- Quick Release valve for fast pressure release
- Pressure Cooker works on all stove types, including induction
- Convenient interior markings allow for easy liquid measurements and indicate the maximum fill point
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Because it cooks so much faster than a pan on a regular hob, your cooking time will be reduced by half or more.
Instant Pot DU060 6Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker is 6 quarts in size so you will get a fair bit of moonshine. You will get the results you want as it monitors the pressure of the cooker as well as the temperature. It adjusts the heating intensity and the length of time you boil the moonshine for. It will produce your moonshine 70% quicker than by traditional methods.
This pressure cooker is made of stainless steel making it very easy to clean. All the parts are dishwasher-safe. The inner pot is 3 ply which gives an even boiling time.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt,...
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook...
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and...
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
Last update on 2023-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Made of stainless steel so is very durable.
Presto 01370 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker
This pressure cooker is ideal for making moonshine as it is made from stainless steel and not aluminum. It has a tri-clad base which gives quick and uniform heating. It can be used on both a traditional hob and a smooth top.
It has a pressure regulator which maintains the right cooking pressure automatically. The pressure regulator and steam release valve gives a quick cool option.
There is a cover lock indicator which tells you when there is pressure inside the cooker. You can’t open the cover until the pressure is reduced.
- Chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables cook to perfection in minutes. Quickly cooks and tenderizes economical cuts of meat.
- Stainless steel construction with a special tri-clad base for fast, uniform heating. Ideal for use on regular and smooth...
- Pressure regulator maintains proper cooking pressure automatically. Pressure regulator/steam release valve offers an...
- Cover lock indicator shows at a glance when there is pressure inside the cooker and prevents the cover from beig opened...
- Stainless steel steaming basket for cooking several foods at once with no intermingling of flavors. Includes a 64-page...
Last update on 2023-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is dishwasher safe so can easily be cleaned.
The pressure cooker has a 12-year limited warranty.
The pressure cooker sealing ring can split.
Is a Pressure Cooker Good for Making Moonshine?
You can make moonshine in a pressure cooker although you won’t get a large amount of the spirit. You need a separate pressure cooker to do this, not one that you cook food in because you have to drill a hole in the lid. Into this, you need to insert copper tubing about an inch or two down the hole. This is now your condensing tube.
Recipe for Making Moonshine
Ingredients
Half a bucket full of corn
4 -5 pounds of sugar
Brewer’s Yeast
Fill the bucket with the corn and then add the sugar. Add 5 gallons of water and then put in the yeast. Leave this mash for 10 – 14 days. Then filter the mixture through cheesecloth. You will see a tan colored foam and when it stops you are ready to proceed to the next step.
Filter the contents of the bucket into the pressure cooker. Then switch it on and heat to a temperature of 177F. This will boil the ethanol which will become steam and will go through the tube and drip out. Continue doing this until every last bit of the moonshine comes out. Enjoy!
Does Alcohol Cook Off in a Pressure Cooker?
Yes it does. The vapors evaporate through the copper tubing and then you collect it. However, after 30 minutes of cooking the alcohol content decreases by 10% and again each half-hour of successive cooking.
Is Aluminum Safe for Distilling?
Aluminum is safe for distilling, but it will pit after a while and it can give a slightly metallic taste. Stainless steel is probably a better option and it’s stronger. You can also use copper.
As can be seen, moonshine can easily be produced in a pressure cooker be it an electric one or a stovetop cooker. All you have to do is drill a hole into the lid and thread copper tubing through it. Then all you have to do is capture the vapors from the tube and you have your moonshine.
The best cooker to use is a stainless steel one as aluminum may pit after a while and it can also give a metallic taste. However, it’s not dangerous to use aluminum and you will get the same results. Copper is also a good option.
Moonshine has lost its reputation as an illicit drink as mixologists and craft distillers are now making it. They do however have a license to make spirits while the home brewer doesn’t so perhaps you had better beware if you are making it at home without a license.
Moonshine is strong. It can even be 100% proof so it needs to be drunk with care. It shouldn’t be downed as you would a beer. However, if you get the right recipe you will certainly have a very enjoyable drink.
