What is moonshine and bathtub gin?

Moonshine and bathtub gin are both alcoholic beverages that were produced illicitly during times when alcohol production was prohibited or heavily regulated. These beverages usually share similar characteristics and are commonly associated with the Prohibition Era in the United States.

Moonshine:

Moonshine is an unaged distilled spirit that is typically made from corn mash, but it can also be produced from other grains such as rye or wheat. Moonshine got its name from the practice of producing it illegally during the nighttime, often in remote locations, under the cover of the moon to avoid detection by law enforcement. Moonshine is known for its high alcohol content, sometimes reaching upwards of 80% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Bathtub Gin:

Bathtub gin, also known as "bathtub hooch," is a homemade alcoholic beverage that became popular during the Prohibition Era in the United States. It was made by bathtub bootleggers using makeshift stills and inexpensive or readily available ingredients such as bathtub water, yeast, sugar, and various flavorings like juniper berries or citrus peels.

Due to the hurried and often unsanitary conditions under which bathtub gin was produced, it was known to be of variable quality and could be dangerous to drink. In some cases, unscrupulous bootleggers would add poisonous substances like methanol to increase the alcoholic content or disguise the taste of poor-quality gin.

Moonshine and bathtub gin are synonymous with the history of alcohol prohibition and the ingenuity and determination of those who sought to circumvent the law to produce and consume alcoholic beverages. While these beverages have gained a certain mystique and nostalgic charm, it's important to note that the uncontrolled and unregulated nature of their production during the Prohibition Era could lead to serious health risks for those who consumed them.