Moonshine vs Whiskey
Whiskey is a widely enjoyed alcoholic beverage made through the fermentation of grains, followed by distillation and aging in wooden casks or barrels. A variation of whiskey, known as white whiskey or moonshine, often causes confusion among drinkers unfamiliar with alcoholic beverages. This article explores the differences between whiskey and moonshine.
Key Takeaways
- Moonshine is an illegally produced whiskey that bypasses the legal aging requirement and saves on manufacturing costs.
- Whiskey requires aging in wooden barrels for extended periods, whereas moonshine does not have this requirement.
- Moonshine is known by various names around the world, such as hooch, tharra, arrack, and white lightning.
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey, an alcoholic beverage distilled after fermenting barley and other grains like corn and wheat, comes in many variations depending on its manufacturing process and origin. Regardless of where it is produced, whiskey-making requires fermentation, distillation, and aging in wooden barrels. The term whiskey comes from an ancient Irish term meaning “water of life” and is called whisky in Scotland, commonwealth countries, and other parts of the world. Whisky made in Scotland is known as Scotch whisky or simply Scotch.
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is an alcoholic beverage produced illegally to avoid the legal aging requirement of whiskey and save on the manufacturing process. Essentially, it is a whiskey without aging. Moonshine goes by various names worldwide, such as hooch, tharra, arrack, white lightning, and white whiskey. The word “moonshine” appears to have been inspired by “moonrakers,” a term used to refer to people involved in smuggling and other clandestine activities. The roots of moonshine can be traced back to the American Revolution when the government imposed heavy taxes on alcohol manufacturers, leading many Americans to make alcohol secretly.
What is the difference between Whiskey and Moonshine?
- Moonshine is illegally made whiskey or rum.
- Whiskey requires aging in wooden barrels for extended periods, whereas moonshine does not have this requirement.
- Moonshine is known by various names around the world.
- Whiskey is made by fermenting grain mash, primarily barley, though other grains such as corn and wheat are also used.
- Moonshine is also called hooch, white lightning, tharra, arrack, etc.
- The term “moonshine” comes from “moonshiners,” referring to people conducting their business at night or in a clandestine manner.
- Whiskey is mellow and smooth, whereas moonshine is raw and straight.
