Are you looking to get into distilling different types of alcohol? Perhaps you’ve heard whispers about one of the oldest liquors: moonshine.

Many will quickly confuse moonshine for the drink left after drinking too much, but there’s much more to it than that. Different types of moonshine are the best liquors for new distillers to start with.

You’ve heard the rumors about it, so you might be looking for something more in-depth. If you’re interested in getting into the world of making moonshine, this guide’s for you.

Corn Whiskey

Corn whiskey is a type of moonshine made from fermenting a mixture of cornmeal, malted barley, and water and then distilling the resulting liquid. This type of moonshine is the most common and famous in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region.

The name “corn whiskey” refers to the fact that corn is the primary ingredient in the fermentation process, giving the finished product its distinctly sweet corn flavor.

Corn whiskey is often aged in oak barrels for some time to give it a smoother taste. You can consume it straight from the still. Due to its popularity, many legal distilleries produce corn whiskey, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the flavor without the legal risks of making it at home.

Fruit Brandy

Fruit brandy, or eau-de-vie, is a type of moonshine made by fermenting and distilling various fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, or cherries. The crushed fruit releases its juice, fermented to produce alcohol. The resulting liquid is then distilled, resulting in a clear, high-proof spirit with a distinct fruit flavor.

Unlike other types of moonshine, fruit brandy is typically not aged in oak barrels. Instead, it is usually consumed soon after distillation to preserve its fresh fruit flavor.

You can serve fruit brandy at room temperature or chilled, and it is often enjoyed as a dessert drink or a digestif. You can also check out this moonshine for an extraordinary taste experience.

Sugar Shine

Sugar shine is a type of moonshine made by fermenting sugar, water, and yeast. The resulting liquid is then distilled to produce a clear, high-proof spirit similar in flavor to vodka. Sugar shine is often used as a base for cocktails due to its neutral flavor and high alcohol content.

One of the advantages of making sugar shine is that you can make it quickly compared to other types of moonshine, as the fermentation process doesn’t require any solid ingredients like grains or fruits. Proper safety precautions should still be followed when making sugar shine, as with any other type of moonshine.

As a base for cocktails, you can flavor sugar shine with various fruits or herbs or mixed with other ingredients. If you want to try sugar shine or any other type of moonshine, look for legally produced versions at a licensed distillery or liquor store.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is a type of moonshine made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain, along with other grains such as corn and barley. Rye whiskey has a spicy, complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of whiskey.

The production of rye whiskey dates back to the early days of American distilling, and it was a popular spirit in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. In recent years, rye whiskey has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many craft distilleries producing their versions.

You can enjoy Rye whiskey straight or in cocktails, such as the classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned. You can age it in oak barrels for a smoother, more complex flavor.

Honey Moonshine 

Mead is a moonshine made from fermenting honey, water, and yeast. Mead can range from dry to sweet and can be flavored with fruits, herbs, and spices.

Mead’s long history has been enjoyed for centuries in many different cultures worldwide. It was often considered a drink of royalty and drank during special occasions such as weddings and celebrations.

You can drink mead at room temperature or chilled, and is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or a sipping drink. It can also be used as a base for cocktails or mixed with other ingredients to create unique flavor combinations.

In recent years, mead has grown in popularity, with many craft meaderies producing their own versions. Mead can be aged in oak barrels to give it a more complex flavor or can be consumed fresh to preserve its honey flavor.

Gin Moonshine

Gin is a type of moonshine made by distilling a neutral spirit with botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. The resulting spirit is a clear, high-proof liquor with a distinct herbal and floral flavor.

Gin has a long history, with its origins dating back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. It became popular in England in the 18th century and is now enjoyed around the world.

You can enjoy gin can in a variety of cocktails, such as the classic Gin and Tonic or Martini. It can also be flavored with other botanicals to create unique flavor profiles.

Craft gin distilleries have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many producing small-batch, artisanal versions of the spirit. These gins often use locally sourced botanicals and are aged in oak barrels to give them a more complex flavor.

Know the Different Types of Moonshine Today

All in all, moonshine is a unique, delicious, and versatile distilled spirit that comes in wide distinct varieties. The best part about it is that anyone can make it at home with minimal equipment.

Now that you’ve read this guide, why not try out the different types of moonshine?

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