I've been told that Moonshine production in Kentucky is still fairly
commonplace, indeed it is said that a few of the old bourbon barrells (which
as we all know can only be used once) "disappear" out of the back door and are
used for ageing moonshine. Though I doubt this is done for nearly as long as
the decent bourbons. It sure would be interesting to try some.
I have also heard talk of a few guys in Liverpool making whiskey in a lock up
garage using a still powered by four domestic gas cookers. The genius of their
plan is in the marketing: They bottle it as "Famous Scouse." Inspired.
Stills turn up on ebay once in a while with all sorts of disclaimers saying
they are for ornamental use only or that they are historic relics. One seller
also includes moonshine recipes, and details on when and how to cut off the
heads and tails etc. Purely as historical information of course, if you catch
my drift....
I'd like to get hold of one and give it a try but I would think Customs &
Excise would have something to say to anyone who tried to bring one into the
UK. I think the crime is classed as Tax Evasion and would carry a very heavy
penalty even if the end product was purely for ones own consumption.
What to make? I hear you cry. A good friend suggested Gin cos you can drink it
straight away, which makes sense but I rather fancy making some Yorkshire
Bourbon - "Jakers Mark" anyone? Or "Four (White) Roses"
How about creating something brand new by distilling a few pints of Tetley
Bitter?
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I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me, than a full frontal lobotomy....