3 ms·

Always wondered - why not just distill the stuff yourself in the US? It is extremely easy - you just need fruits, heat source, sugar and basic 6th grade chemist

Always wondered - why not just distill the stuff yourself in the US? It is extremely easy - you just need fruits, heat source, sugar and basic 6th grade chemistry knowledge to separate methanol and ethanol. Even better solution is to just buy ultra pure for analysis ethanol from local chemistry store (or Merck), dilute with distilled water 3/2, add some drops (very little - a drop or two per liter) of glycerin to smooth the taste, some citric acid or lemon juice. It is better than top shelf vodka.

jlgreco 13y ago
Distilling in America requires paperwork and some taxes, and special construction, even just for personal use. It is pretty much a royal pain in the ass to do legally (http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/faq.shtml#s7 http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/faq.shtml#s7), though of course some people do make illegal moonshine. Homebrewing beer legally is trivial though, and a fairly popular hobby. Homebrewing beer legally for personal use was trickier until 1979 iirc, so there isn't a long tradition of it yet, but it is becoming increasingly popular as time goes on.
droithomme 13y ago
I agree with you it is fun and educational. However, unauthorized distillation in the US is considered a serious federal crime which is investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which tends to do everything with full force military raids that kill their targets and/or result in long prison terms. A license to distill for fuel use only costs $3000 a year. Home distillation is permitted in many countries. In the US it is unlikely as much of the country still believes that alcohol comes from the devil and anyone who drinks is not going to get to heaven. There are still dry counties in which sales of alcohol are not permitted at all, and there are still Sunday laws in place in many areas.

3 ms·

Always wondered - why not just distill the stuff yourself in the US? It is extremely easy - you just need fruits, heat source, sugar and basic 6th grade chemist

by venomsnake 13y ago

jlgreco 13y ago
Distilling in America requires paperwork and some taxes, and special construction, even just for personal use. It is pretty much a royal pain in the ass to do legally (http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/faq.shtml#s7 http://www.ttb.gov/spirits/faq.shtml#s7), though of course some people do make illegal moonshine. Homebrewing beer legally is trivial though, and a fairly popular hobby. Homebrewing beer legally for personal use was trickier until 1979 iirc, so there isn't a long tradition of it yet, but it is becoming increasingly popular as time goes on.
droithomme 13y ago
I agree with you it is fun and educational. However, unauthorized distillation in the US is considered a serious federal crime which is investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which tends to do everything with full force military raids that kill their targets and/or result in long prison terms. A license to distill for fuel use only costs $3000 a year. Home distillation is permitted in many countries. In the US it is unlikely as much of the country still believes that alcohol comes from the devil and anyone who drinks is not going to get to heaven. There are still dry counties in which sales of alcohol are not permitted at all, and there are still Sunday laws in place in many areas.