Hey y’all! If you’ve ever been curious about making your own moonshine, you know that a smooth mash is key to getting that perfect batch. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can get down to the business of making some smooth liquid gold, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients:
- 5 gallons of water
- 10 pounds of cornmeal
- 5 pounds of sugar
- 1 pound of malted barley
- 1 package of yeast (preferably distillers yeast)
Step 2: Mix It Up
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to mix your mash. Start by heating about 3 gallons of water in a large pot. Once it’s hot, stir in the cornmeal and let it cook for a bit. This process is crucial as it helps to gelatinize the starches in the corn, making it easier for the yeast to convert them into alcohol later on.
Step 3: Adding Sugar and Malt
After your cornmeal is well mixed and has cooked down, it’s time to add the sugar and malted barley. Stir everything together, making sure the sugar dissolves completely. This sweet mixture is what our yeast will love and work its magic on!
Step 4: Cool It Down
Once your mash has been mixed, you need to cool it down to a temperature between 70°F and 85°F. This is vital because your yeast likes it warm but not too hot. If your mash is too hot, it could kill the yeast off before it has a chance to do its work.
Step 5: Time to Ferment
When your mash has cooled to the right temperature, it’s time to sprinkle in the yeast. Give it a good stir and then cover the pot loosely with a clean cloth. Allow the mash to ferment for about a week, or until it stops bubbling. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to notice that sweet scent of fermentation filling the air!
Step 6: Distill It
Once fermentation is complete, you’re ready to distill your mash. Follow your distillation apparatus instructions to ensure a smooth process. After distillation, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in moderation!
There you have it! With just a few steps and some patience, you can create the smoothest mash recipe that’ll have everyone talking. Remember, respect the craft, and always be mindful of local laws regarding distillation. Happy distilling!
source: www.artofit.org
