What to store moonshine in and what is the best container for moonshine. Correct containers and storage conditions for homemade alcohol

So that the quality of moonshine or any other homemade alcohol remained unchanged for many years, you need to learn how to store it properly. Then, years from now, you will be able to enjoy a delicious homemade drink, after long-term storage, they are even getting much better. Let's figure out what to store moonshine in so that it remains tasty and strong.

Container for moonshine

Containers for moonshine are an important factor on which the quality and shelf life of strong alcohol depend. High alcohol content can cause a chemical reaction with the cookware material and lead to the release of harmful impurities. Most often, homemade alcoholic drinks are stored in the following containers:

  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Wooden
  • Steel

Containers made of iron, galvanized steel or aluminum are not acceptable for storing alcohol.

Let's answer the question: is it possible to store moonshine in a plastic water bottle? Modern plastic is resistant to strong chemicals. If you pour moonshine into a plastic bottle or jug ​​labeled PET and PEHD/HDPE, you won't have to worry about it melting the bottom. If you plan to store it in plastic bottles, make sure they are placed in a cool place where there is no open fire, since plastic is a highly flammable material. The type of plastic is extruded into the bottom of the bottle.

But it is better not to store alcoholic beverages for long, even in high-quality plastic containers. Over a long period of storage in such containers, the taste and aroma of an alcoholic drink may change.

Glass bottles - best container for storing moonshine and other alcoholic beverages. This material does not react chemically with alcohol and ensures long-term preservation of the original properties of the drink. How long moonshine is stored in such a container does not matter, because the shelf life of moonshine in a hermetically sealed glass bottle is almost eternal.

An antique glass liquor bottle with a narrow, long neck that holds a quarter of a 12.3-liter bucket of liquid is called a quarter. When asked, a quarter of moonshine is how many liters, then this capacity in metric equivalent is equal to 3.075 liters.

Moonshine can be stored in oak barrels as it was done in the old days. It will not be possible to preserve the original taste and aroma, but in a barrel it receives an additional pleasant aroma and taste, since various processes take place in an oak barrel that improve the drink. The barrel “diseases” and oxygen easily penetrates inside, the process of alcohol oxidation occurs and the alcohol is saturated with pleasant aromas.

The smaller the volume of the barrel, the shorter the aging time; if you keep it for too long, the taste will deteriorate and you will get the so-called “plinth”. If you plan to store for a very long time, then the volume of the barrel should be large.

There is no need to buy barrels with a faucet; it can leak heavily. Alcoholic drinks are poured into such decorative barrels before guests arrive.

Stainless steel containers

Stainless steel barrels are usually used to store alcohol in industrial plants. Food grade stainless steel is safe because it does not react chemically with alcohol. The stainless steel container had to be welded, not soldered. Stainless steel containers are an excellent option for storing alcohol, and they are also perfect for making mash in it.

Storage conditions

Regardless of the type of container, you need to know how to store moonshine and create the right storage conditions:

  • Avoid direct sunlight on the container
  • Maintain a constant and optimal temperature in the room
  • Storage allowed homemade moonshine in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer
  • Close storage containers tightly, as alcohol may partially evaporate from improperly sealed containers.

You cannot pour moonshine into containers not intended for food products; there is a very high risk of irreversibly spoiling the distillate. Many people pour alcohol-containing drinks into crystal decanters with ground stoppers and leave them for a long time. But crystal contains up to 30% lead oxide, so such a drink can be hazardous to health.

If crystal clear moonshine becomes cloudy, a sediment in the form of flakes appears in it - this indicates improper storage. This drink is no longer suitable for internal use.

Best suited for storing moonshine glass containers: vodka bottles, large bottles and cans of various sizes. There are very few good plastic bottles on the market, so it is better to discard them immediately. Oak barrels are also not the best option - they are used primarily for infusing distillates, and not for long-term storage.

The shelf life of moonshine in glass is minimum 10 years. When adding any ingredients to color the drink, this period is reduced several times. For example, liqueurs made with berries and fruits are stored for no more than 1 year.

Large glass bottles are best for long-term storage of moonshine.

There are several objective reasons why glass is preferred:

Pay attention to the lid - it should seal the neck tightly.

  • No chemical reactions with the surface. Only good food grade plastic can boast of this property. mineral water, but there are few such bottles on our market. Moonshine remains exactly the way you put it in storage.
  • Various container volumes. You have bottles, carboys and cans to choose from.
  • Darkened color. To ensure that the liquid reacts to the sun's rays to a minimum, the glass is tinted in a dark color (usually green shades). This is additional protection for the drink.

It’s not just that all the liquid used to be poured into glass. Such packaging is now more expensive than PET, but is ideal for storage.

Many people still have large Soviet glass bottles of 5–20 liters in their households. There are many advertisements for their sale on the Internet, so you can save money on their purchase. In specialized stores such containers are relatively expensive.

Disadvantages of plastic, oak and stainless containers

To finally put an end to the issue of choosing containers, I propose to consider the shortcomings of the containers on the market and draw a general conclusion.

Never store your distillates in 19-liter water bottles.

  • Plastic. Finding good bottles will be quite problematic, and most of the rest react with the surface of the plastic. Even triple layers and special coatings of this packaging do not solve this problem.
  • Oak. Wood absorbs some of the alcohol and harmful impurities of moonshine, but in turn gives off color and aroma. Such containers are used for tinctures, but not for storage. You will never be able to get the same moonshine at the end; the drink almost instantly changes its organoleptic properties.
  • Stainless steel. This metal is used to make beautiful stills And . It is not suitable for us as a container for storing moonshine.

As you can see, none of the presented materials are suitable for our task.

How to properly store moonshine

As already mentioned, the shelf life of moonshine is at least 10 years if the conditions are met. Let's figure out what conditions need to be observed in order to preserve the distillate for a long time.

Some manufacturers make glass stoppers. They are not suitable for long-term storage.

  1. Maintain container hygiene. The glass must be clean and dry. There should be no moisture, foreign bodies or unpleasant odor inside. No special cleaning products are required, just regular dish soap and plenty of water.
  2. Use only airtight lids. This applies to both bottles and three-liter cans. Plastic and rubber plugs are clearly not enough here. Try to choose the most airtight and massive option for your container.
  3. Avoid direct sunlight. This can not only ruin the drink, but also cause the cork to pop out or even explode. Spilled moonshine is the minimum amount of damage this problem can cause.
  4. Maintain temperature from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures that are too low or too high also cause a number of problems. A cellar or a dark room in an apartment (pantry) is best suited.

If the product has deteriorated or lost its strength, then the container was not initially closed hermetically.

For self-development, I offer you a video from Moonshine Sanych. In it, Konstantin talks in detail about the importance of choosing a glass container for storing moonshine, and also shares his experience in this matter.

Cloudiness of crystal clear moonshine (if more than 10 days have passed after dilution with water) and (or) the appearance of sediment in the form of flakes is a sign of improper storage. Often it worsens not only appearance, but also quality. We will consider the parameters that affect the shelf life of moonshine. By creating the right conditions, the drink can be left for decades. But just one mistake can irrevocably damage the product. All of the above tips are also relevant for other strong drinks: vodka, ethyl alcohol, cognac, whiskey, etc.

1. Container. The most important factor on which the shelf life of strong alcohol depends by 80-90%, since alcohol is an active substance that reacts with most materials, which can lead to the release of harmful impurities. At home, the ideal packaging options are glass bottles, carboys and cans for preservation.

It is better to use bottles from official vodka (with the “original” cork), into which no other substances were poured. If food or liquids have been in containers for even a short time, then before use the container must be thoroughly washed and dried, and then checked for the presence of third-party odors that could spoil the aroma of the distillate.

Another mandatory condition for containers for storing moonshine is tightness. In open air, alcohol evaporates quickly. Even a poorly screwed cap (cap) can cause a decrease in strength due to evaporation, leaving only water. The corks should fit snugly to the neck of the bottle.

It is better to roll up jars with steel lids, since they are more reliable and safer than nylon lids. Nylon is one of the types of plastic that, when in contact with alcohol, can release harmful substances, this will be discussed further.



Metal lids are preferable to nylon ones

You cannot pour moonshine into containers where non-food products, such as gasoline or glue, were previously stored, since it is very difficult to wash such containers and the risk of irreversibly spoiling the distillate is very high.

For very large volumes, stainless steel barrels used in industry are recommended. Food grade stainless steel, like glass, does not react with alcohol and is therefore safe. But aluminum cans and enamel cookware are not suitable.



Food grade stainless steel barrels are a good solution for large volumes

Storing moonshine and other alcoholic beverages with a strength higher than 15-20 degrees in plastic containers is strictly prohibited, the only exception is special plastic intended for strong alcohol, but this material rarely appears in retail sales.

Alcohol corrodes most plastic bottles; as a result, the moonshine becomes cloudy, flakes or loose sediment appear at the bottom, and an unpleasant odor appears. There have been cases when alcohol “burned through” thin plastic.



Cloudy moonshine in a plastic container

But even if moonshine has not visually changed after storage in a plastic bottle, this does not mean that the drink is safe; many harmful substances cannot be determined organoleptically (by taste and smell). When alcohol reacts with different types Plastic releases carcinogens such as formaldehyde (phenol) and styrene.

Many home distillers prefer to store moonshine in oak barrels. Sometimes such a decision is justified, but this method has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, you need to purchase and create normal storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, then periodically check the safety of the barrel. Secondly, evaporation should be taken into account - regardless of the volume, losses in the best case will amount to about a liter of poured distillate per year. Thirdly, the taste of moonshine will change. Therefore, I consider barrels as a method of preparing an individual drink, but not as a storage container.



After aging in a barrel, moonshine changes color and taste

2. Composition. Moonshine may contain third-party additives (except alcohol and water): sugar, lemon acid, herbal extracts, fruits, berries, other substances that improve the aroma or taste of moonshine, as well as essential oils and other impurities remaining due to improper distillation and (or) purification. It is impossible to predict how all these substances will behave after prolonged exposure.

It all depends on the composition, concentration and chemical reactions of third-party components between themselves on the one hand, and alcohol on the other. Typically, natural additives precipitate or become cloudy when exposed to direct sunlight, which only worsens the visual perception of the drink, but does not affect the quality.

Valid here general rule– store moonshine with additives for no more than a year, and for several years or longer, store only well-purified distillate or alcohol diluted with high-quality water without adding third-party substances.

3. Conditions. Proper temperature and humidity along with a lack of sunlight will block or slow down most chemical reactions. This is very important when storing moonshine with additives, but it is also desirable to create optimal conditions for “pure” distillate, especially if the drink is stored for a long period - 3-10 years.

I recommend placing the container with moonshine in a dark room (or at least away from direct sunlight) with a temperature of 5-20°C and a relative humidity of 85%. Be sure to periodically check the appearance of the drink and its tightness.

Almost any food product has its own expiration date. Even pure preservatives (such as table salt) set an expiration date. Alcoholic drinks, in particular vodka, are no exception.

The shelf life of vodka (moonshine) is determined by the manufacturer, based on the recipe, packaging and storage conditions of the alcohol. However, this period is very conditional. If you follow some simple steps, storing vodka can take a very long time.

Vodka is different. Classic vodka, which contains only alcohol and water, has an unlimited shelf life. This kind of vodka, but like the light of the moon, you can drink without fear, and after a very long time.

There are also special types of vodka, as well as water, alcohol (sometimes sugar), and includes other ingredients designed to eliminate the unpleasant odor, add a certain hint of the taste of alcohol, and eliminate their pungency. It is these substances that oxidize over time, which leads to a limited shelf life. As a rule, special types of vodka (mixed) have a shelf life of 1 year, and sometimes only half a year.

In any case, carefully read the information on the bottle label and follow the recommendations presented there. As for alcoholic drinks at home, you must remember that flavored moonshine or vodka with the addition of nuts, fruits, and various herbs is best consumed within six months from the date of preparation of the drink.

Tara. Considering that alcohol is an active substance that enters into a chemical reaction with materials with which it interacts directly, special attention should be paid to the container in which vodka is stored.

The only correct packaging for storing vodka will be a glass container. Alcohol does not interact with glass, so we buy vodka only in glass bottles.

As for moonshine, it is also best to store it in glass bottles or glass jars, with a tight lid. It is necessary to close the container, as the alcohol evaporates quickly.

If you do not close the lid, then after some time you will find that vodka or moonshine is much smaller. And the liquid is unlikely to improve; water will remain in the container. It’s just that over time, the strength of the alcohol decreases due to the volatilization of alcohols.

At home, moonlight is often poured into plastic bottles. This container is quite popular.

However, keeping moonshine or vodka in such bottles is strictly prohibited. Over time, alcohol dissolves the walls of this bottle, forming harmful substances. Sometimes there may even be sediment at the bottom of plastic bottles with vodka or moonshine.

It is best to store vodka in a bottle from the manufacturer without opening it. Ordinary glass jars or bottles of drunk “breech” are ideal for moonshine. A sign of poor packaging is sediment at the bottom, and opacity until the drink is clear.

To prevent alcohol from spoiling over a long period of time, storage conditions must be observed. The ambient temperature should be from 5 to 20 degrees, air humidity is about 85%. Keep vodka in a dark place where there is no access to sunlight.

Almost any food product has its own shelf life. Even pure preservatives (such as table salt) have an expiration date. Alcoholic drinks, and vodka in particular, are no exception here.

The shelf life of vodka (moonshine) is determined by the manufacturer based on the recipe, container and storage conditions of the alcohol. However, this period is very conditional. If you follow some simple steps, you can store vodka for a very long time.

What determines the shelf life of vodka or moonshine?

Vodka comes in different varieties. Classic vodka, which contains only alcohol and water, has an unlimited shelf life. This vodka, just like moonshine, can be drunk without fear after a long, long time.

There are also special types of vodka, which, in addition to water, alcohol (sometimes sugar), contain other ingredients designed to eliminate the unpleasant odor, add a certain shade to the taste of alcohol, and eliminate its pungency. It is these substances that oxidize over time, which leads to a limited shelf life. As a rule, special types of vodka (with additives) have a shelf life of 1 year, and sometimes only half a year.

In any case, carefully read the information on the bottle label and follow the recommendations presented there. As for homemade alcoholic drinks, you need to remember that moonshine or flavored vodka, with the addition of dried fruits, fruits, and various herbs, is best consumed within six months from the date of preparation of the drink.

Tara. Since alcohol is a very active substance that enters into a chemical reaction with materials with which it directly interacts, special attention should be paid to the container in which vodka is stored.

The only correct container for storing vodka is a glass container. Alcohol does not react with glass, which is why we buy vodka only in glass bottles.

As for moonshine, it is also best stored in glass bottles or glass jars, tightly closed with a lid. It is necessary to seal the container hermetically, because... the alcohol evaporates quickly.

If you didn’t close the lid properly, then after a fairly short time you will find that there is significantly less vodka or moonshine. Moreover, the liquid is unlikely to be completely corrected; water will remain in the container. It’s just that over time, the alcohol strength will decrease due to the volatilization of alcohols.

At home, moonshine is often bottled in plastic bottles. This container is quite popular.

However, storing moonshine or vodka in such bottles is strictly prohibited. Over time, alcohol dissolves the walls of such a bottle, forming harmful substances. Sometimes you can even observe sediment at the bottom of plastic bottles with vodka or moonshine.

It is best to store vodka in manufacturer's bottles without opening them. For moonshine, ordinary glass jars or bottles from drunk “breech” are suitable. A sign of a bad container is sediment at the bottom and cloudiness of a previously clear drink.

Storage conditions for vodka or moonshine

To ensure that alcohol does not spoil over a long period of time, it is necessary to properly observe storage conditions. The room temperature should be 5-20 degrees, air humidity approximately 85%. You need to keep vodka in a dark place, away from sunlight.

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How to store moonshine and its shelf life?

    If a drink such as moonshine is stored in glass bottles with tightly closed lids, then such moonshine can be stored for many decades. This, of course, applies to a pure product, without any impurities or additives. Well, the strength of the drink should be above forty degrees - then even after twenty years you can drink it without harming your health.

    There is a saying: Vodka and honey do not spoil. The same cannot be said about vodka.

    But moonshine, if it is prepared on a natural basis, according to all the rules and at a strength of at least 50-55 degrees, can be stored for 5 or even more years. The conditions for such storage are tightly closed glass containers with moonshine, stored in a dark room with a temperature no higher than 15 degrees; for storing alcohol, 20 degrees is allowed. The room should remain slightly humid.

    Jars of moonshine can be sealed with metal lids. This ideal condition for storage. It is not advisable to store homemade alcoholic beverages based on moonshine: Vishnevka, Abrikosovka, Slivyanka for more than a year (due to hydrocyanic acid in the fruit seeds). Malinovka can be stored for 2 years.

    The best container for storing moonshine will be glass containers.

    The fact is that moonshine will enter into chemical reactions with all other materials and impurities will form. It is in glass that moonshine can be stored for as long as possible. If you store it in a glass container, and even in a dark, cool place, it can last up to ten years.

    The shelf life of moonshine, vodka, and cognac is influenced by three main factors:

    • Containers are the main one, since alcohol interacts with the packaging material. The ideal container for home storage is glass. These can be bottles and cans, vodka bottles, if only vodka was stored in them. The container must be hermetically sealed to prevent the alcohol from evaporating. It is better to roll up the glass jar rather than cover it with a nylon lid (which can react with alcohol and release harmful substances).

    Alcohol will corrode plastic containers, the moonshine will become cloudy, carcinogens from the plastic will enter it, and the alcohol will change its smell.

    • Composition of vodka or moonshine.
    • Storage conditions: temperature, humidity, prevention of sunlight.

    If all conditions are met, alcohol can be kept for up to 10 years.

    Well, apparently, moonshine should be stored in the same way as vodka or alcohol. To prevent moonshine from entering into chemical reactions with the container, it must be glass, so that it does not evaporate, the container must be tightly closed. It is better to store in a dark place, at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees.

    And the shelf life...If the moonshine is of high quality, then the shelf life is probably practically unlimited.

    Well, sometimes they write a shelf life on vodka.

    It's at least a year old. So, probably, with moonshine. ?

    The most important condition in storing Moonshine is its quality.

    If you want to store Moonshine for a long time (5-10 years), then you do not need to add any additives. Pure moonshine 55-60 degrees is something that can be stored for a long time. Next is the container.

    For long-term storage, only glass is suitable. And of course, the storage condition is preferably a basement, the temperature is not higher than +15 and the absence of sunlight. And one more condition: only you should know where Moonshine is stored.

    Alcohol does not react, perhaps, only with glass. Therefore, glass can be called the ideal container for storing it. In this case, the container must be airtight: alcohol evaporates easily, which means that over time the strength of your moonshine will fade away.

    But moonshine is different from moonshine. If it contains perishable products, such as berries, then it can be stored for one year, but it is better just six months. Otherwise, moonshine can stand for many, many years.

    I know that many are accustomed to storing moonshine in plastic bottles, but this is a fundamentally wrong course of thought and action: over time, the alcohol literally corrodes the walls of the bottle, and the drink absorbs the results of the chemical reaction.

    Of course, it is best to store all liquids and not just moonshine in glass containers. But as for the shelf life, no special studies have been carried out. And naturally, it can be stored both as alcohol and as vodka.

    So a hundred years are free. In short, the shelf life is determined by the shelf life of the container.

    If you need to store moonshine for long-term storage, take glass containers with ground stoppers and then filled with sealing wax. Metal lids are also available as an option.

    Any other container will not work. Plastic, aluminum and ceramics are not suitable. Moonshine is stored for a long time in stainless steel containers and oak barrels, but moonshine inevitably evaporates slowly from the barrels.

    All this is about pure moonshine and distillation, when no additives were used, only alcohol and water. The shelf life is then unlimited.

    And if additives were used in the production of moonshine (herbs, fruits, berries), such moonshine cannot be stored for a long time; the shelf life is one year.

    Moonshine should be stored in glass bottles with tight-fitting lids. Under these conditions, the shelf life can be considered very long, almost unlimited. However, microimpurities can still oxidize and form new compounds, so they should not be stored for more than 3 years.

    If sediment forms in an alcoholic drink during storage, it should not be taken.

In order for the quality of moonshine or any other homemade alcohol to remain unchanged for many years, you need to learn how to store it correctly. Then, years later, you will be able to enjoy a delicious homemade drink; after long-term storage, it becomes even much better. Let's figure out what to store moonshine in so that it remains tasty and strong.

Container for moonshine

Containers for moonshine are an important factor on which the quality and shelf life of strong alcohol depend. High alcohol content can cause a chemical reaction with the cookware material and lead to the release of harmful impurities. Most often, homemade alcoholic drinks are stored in the following containers:

  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Wooden
  • Steel

Containers made of iron, galvanized steel or aluminum are not acceptable for storing alcohol.

Let's answer the question: is it possible to store moonshine in a plastic water bottle? Modern plastic is resistant to strong chemicals.

If you pour moonshine into a plastic bottle or jug ​​labeled PET and PEHD/HDPE, you won't have to worry about it melting the bottom. If you plan to store it in plastic bottles, make sure they are placed in a cool place where there is no open flame, as plastic is a highly flammable material. The type of plastic is extruded into the bottom of the bottle.

But it is better not to store alcoholic beverages for long, even in high-quality plastic containers. Over a long period of storage in such containers, the taste and aroma of an alcoholic drink may change.

Glass bottles are the best container for storing moonshine and other alcoholic beverages. This material does not react chemically with alcohol and ensures long-term preservation of the original properties of the drink. How long moonshine is stored in such a container does not matter, because the shelf life of moonshine in a hermetically sealed glass bottle is almost eternal.

An antique glass liquor bottle with a narrow, long neck that holds a quarter of a 12.3-liter bucket of liquid is called a quarter. When asked, a quarter of moonshine is how many liters, then this capacity in metric equivalent is equal to 3.075 liters.

Moonshine can be stored in oak barrels as it was done in the old days. It will not be possible to preserve the original taste and aroma, but in a barrel it receives an additional pleasant aroma and taste, since various processes take place in an oak barrel that improve the drink. The barrel “diseases” and oxygen easily penetrates inside, the process of alcohol oxidation occurs and the alcohol is saturated with pleasant aromas.

The smaller the volume of the barrel, the shorter the aging time; if you keep it for too long, the taste will deteriorate and you will get the so-called “plinth”. If you plan to store for a very long time, then the volume of the barrel should be large.

If you pour moonshine into an unprepared oak barrel, it will acquire an unpleasant taste and aroma; be sure to read the article on how to properly prepare an oak barrel before first use.

There is no need to buy barrels with a faucet; it can leak heavily. Alcoholic drinks are poured into such decorative barrels before guests arrive.

Stainless steel containers

Stainless steel barrels are usually used to store alcohol in industrial plants.

Food grade stainless steel is safe because it does not react chemically with alcohol. The stainless steel container had to be welded, not soldered. Stainless steel containers are an excellent option for storing alcohol, and they are also perfect for making mash in it.

Storage conditions

Regardless of the type of container, you need to know how to store moonshine and create the right storage conditions:

  • Avoid direct sunlight on the container
  • Maintain a constant and optimal temperature in the room
  • It is allowed to store homemade moonshine in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer.
  • Close storage containers tightly, as alcohol may partially evaporate from improperly sealed containers.

You cannot pour moonshine into containers not intended for food products; there is a very high risk of irreversibly spoiling the distillate. Many people pour alcohol-containing drinks into crystal decanters with ground stoppers and leave them for a long time. But crystal contains up to 30% lead oxide, so such a drink can be hazardous to health.

If crystal clear moonshine becomes cloudy, a sediment in the form of flakes appears in it - this indicates improper storage. This drink is no longer suitable for internal use.

Video: Kiwi tincture at home - a simple recipe with vodka

Cloudiness of crystal clear moonshine (if more than 10 days have passed after dilution with water) and (or) the appearance of sediment in the form of flakes is a sign of improper storage. Often not only the appearance, but also the quality deteriorates. We will consider the parameters that affect the shelf life of moonshine. By creating the right conditions, the drink can be left for decades. But just one mistake can irrevocably damage the product. All of the above tips are also relevant for other strong drinks: vodka, ethyl alcohol, cognac, whiskey, etc.

Video: Cleaning moonshine with activated carbon. How to clean moonshine? DIY carbon filter

1. Container. The most important factor on which the shelf life of strong alcohol depends by 80-90%, since alcohol is an active substance that reacts with most materials, which can lead to the release of harmful impurities. At home, the ideal packaging options are glass bottles, carboys and cans for preservation.

It is better to use bottles from official vodka (with the “original” cork), into which no other substances were poured. If food or liquids have been in containers for even a short time, then before use the container must be thoroughly washed and dried, and then checked for the presence of third-party odors that could spoil the aroma of the distillate.

Another mandatory condition for containers for storing moonshine is tightness. In open air, alcohol evaporates quickly. Even a poorly screwed cap (cap) can cause a decrease in strength due to evaporation, leaving only water. The corks should fit snugly to the neck of the bottle.

It is better to roll up jars with steel lids, since they are more reliable and safer than nylon lids. Nylon is one of the types of plastic that, when in contact with alcohol, can release harmful substances, this will be discussed further.



Metal lids are preferable to nylon ones


You cannot pour moonshine into containers where non-food products, such as gasoline or glue, were previously stored, since it is very difficult to wash such containers and the risk of irreversibly spoiling the distillate is very high.

For very large volumes, stainless steel barrels used in industry are recommended. Food grade stainless steel, like glass, does not react with alcohol and is therefore safe. But aluminum cans and enamel cookware are not suitable.



Food grade stainless steel barrels are a good solution for large volumes

Storing moonshine and other alcoholic beverages with a strength higher than 15-20 degrees in plastic containers is strictly prohibited, the only exception is special plastic intended for strong alcohol, but this material rarely appears in retail sales.

Alcohol corrodes most plastic bottles; as a result, the moonshine becomes cloudy, flakes or loose sediment appear at the bottom, and an unpleasant odor appears. There have been cases when alcohol “burned through” thin plastic.



Cloudy moonshine in a plastic container

But even if moonshine has not visually changed after storage in a plastic bottle, this does not mean that the drink is safe; many harmful substances cannot be determined organoleptically (by taste and smell). When alcohol reacts with different types of plastic, carcinogens such as formaldehyde (phenol) and styrene are released.

Many home distillers prefer to store moonshine in oak barrels. Sometimes such a decision is justified, but this method has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, you need to purchase and prepare a barrel for use, create normal storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, then periodically check the safety of the barrel. Secondly, evaporation should be taken into account - regardless of the volume, losses in the best case will amount to about a liter of poured distillate per year. Thirdly, the taste of moonshine will change. Therefore, I consider barrels as a method of preparing an individual drink, but not as a storage container.



After aging in a barrel, moonshine changes color and taste

2. Composition. Moonshine may contain third-party additives (except alcohol and water): sugar, citric acid, herbal extracts, fruits, berries, other substances that improve the aroma or taste of moonshine, as well as essential oils and other impurities remaining due to improper distillation and (or) cleaning. It is impossible to predict how all these substances will behave after prolonged exposure.

It all depends on the composition, concentration and chemical reactions of third-party components between themselves on the one hand, and alcohol on the other. Typically, natural additives precipitate or become cloudy when exposed to direct sunlight, which only worsens the visual perception of the drink, but does not affect the quality.

The general rule here is to store moonshine with additives for no more than a year, and for several years or longer, store only well-purified distillate or alcohol diluted with high-quality water without adding third-party substances.

3. Conditions. Proper temperature and humidity along with a lack of sunlight will block or slow down most chemical reactions. This is very important when storing moonshine with additives, but it is also desirable to create optimal conditions for “pure” distillate, especially if the drink is stored for a long period - 3-10 years.

I recommend placing the container with moonshine in a dark room (or at least away from direct sunlight) with a temperature of 5-20°C and a relative humidity of 85%. Be sure to periodically check the appearance of the drink and its tightness.


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Video: How to Store Cognac Conditions for storing cognac Video: Galileo. Best before date …

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As you know, every food product has its own expiration date and vodka is no exception. Of course, it can be stored...

Video: How does the expiration date differ from the shelf life? Vodka is a drink that every person purchases at least once a…

Video: How to Store CognacThe taste of cognac largely depends on how it is stored correctly. To prevent the drink from spoiling and...

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Almost any food product has its own shelf life. Even for pure preservatives (such as table salt)…