Moonshine may contain methanol, which can be highly toxic if ingested. It is associated with mass deaths in developing countries.
Sources of methanol in moonshine:
(1) intentional addition, including as a denaturant
(2) poor distillation technique
The amount of methanol in a fermenting mash is affected by temperature, sugar content and other factors. It can be minimized by attention to detail.
Methanol has a boiling point of 64.7°C while ethanol has a boiling point of 78.4°C. This means that any methanol will come off early in a distillation run, with temperature control important for controlling release.
Distillation Fractions (“Cuts”)
Contents
Use
foreshot
methanol, acetone and other chemicals volatile at lower temperatures
discarded
head
lower amounts of methanol and acetone with ethanol, acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate
saved to redistill
heart
relatively pure alcohol
for drinking
taail
fusel oils
saved to redistill
Cuts are taken based on temperature (if known), smell and taste.
Distillation Fractions (“Cuts”)
Qualities
Consquences
foreshot
first part of run, may smell of acetone
toxic
head
sharp, biting taste; smells bad
severe hangovers, potentially toxic
taail
unpleasant smell
toxic
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