Homemade Wine, Brandy, Whiskey

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by Big Vito

this wont help but my uncle makes the best wine I've tasted

Not helpful, but entertaining.

Originally Posted by Big Vito

on a side note, the English major spelled this wrong

What's the alcohol content on homemade wine? I hear its more potent than store bought.

[Genetic Defect]

Originally Posted by andysutherland

Not helpful, but entertaining.







What's the alcohol content on homemade wine. I hear its more potent than store bought.

depends on the sugar and yeast, could be 14%

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by Big Vito

depends on the sugar and yeast, could be 14%

Higher alcohol content as a result of more yeast or more sugar? Or more of both?

[Starscream]

Been looking at trying this too:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4470898_make...paign=yssp_art

Peach brandy looks interesting.

[Genetic Defect]

Originally Posted by andysutherland

Higher alcohol content as a result of more yeast or more sugar? Or more of both?

more sugar and a strong yeast. lalvin K1V-1116 is an example of a strong yeast that should yield a higher ac

[Mark C]

Originally Posted by andysutherland

Higher alcohol content as a result of more yeast or more sugar? Or more of both?

You need the right type of yeast, not a larger quantity. Aclohol is toxic to yeast, but some strains are more tolerant than others. I think the range is about 12-17% alcohol, with most around 15% max. I know there's one yeast developed for spirits production that can go up to ~20% alcohol.

But to get your alcohol that high you need enough sugar. Most grape juice will not reach those levels unless you add sugar, but that's generally not a good idea 'cause it'll throw off the balance in your wine.

If you're making grape wine, the alcohol content will likely be entirely dependent on the amount of sugar in the grape juice, which is almost entirely dependent on vineyard management and growing conditions. Consequently it'll be very similar to commercial wines from the same region and year (not counting fancy commercial winemaking techniques like reverse osmosis).

[bigswol2]

I just made my first batch of homemade wine. I need to degass again

[bigswol2]

I sampled my blackbery cabernet and it's great!!!

I am not a BATF agent but I believe distillation for private use is legal. Distillation for sale without being taxed and permitted is illegal.
I have not wiki-ed this yet to be absolutely certain.

[Lumpold]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

I am not a BATF agent but I believe distillation for private use is legal. Distillation for sale without being taxed and permitted is illegal.
I have not wiki-ed this yet to be absolutely certain.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

Although home distillation of ethanol for commercial purposes is still illegal in the United States, legislation was introduced, but failed to pass[30] in November 2001 to legalize home distillation in much the same way as home brewing of wine and beer were legalized in 1978.

Not exceedingly clear, but looks like it's illegal....

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

I am not a BATF agent but I believe distillation for private use is legal. Distillation for sale without being taxed and permitted is illegal.
I have not wiki-ed this yet to be absolutely certain.

I think you can make up to 50 gallons for private consumption,the laws date back to prohibition times ,the alcohol content is the key,that is why moonshine is illegal ..

[Lumpold]

Originally Posted by beamish

I think you can make up to 50 gallons for private consumption,the laws date back to prohibition times ,the alcohol content is the key,that is why moonshine is illegal ..

Originally Posted by ATF Website FAQ

G1: Can I produce beer, wine or spirits for my personal or family use without paying Federal excise tax and filing Federal paperwork?

Beer
Production.
Removal of beer.

Wine
Wine for personal or family use.

Spirits
You cannot produce spirits for beverage purposes without paying taxes and without prior approval of paperwork to operate a distilled spirits plant. [See 26 U.S.C. 5601 & 5602 for some of the criminal penalties.] There are numerous requirements that must be met that make it impractical to produce spirits for personal or beverage use. Some of these requirements are paying special tax, filing an extensive application, filing a bond, providing adequate equipment to measure spirits, providing suitable tanks and pipelines, providing a separate building (other than a dwelling) and maintaining detailed records, and filing reports. All of these requirements are listed in 27 CFR Part 19.

Spirits may be produced for nonbeverage purposes for fuel use only without payment of tax, but you also must file an application, receive ATF's approval, and follow requirements, such as construction, use, records and reports.

Nope, spirits done be illegal.

I made wine several times,you can do this buying the juice already filtered some yeast a 20 gallon carbouy and your in business,but the price of making it has risin so its the same price to buy bottles...

[Lumpold]

for all you Americans... http://pearsonswine.com/index.php?na...ticle&sid=1214 barrel, kit and spirit to age are available from this site!

[Mark C]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

I am not a BATF agent but I believe distillation for private use is legal. Distillation for sale without being taxed and permitted is illegal.
I have not wiki-ed this yet to be absolutely certain.

Definitely 100% illegal. Trust me, I've looked into this at length. And I've been doing my part to educate people ever since. You'd be surprised how many people think moonshine is fine and dandy.

Originally Posted by Lumpold

for all you Americans... http://pearsonswine.com/index.php?na...ticle&sid=1214 barrel, kit and spirit to age are available from this site!

I haven't tried Wasmund's stuff, but I've heard a bit about it. A few years ago I was passing though Fredericksburg and stopped at 'Copper Fox' distillery. From what I gather, it seems like Wasmund used to have something to do with that distillery, there was an internal fight, and Wasmund and that distillery parted ways. The 'Copper Fox' I have in my bar is now known as 'Kopper Kettle', and Wasmund seemingly owns the Copper Fox name, though he doesn't use it. I've been meaning to visit his place, but haven't had the time yet.

[BPCR]

Hello all i have been making wine and beer for a few years now... If you can boil water you can make beer and wine. Its all in the details ... i would suggest you find a local home brew store and ask how to get set up. Most of them have classes and sutch for free. Most even let you try a few then get the stuff to make your own... If anyone wants to try some of mine they are welcome to come on out ... bring your pipe or cigar of choice drinks are on me.

Originally Posted by Mark C

Definitely 100% illegal. Trust me, I've looked into this at length. And I've been doing my part to educate people ever since. You'd be surprised how many people think moonshine is fine and dandy.

I had a friend who's family made their own wine and brandy. I had asked the old man if it was legal and he had told me "as long as your not selling it". I think he must have not known or was giving me a line because even 28 years ago it was illegal. Kind of stupid that you can not make your own perfectly legal natural product.

Thanks to this thread getting me curious, I now know more about stills and distilling than I needed to know. The internet can be dangerous.
Say, for instance, you searched for "reflux still" ...

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

Thanks to this thread getting me curious, I now know more about stills and distilling than I needed to know. The internet can be dangerous.
Say, for instance, you searched for "reflux still" ...

That's what got me interested.

This video contributed too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inbmJy0xJgk

[Mark C]

Originally Posted by BC-Axeman

Thanks to this thread getting me curious, I now know more about stills and distilling than I needed to know. The internet can be dangerous.
Say, for instance, you searched for "reflux still" ...

That's nothin', I spent the better part of a semester learning about distillation. I've had the moonshine bug ever since. Still have my textbooks

Rumor has it someone tried to use the school's lab-scale still (~15 ft glass column still) for 'shine once. Knowing what chemicals we put through that thing, I can't imagine anyone with a good head on their shoulders would try that.