or applejack. whichever is easier. im not too sure where to start. i heard that you take applecider and put a tablespoon of yeast in it, and let it ferment. but i know it wont be that easy. so any tips or know any sites that i could research on this topic?
It really is that easy, if you're not concerned with quality (and even if you are, you gotta start somewhere). Though you don't want to close the top while its still actively fermenting, thats basically building a bomb. Nor do you want it left wide open. The hobo-est way to do it is to rubber band a balloon to the top, and let the air out occasionally when it fills up. Of course this is an extremely low quality way to do it, it will create alcohol. I suggest doing mead (fermented honey) because even if you mess up horribly it tastes good. But among your choices, go for the applejack. If I remember correctly, moonshine require distilling, so unless you want to invest/build, its not going to be the easiest route.
Oh, I completely forgot. Once the active fermentation stops, you should filter it to remove all the dead yeast. I've never not done it to test, but I've heard that can ruin the taste.
applejack uses "freeze distilling" which doesnt remove impurities such as fusel oils, and can produce a dangerous product. Probably the cheapest method would to ferment sugar, and then build a basic pot still with a pressure cooker and some copper line. Homedistiller.org is great
Distilling is definately not just fermentation. As far as which is easiest, pot-distillation or applejack, applejack is definately easier, and definately tastes worse. Without a license, both are illegal in the US. Yes, they are. I definately agree about the applejack being dangerous, but potstills can be more so. If not done with the utmost care-it takes a little time to know how/when to pull off heads/tails and the fumes are really dangerous if you don't seal the stupid thing right. Fermentation and brewing, ie beers and wine, are not illegal, and are very easy, to do, but require time and patience to master and get a really good product from. I love mead-making and would suggest you start there. Check out gotmead.com The balloon thing is a bust, spend the $2 and go get a 3-piece airlock from the nearest big city's brewing supply store.
well hopefully one would know about heads and tails before operating a still . . i would hope... and also to channel fumes down the sink
I made a couple gallons of wine last year and did not remove the sediment, the flavor was a bit odd but not to Bad. the alcohol content of that wine was very high and completely messed me up and the cool thing was it would not give me a hangover.
Ever considered Mead? Honey wine. http://home1.gte.net/richwebb/meadgide.htm http://www.byo.com/departments/831.html http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=making+mead&btnG=Google+Search x
