Quick Answer
It is not recommended to drink moonshine that is 2 years old. Moonshine does not improve with age like wine or whiskey. The ethanol in moonshine can evaporate over time, leaving higher concentrations of dangerous methanol and fusel oils. Old moonshine may also contain bacterial contaminants that can make you sick. If the moonshine smells off or tastes bad, it is best to discard it.
What Happens to Moonshine Over Time?
Moonshine is an unaged distilled spirit, usually made from corn, sugar, or fruit. Unlike aged spirits like whiskey or rum, moonshine does not improve in flavor with time. In fact, moonshine will deteriorate in quality if stored for too long. Here’s why:
Evaporation of Ethanol
The desirable alcohol in moonshine is ethanol. However, ethanol is volatile and will slowly evaporate out of moonshine if left sitting in an opened or poorly sealed container. Over a couple of years, a significant percentage of ethanol can evaporate out.
This leaves behind a higher concentration of methanol, which is toxic in high amounts, and fusel oils, which are associated with hangovers and nausea. So 2-year old moonshine may have developed higher levels of methanol and fusel oils as the ethanol evaporates away.
Bacterial Contamination
Unaged spirits like moonshine are less resistant to bacterial contamination than aged spirits. The aging process helps remove impurities while the alcohol content acts as a preservative.
In moonshine that sits for a prolonged period, bacteria like acetic acid bacteria may start to grow, especially if stored in less than sanitary conditions. This contamination will alter the smell, taste, and safety of the moonshine.
Oxidation
Oxidation occurs when oxygen interacts with compounds in the moonshine, degrading quality. Signs of oxidation include a loss of flavor, change in color or an oxidized smell. While containers can help slow the oxidation process, it will still occur over years of storage.
How to Tell if Moonshine Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that moonshine has deteriorated and may not be safe to drink:
– An off smell – Should smell like ethanol with perhaps traces of the original fermented ingredients. A strong unpleasant smell may indicate bacterial contamination or excessive methanol/fusel oils.
– Change in color – Moonshine is typically crystal clear. Signs of darkening, yellowing or cloudiness can be a red flag.
– Poor or altered taste – Moonshine should taste like a relatively clean distillate of the original fermented ingredients. A bad taste can mean contamination or chemical changes have occurred.
– Chunks, particles or film floating – Bits of solids floating around or film along the rim of the container may indicate bacterial growth.
– Separated layers – If clear layers or residue has separated out, chemical changes have occurred. Toss it out.
If your old moonshine exhibits any of these characteristics, it is safest to discard it. The risks of drinking bad moonshine outweigh any potential benefits. Don’t take chances with your health.
Can Old Moonshine Make You Sick?
Yes, contaminated and improperly stored moonshine can cause health issues if consumed. Here are some of the risks:
Methanol Poisoning
Methanol is always present in small amounts in distilled spirits. But as ethanol evaporates over time, methanol becomes more concentrated. Ingesting too much methanol can cause blurred vision, nausea, headache, weakness and even death.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria can grow in moonshine, especially if distillation and storage were not properly handled. Consuming moonshine with these bacteria can lead to serious foodborne illness.
Toxicity from Fusel Oils
Fusel oils give liquor that signature “alcohol burn.” In high amounts, fusel oils can irritate the stomach lining, cause nausea, headaches and vomiting. Aged liquors mellow these compounds, but in moonshine they may be more concentrated.
Allergic Reactions
Chemical changes in old moonshine may produce compounds that cause allergic-like reactions in sensitive individuals, resulting in hives, itching, upset stomach or breathing difficulties.
Lead Poisoning
Some amateur moonshine operations use improper distillation methods or containers, leading to high lead concentrations. Lead exposure causes an array of health issues from stomach pain to brain damage.
To avoid these risks, inspect your moonshine carefully and don’t drink any that seems off. Distill your next batch properly and consume shortly after making it. Don’t let it sit around too long before enjoying responsibly.
Does Moonshine Ever Improve with Age?
No, moonshine does not improve with age like some wines and whiskeys. Since it is unaged, there are no positive changes that occur over time. Leaving moonshine to sit for years will not enhance its flavor, complexity or smoothness.
Once distilled, moonshine is essentially at its peak. Unlike barrel aging, storing moonshine in glass jars or other containers will not imbue extra aromas, flavors or color. In fact, moonshine will slowly lose quality as it oxidizes and volatile compounds evaporate.
Some alcoholic beverages like Scotch and Cognac require long aging periods to develop desired qualities. But moonshine is intended for immediate bottling and consumption shortly after distilling. Any aged “moonshine” you find is likely just a spirit that has been barrel-aged, like whiskey, instead of true unaged moonshine.
So for optimal flavor and safety, moonshine is best enjoyed fresh. Distill it, then bottle and drink your ‘shine quickly to appreciate those robust, unmellowed white whiskey flavors. Trying to age it will not provide any benefit.
Should I Ever Drink 2-Year Old Moonshine?
Drinking 2-year old moonshine is generally not recommended. While a spirit like whiskey improves with multi-year aging, moonshine will only degrade in quality and safety over that length of time.
Here are some tips regarding old moonshine:
– Inspect it carefully – Look for any changes in appearance, aroma and taste. Strange odors, colors or textures are red flags.
– Take a small taste – Sample a very small amount and wait to see how your body reacts before drinking more.
– When in doubt, don’t drink it – If you notice any off characteristics, it is safest to toss it out. Not worth the health risks.
– Distill a fresh batch – For the true moonshine experience, distill a new batch and enjoy it ASAP.
The high alcohol content of moonshine does help deter bacterial growth to an extent. But it still poses risks if contaminated or stored improperly for too long. For health and enjoyment, fresh moonshine is best. Only drink 2-year old ‘shine if you thoroughly inspect it and determine it’s still good. When able, distill and consume moonshine soon after making it.
Conclusion
Drinking 2-year old moonshine is risky business. The ethanol can evaporate over time, leaving higher concentrations of methanol and toxic fusel oils. Bacterial contamination may also occur in aged moonshine stored in less than pristine conditions. Oxidation and chemical changes degrade the flavor. While a tasting may help determine if your old ‘shine is still palatable, it is best not to take chances with your health. For the classic white lightning experience, make a fresh batch and enjoy it soon after distilling. Allowing moonshine to age for a couple years provides no benefits, only potential hazards. Use your judgement, but when in doubt, toss old moonshine out.
