Talk:Moonshine by country

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American-centric by length[edit]

The American section outpasses others by a multitude, even though 'moonshine' (this term does seem to be problematic) or the tradition and production of home made spirits is by far greater in many countries in the world. If this overview is to be representative and informative, the Russian section should be much bigger, and several times as big as the American, as should the sections for the other Eastern and Southeastern European countries. In the US it is a tradition, although not widespread. In Eastern Europe it is essential part of culture. An example: Visit any wedding in the US. Where is moonshine served? ... Now go to a wedding, say, in Serbia. Any wedding. Shliva will be omnipresent. - No sources here: I visited almost all Eastern European countries many times and was married to a Bosnian and have spent a part of my life in the US. Anyone with similar experiences would agree. Just stumbled on this page and was angered by the lack of info and misrepresentation.46.216.172.138 (talk) 22:19, 19 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]

UTTERLY MORONIC[edit]

This page is moronic and inaccurate. There is no moonshine by country. Moonshine is made predominantly in the Southern United Sates. It's exclusively an American phenomenon. It's a production of corn and sugar only. It's not made in any other country. They have their own names for the illicit distilled beverages that are produced there. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lokisgodhi (talk • contribs) 02:10, 5 May 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I suppose that the etimology of Moonshine and its english origins (years before the USA were founded) should prove you wrong. Do you mind checking 'Moonrakers' voice and note that's referred to England and already mentioned in 1787? Also, if you please, check 'Etimology' paragraph in 'Moonshine - Talk' that I am - in part - quickly citing here: ...about the illicit production of alcohol in Scotland, "Moonshine Whisky" is that made in the dark, akin to "black market" or "Uisge Breatha Dubh" which is Gaelic for "Black Whisky"... Then, again, I can be as 'Euro centered' as you tend to be 'USA centered', but on this side of the pond 'moonshine' was/is a common name for illegal alcohol, AFAIK. 95.238.130.248 (talk) 03:40, 25 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Then be EUROCENTRIC, moron. I entire point of my post was that I OBJECTED to the the American-centricization of sticking clearly non-American creations under an American slang term. I highly doubt a regional American slang word like moonshine would have been used in Europe before American films began to spread American culture worldwide. Honor European culture by using the actual European slang term illicit alcohol was called by instead of an assimilated American term or is it too much fucking work to do the research?

Minnesota 13[edit]

I am collecting documentation on what was and is considered a high quality moonshine made in central Minnesota. Made before prohibition but gaining national attention during prohibition. I have not found any thing on it in wikipedia. I have found numerous articles in newspapers, and several books with sections on it as well as one focused on it. I am not sure how to proceed with creating a page, if some one wants to hand hold a little great, if not it will just take me a little longer. ThanksAerobe (talk) 7:25, 10 May 2008

Poland[edit]

Now, there's a Polish version of this page, so where's the Polish info in the nationalities section? Thanx 68.39.174.91 11:54, 10 July 2005 (UTC)[reply]

I also want to now something about moonshining in Poland. And what is about the moonshining in Germany? (--Plk 13:08, 26 July 2005 (UTC))[reply]

Added as requested - jinxs

New Zealand?[edit]

I don't think New Zealand needs to be mentioned since there is no history of thier distilling and it isn't illegal so it isn't really moonshining.

Legality of distilling in the USA[edit]

I recall that either in the late 70's or early 80's it was legal in the USA to distill up to a certain amount of alcohol per year for personal use, either for drinking or other food uses or as a motor vehicle fuel. 'The Mother Earth News' magazine was one source of home distillation information during that period.

When did that change?

I don't doubt that Mother Earth News gave instructions for home distillation, but it has been illegal nationwide at least since Prohibition. Distillation of alcohol for any purpose, even a science fair project, requires a federal license of some sort. NTK 22:49, 17 September 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Fermentation of small amounts of alcohol - i.e. making wine, beer, mead, etc. - is legal in most states (the amount varies by state), but distillation is another matter altogether and is illegal nationwide as far as I know, except under government license. Distillation is used to create fuel ethanol, which means it comes under governmental licensing provisions as well. - Rapscallion 01:18, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

white lightning and iceland[edit]

It's been noted already, but the article is still self-contradictory. Two etymologies of the name "white lightning" are given.

The "Iceland" section is awfully messy.

-- The reference given in the the Iceland part does not contain anything relating to moonshine or brewing alcoholic drinks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.197.238.113 (talk) 01:54, 17 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And where is Hungary?[edit]

In Hungary moonshines (Palinka) are destilled from a wide variety of fruits. Beside plum and cherry, sour cherry, peach the most famous are apricot and pear.

Iran[edit]

I don't know what the facts are as far as the impact of Iranian Law, Islamic Law, and privacy in Iran. However, describing the regime as "meddling" is not a neutral point of view.

-THobern 23:46, 15 March 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Canada?[edit]

What about the legality of Moonshine in Canada? We drink alcohol too, you know... - Nö†$®åM 01:40, 1 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • No one has written about Canada yet, apparently. http://homedistiller.org/legal.htm lists sources for information on the laws in Canada. Why don't you read up on the subject and post about the laws in Canada? --orlady 17:48, 3 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Albania?[edit]

As an Albanian, i sure can say that even today albanians do produce a white brandy from grapes that we call Raki - Rakija plurals (Grappa for Italians), and it is also homemade which is very strong in terms of %-alcohol. Selling the home-made one of course it is illegal, but as long as it is used within the family for their "benefits" the state will not complain or arrest or whatever they can do. It's a tradition to produce Raki when the season is the right one, usually close to the summer, when the grapes are fully of juice.

So, to come to my point, anyone thinks that Albania could be added to the list?

Any questions for this topic for Albania are welcomed, and i will try to asnwer as soon as i can.

Best

P.S. Beside grapes, plums, walnuts(i did tried it once, and the color was dark), some other fruits i can't recall now are used as well for making Rakija -- Illuminati 01:15, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

I read the entry and I was quite surprised to read that fetal pigs are added to Raki in Albania. Has this been verified? I can't find any other info relating to this topic on the internet.

Best Himmelu (talk) 19:55, 22 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I removed the vandalism - some idiot's idea of a joke. Roger (talk) 20:01, 22 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Estonia[edit]

This so POV that it should be deleted right away. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Molix (talk • contribs) 22:03, 25 January 2007 (UTC).[reply]

Agreed. It may well be true (I have no idea), but it's definitely not NPOV. I also counted five spelling and punctuation errors in it, which is pretty bad for something so short. Removing it now. Intooblv 05:22, 2 February 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Russia[edit]

It's not illegal, at least there is no federal law forbidding production of samogon. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Varnav (talk • contribs) 16:03, 31 March 2007 (UTC).[reply]

You're free to make and drink samogon, but sale is forbidden. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.48.147.49 (talk) 14:20, 20 August 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"Samogon of initial distillation is called pervach (ru: первач), literally translated as "the first one" " But - is this with or without the 'head' ? The 'head' is not discarted? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.168.48.122 (talk) 00:00, 11 February 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Puerto Rico[edit]

Somebody removed an addition I made to the article that, while culturally embarrassing, happens to be true: the use of a sock ball filled with feces to cure pitorro. It is, indeed, rare and obviously disgusting... but I know people who swear they've tasted the resulting product and approve of it. One such "connoisseur" is Otilio Warrington who constantly spoke about pitorro in his radio programs. As unflattering as it may be, it is a fact, and save objections by the FDA (tongue in cheek), I see a reason not to mention it. Demf 14:50, 19 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

  • You can always add it again, but the difficulty is sourcing the info. I'd be a little leery of a comedian as a definitive source. Rapscallion 01:10, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
    • Warrington constantly claims he's not joking when he refers to it(!) Don't kill the messenger... Demf 16:40, 18 June 2007 (UTC)

Czech Republic[edit]

The phrase "nowadays it is created by specialist distillers using plums provided by individuals to prevent dangerously high methanol content." is really vague, but I'm not sure what the best edit would be. To say "...by specialist distillers to prevent dangerously high methanol content." is probably correct, but I'm not sure what to do with the "provided by individuals" bit: does it mean that individuals provide the distillers with plums and then receive liquor made from that same fruit, OR does it mean that individuals sell fruit to the distillers, and then the distillers make the liquor and sell it in turn to whomever wants it? I could just chop it, but would prefer to preserve the intention of the original poster. Rapscallion 01:04, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Australia[edit]

I'm quite sure distillation is legal in australia now, as the 1901 Distillation act was repealed in 2006, but i'm not sure of the details. Could someone with a better understanding of the law please make the appropriate changes (if necessary)? --LeakeyJee 03:27, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The act was repealed, but replaced with something else. It is still 100% illegal.

United Kingdom[edit]

Can we please get a mention about the legality in the United Kingdom, please? I came to this article hoping to find something about it's legality, but found nothing. If New Zealand is mentioned, then surely the UK should be too. Unconscious 17:10, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I came here wondering about the same thing. I presume that it's illegal -- but I'm not aware of any tradition of illegal distilled alcohol production in the UK, other than historically in Scotland. Not needed, I guess, given that the illegal spirit "trade" has always consisted of smuggling (relatively) cheap spirit from continental Europe. And I guess that it also couldn't compete with the English "culture" of binge-drinking on a night out with strong beer (which is legal even if home produced).--Farry 09:28, 4 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

According to government legislation here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1979/pdf/ukpga_19790004_en.pdf

On page 17.

"No person shall manufacture spirits, whether by distillation of a fermented liquor or by any other process, unless the manufacturer holds an excise licence for that purpose under this section spirits."

"If, save as provided in subsection (2) above, any person contravenes or fails to comply with any regulation made under subsection (1) above he shall, subject to subsection (4) below, be liable on summary conviction to a penalty of £1,000, and any spirits, and any vessels, utensils and materials used for distilling or otherwise manufacturing or for preparing spirits, in respect of which the offence was committed shall be liable to forfeiture." 90.200.150.73 (talk) 20:28, 7 February 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I would have thought that the main point of moonshine is that it's "illegal" in all the countries listed. But the absence of UK is surely some kind of anomaly? There should at least be a historical treatment, especially for Northern Ireland and Scotland, I would have thought. e.g. from Whisky: "Scottish distillers, operating out of homemade stills, took to distilling whisky at night when the darkness hid the smoke from the stills. For this reason, the drink became known as moonshine.[16] At one point, it was estimated that over half of Scotland’s whisky output was illegal.[15]" Martinevans123 (talk) 21:35, 25 June 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Geographic WikiProjects[edit]

Good grief! Is this article going to be added to every geographic WikiProject for every geographic subdivision where moonshine has been produced? --orlady 21:11, 27 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

German term maybe incorrect explained[edit]

This article gives Schwarzgebrannter as the German equivalence of the term Moonshine. While I have never heard it (in Bayern, where I live, Selbstgebrannter seems to be the prevalent term), I would recognize it if I stumbled upon it. But I disagree with the explanation that Schwarz means "dark" here because it is produced illegally in the night. Actually, the term schwarz is often used in German everyday conversations with the meaning of "illegal", as in Schwarzfahrer (literally blackdriver) meaning a person who uses public transportation without buying a ticket. I think an etymology versed user should review that, and meanwhile, somebody should apply a tag to the section (I am not sure which would be the proper one - is it a disputed section when no one has contradicted me in the Talk page?) --193.158.99.226 13:26, 13 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Armenia[edit]

I don't think the article is correct with regard to Armenian moonshine being called "aragh" or "oghi". I believe both of those words are translations for "vodka", and are used most frequently on legal alcohol beverages —Preceding unsigned comment added by 169.236.30.109 (talk) 17:34, 10 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

And what's currently on the page doesn't make sense to me. "The Armenian name for moonshine is aragh (the word comes from Arabic araq عرق, meaning "sweat" or "juice"), but the Armenian word oghee is used more often." Surely the name of something is what it's called? If "oghee" is the more frequently used term for moonshine, then why isn't that its name? --Kay Dekker (talk) 23:10, 12 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Saudi Arabia[edit]

The idea that "siddique" comes from SID, "Saudi International Drink" implies that this name is commonly written in English. This sounds like folk etymology, and at very least needs a citation as a possibility. 67.186.21.23 (talk) 22:39, 28 March 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I should point out that it's not just South Korean guest workers in Saudi Arabia who distill their own liquor; my aunt is an American guest worker there and she told me that American, British, and french guest workers do their own clandestine distilling as well. It's the only way they can obtain alcohol there...--99.144.195.155 (talk) 01:57, 22 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Spain[edit]

"Licor Café" is actually called Café Licor and despite being home made it is not proper moonshine but coffe (ground or broken beans) macerated in comercially aquired ethanol. This alcohol can be bought in some places and it includes taxes as normal normal spirits. The coffee is macerated for 3 weeks in 96 degree alcohol and then diluted to a thrid in water, caramel is added as colorant and the mix is again diluded until it reaches 18 degrees. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Runlevel0 (talk • contribs) 14:09, 16 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Section Regarding United States Moonshine[edit]

Regarding the sentence:

"The product is often called "white lightning" because it is not aged and is generally sold at high alcohol proof, often bottled in canning jars ("Mason jars", see photo)."

I believe that saying the product is often called white lightening has some truth and some misrepresentation. I am a resident of Southern Appalachia (Western North Carolina). My grandfather and great-grandfather were both "moonshiners." Among those who actually produced the illegal product of ethanol for consumption, the term "white lightening" would have immediately alarmed them to expect trouble. The term "white-lightening" was used only by outsiders and the "Revenuers," or federal government tax agents. The area where I grew up and live, where "moonshining" was (and still is, but to less extent) part of the culture, refers (or referred) to the product in the following manner: shine, stump, medicine, "corn-likker", snake-bite medicine, and stuff (e.g., "Where's the best stuff?"). In any case, here, such a reference would be considered a misnomer.

I agree with the rest of the sentence, insomuch as saying it was generally sold at high proof and stored in Mason/Ball Jars.

I am certainly not a "scholar" on the subject; however my culture and family history have passed down such privy facts. If/When I gather the proper documented sources, would anyone be opposed to such a change of the "United States" section of the article "moonshine?"

Thanks for your input.

User: Jason.guard

Serbia[edit]

Why no mention of Rakia (Rakija) from Serbia/former Yugoslavia? From what I have seen, Rakija is just about the same thing as moonshine in the US..... see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakia

Sorry...forgot to sign it. Matt 94.189.141.125 (talk) 19:22, 12 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Well then, go ahead and add it. Roger (talk) 20:36, 12 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Moonshiner in Alaska[edit]

AFAIK the moonshiner destilled in Alaska is known as Hootchenoo. Any more info available???

Mike —Preceding unsigned comment added by 178.112.7.4 (talk) 20:26, 12 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

India[edit]

Source for some info on Moonshine in India: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16174531 Kevink707 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 01:18, 15 December 2011 (UTC).[reply]

Hungary - new law[edit]

A law passed on 9/27/2010 rendered home distillation legal for up to 86 liters of 100 proof Palinka for family consumption. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.101.151.244 (talk) 00:48, 31 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Can you provide us with a source for this information such as a news report - it does not need to be in English. Roger (talk) 13:54, 1 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

United states white lightning[edit]

Moonshine is NOT called white lightning because of any of the reasons listed in the following passage cut and pasted from the United States portion of the moonshine article.

"The product is often called white lightning because it is not aged and is generally sold at high alcohol proof, often bottled in canning jars ("Mason jars", see photo)." 76.22.30.181 (talk) 22:52, 22 January 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Nigerian 'Sapele water' definition for palm alcohol.[edit]

I took the liberty to change the link from Sapele tree (wrong) to Sapele town (right) in the reference. I am not fully satisfied of the outcome, though, as the referenced link 'Sapele,_Nigeria' would look much better if it was simply 'Sapele' and still actually redirecting to the town's page. I thought that it was anyway better than a nicer looking wrong info. Sapele is a small but active town in Delta State of Nigeria and the 'Sapele water' definition for its palm alcohol is mainly used inside the same Delta State boundaries. The reference can also be checked here: http://uanenga.com/tag/alcohol/ where the author states: "I am from Sapele, Delta State, and from Sapele comes the term ‘Sapele water.’ ‘Sapele water’ stands for...." 95.238.130.248 (talk) 02:48, 25 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

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