Cracked Corn Moonshine Recipe: A Beginner’s Guide to Homemade Spirits

Hey there, fellow distilling enthusiasts and curious beginners! Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of home distilling but not quite sure where to start?

Look no further because today, I’ve got the perfect primer for you. It’s all about making your very first batch with a super simple beginner mash recipe that’s almost impossible to mess up.

Trust me, it’s got a fantastic flavor that’ll make you proud of your distilling debut.

Why Start with This Recipe?

It’s Foolproof and Flavorful

First things first, this recipe is designed with the beginner in mind. It’s straightforward, hard to mess up, and ensures a great tasting result.

Whether you’ve been devouring episodes of the Still in the Clear podcast or you’re just starting your distilling journey, this recipe is your golden ticket.

Everything You Need, Made Easy

You might wonder, “Where do I find the ingredients?” Good news! You can grab them locally or, even better, snag the super simple beginner mash recipe kit from stillingtheclear.com.

The kit simplifies the process, ensuring you have exactly what you need without the hassle of hunting down hard-to-find items like non-pellet all-stock feed.

Ingredients required:

• Water: 4 to 5 gallons (to start, additional water will be needed to reach 10 gallons total volume)
• Sugar: 8 pounds (minimum, can add more for higher yield but risk of stalling fermentation increases)
• Sweet Feed: 3 pounds (all-stock sweet feed, ensure it’s pellet-free)
• Cracked Corn: 6 pounds
• Yeast: 2 tablespoons (dry activated distiller’s yeast recommended for its durability and effectiveness)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting the Stage: Heating Your Water

First up, heat your water. I started with four to five gallons, aiming for simplicity rather than precision. As the water heats, prep your ingredients: eight pounds of sugar for that sweet base, and don’t forget your mixing paddle for the crucial stirring part.

Grain and Sugar: The Heart of Your Mash

In your kit, you’ll find three pounds of sweet feed (make sure it’s pellet-free!) and six pounds of cracked corn. Combine these with two tablespoons of dry activated distiller’s yeast for a robust fermentation.

Once your water hits 160 degrees, it’s time to add your grains and embark on a 45-minute stirring marathon to avoid scorching and release those flavors.

Remember, we’re not looking to gelatinize the grains fully; we’re aiming to unlock their flavor. After your stirring session, mix in the eight pounds of sugar, which is the sweet spot for avoiding fermentation stalls.

Cooling Down: Preparing for Fermentation

Now, pour your concoction into fermenting buckets, adding cold water to reach our 10-gallon target and cool everything down to yeast-friendly temperatures. If your setup doesn’t allow for quick cooling, no sweat—letting it sit overnight works wonders.

Fermentation: The Magic Happens

After ensuring your mash is at the ideal temperature (around 90 degrees), pitch your yeast. Even if spontaneous fermentation kicked off overnight (hello, wild yeast!), adding your chosen yeast will steer the process. Stir well, seal with a lid, and let the fermentation begin.

Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

And there you have it—a simple, satisfying introduction to home distilling. Whether you opt for the convenience of our recipe kit or gather your ingredients locally, this beginner mash recipe promises a rewarding experience.

Keen to see the process in action and explore further? Stay tuned for my next video, where I’ll take you through the distillation phase. In the meantime, check out stillingtheclear.com for the kit and additional resources to kickstart your distilling adventure.

So, what do you say? Ready to give it a shot and savor the fruits of your labor? Dive into home distilling with this beginner-friendly recipe, and who knows? It might just spark a brand-new hobby or passion. Cheers to your distilling journey!