Myth or Fact?

There are many different myths floating about the home brewing circuit. Here are a few you may have heard:

“Anything that can be made into mash will make a good alcohol.”

MYTH

While most types of mash do produce alcohol, many types of mash,

such as that made from wood shavings or manure, create methanol

instead of ethanol. Drinking this can cause severe health problems.

“You shouldn’t brew alcohol at home because stills are very volatile and can blow up!”

MYTH

While it is possible for a still to explode, it can only do so if exposed to extreme heat from an open flame. Stills will not just blow up at random.

“Copper is the only good tubing for alcohol production.”

FACT

Many other types of tubing, such as aluminum, can leech harmful chemicals into your brew.

“If you buy a still online, the authorities will not know about it.”

MYTH

When buying a still online, the authorities will know about it. However, if you are brewing beer or wine, and not selling the product you have nothing to worry about. It is only illegal to sell a home brewed liquor. If you are producing moonshine or other alcohols, be warned – you must have a permit make or sell it.

“Jake Leg Syndrome is caused by bad alcohol of any kind.”

MYTH

Jake Leg Syndrome is only caused by liquor made from Jamaican ginger root, which often has tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate as a additive. This additive is particularly dangerous to the spinal cord.