How to make a simple mash for moonshine is easy if you follow along! This simple mash for moonshine is great for a sacrifice run when breaking in a new still since it’s very inexpensive to make. This is a great way for an intro to make corn whiskey and it will get you familiar with the process of making mash without breaking the bank. Some may call this a “sugar wash”.
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FAQ
What is Moonshine Mash Made of It?
Moonshine mash is usually made with corn, sugar, yeast, and water and allowed to ferment for 5-10 days. A sugar wash can be made with just water and yeast and no grains to make moonshine or spirits.
How Much of Moonshine Will 5 Gallons of Mash Make?
For a 5-gallon mash recipe, the yield will be about 3 quarts on average of 130 proof. Once you proof it down for consumption, the yield will be around 1 to 2 gallons of moonshine depending on how high you want your proof for drinking.
How Many Pounds of Sugar to Make 5 Gallons of Mash?
A 5-gallon of mash requires 5 pounds of white sugar when using 5 pounds of corn which will yield a 15% finished product of 5 gallons or 3 quarts.
How to Make Mash for Corn Whiskey
Once you make this batch of simple mash for moonshine and you get familiar with the process, try making a very basic 80% corn and 20% malted barley mash for corn whiskey, or white lightning. The corn percentage must be at least 80% and not less in the mash.
This is a basic corn whiskey mash that is widely used by a lot of shiners as an easy go-to simple mash recipe. This recipe will be a “corn whiskey” or “white lightning” if aged for at least 2 years in white oak barrels that can be new or charred which is not necessary for the aging process.
Using a Grain Bill for Record Keeping
Using a grain bill is recommended for record-keeping when making mash. By keeping a grain bill and notes of the mash, you will be able to reproduce the exact mash again and again. The grain bill will help you decide which mash is your favorite produced corn whiskey or moonshine.
Would you like to know what Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey grain bill is? It’s 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley! How’s that for some inside uh-huh?
Get your free downloadable grain bill by filling out the form below to print and use. It’s great to attach to a mash bucket then adding it to your notebook for future reference. Print 4 to a page!
Making a Simple Mash or Sacrifice Run
Making this batch of corn mash is a great beginning recipe especially if you are breaking in your still and need to make a sacrifice run. You definitely may use just sugar, water, and yeast without corn too!
Use basic white sugar and cracked corn in this batch to keep the costs down. After that, you may choose to use organic sugar and non-GMO corn like we do.
Water plays an important part in how the mash turns out. If your water has too much chlorine in it or other heavy materials then the mash may not be optimal in the end result. If you have problems with your mash, you may need to check your pH in your water by using pH strips.
We have found out rather quickly how filtered water plays a huge part in the perfect batch of mash. If you don’t have a good filter system as we do in our Berkey filter, then the next best thing is to purchase spring water. The exact one we have used for over a decade is on the shop page listed below this post.
Simple Mash for Moonshine Video Tutorial
Yeast for Making Mash for Moonshine
We prefer to use 2 different types of yeast in our batches. One is a brewer’s yeast and the other is a basic bread yeast. Having the 2 different types of yeast usually yields a better mash. We have come to this conclusion by experimenting and that is what we suggest you do as you begin your journey.
Ingredients to Make a Simple Mash
- 5 pounds of white sugar
- 4 gallons of filtered water
- 5 pounds of cracked corn
- 1 teaspoon brewers yeast
- 1 teaspoon active bread yeast
Materials Needed to Make a Simple Mash for Moonshine
- 5-gallon bucket with lid
- ⅝” rubber grommet (optional)
- Airlock (optional but highly recommended)
- Stockpot or large pot to heat the water and sugar
- Heat source to heat the sugar, water, and grain
- Hydrometer
- Infrared Thermometer (optional)
- Digital Scale (optional)
Steps to Make a Simple Mash for Moonshine
- Measure all the ingredients into bowls or bags
- Add 2-3 gallons of filtered water to the stockpot
- Heat to 165 degrees
- Add the sugar and stir to dissolve
- Add the corn
- Turn off the stove
- Stir every ½ hour for the first hour
Adding the Mash to the Bucket
- After 1 hour, put the contents in a 5-gallon bucket
- Add enough hot or cold water to reach the target temperature of 95-100 degrees and to within 1-2 inches from the brim of the bucket
- Take a reading with the hydrometer for the specific gravity and make a note of the reading on the grain bill
- If the reading is below 1.5 add more sugar, the normal reading is 1.5 and up (not necessary for a sacrifice run)
- When the temperature reaches 95-100 degrees sprinkle the yeast on the top and let sit 5 minutes
- Stir the contents well and place the airlock in the grommet on the lid top and place it on the bucket
- Is using an airlock, fill to the max line with either moonshine or water
Print the Simple Mash Recipe
Fermenting the Mash
With this recipe, stir the mash every single day at about the same time of the day. The fermenting process can take anywhere from 5-10 days to ferment. If using an airlock you will notice the constant rather fast blipping in the beginning and towards the end of the fermentation time, it will be a slow blip and then basically stop. If you are not using an airlock count on at least a week before starting the run.
In Conclusion How to Make Mash for Moonshine
How to make mash for moonshine is very simple using this basic recipe. Try and experiment and as you get accustomed to the process, it will be easier each time. If you would like to know more about The History of Moonshine, be sure and check it out.
Start by checking out the website TTBGOV for any legal questions you may have or need to be answered. They have many links for permits and licenses that you may consider applying for.
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Learning more and more with each new post you have! Love the grain bill you have taken the time to make. That’s a game-changer for the organization in making moonshine!