The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #165589   Message #3973721
Posted By: Rapparee
27-Jan-19 - 12:53 PM
Thread Name: Folklore: White lightnin' - what is it?
Subject: RE: Folklore: White lightnin' - what is it?
The stuff that drips out of the still on the third distilling ("triple twisted" stuff) is called "white lightin'" as well as other things like "white mule". Generally about 180 proof (90% alcohol). Put some gunpowder on a rock or a piece of wood (about the size of the end of your little finger), wet it with some of your "run", light it; if the alcohol burns and "poofs" the powder the stuff is about 90% -- that's called "powder proofing".

This is all assuming that it's from a proper copper still and copper worm or spout that well cared for. If it comes out of a car radiator or lead piping, well, don't drink it.

Prisoners have been known to put several small or a couple of large cans of fruit cocktail in a plastic garbage bag, toss in a couple slices of bread (for yeast), and let it "cook" until the bubbling stops. Strain the fruit out and drink away -- it'll at least get you a trip to the prison hospital and probably a stretch of "bad time" as well.

I've had the good stuff and it's very, very good -- sort of like calvados. I have no intention or desire to even taste the other stuff.