"Greetings from the Pacific Northwest. About 35 years ago, I started making whiskey with an old friend of mine. He was in his late 50's and over the few years he taught me HIS method of makin corn whiskey, which consisted of cracked corn, sugar, yeast and water in a plastic can with approximately 18 gallons of water. Let it sit till it worked itself out, stirring daily and into the still it went. (A hydrometer was used during this process.) After it's second time through, we distilled the water for cutting it, then colored the finished product with melted/kinda burnt sugar from a pan, stirred it in and done.

It always turned out fairly decent. On occasion, it was awesome. His father taught him the method that he used all through the early 1900's up until the 50's. Anyway, my friend died 17 years ago and since then, a friend and myself have always been threatening to get out the old still and get to cooking again. It's an old copper still, maybe from the 40's-50's and works great as far as what my experience is. We made a batch last week and it turned out pretty descent considering what's left of our memory from so long ago.

And that brings me to this site which I found trying to find a little info. What a great place!

The first thing I'd like to learn about is some of the terms used here, like ""head, hearts and tails"" if I remember right, and the pros and cons of them all. I've got a good idea what you mean, but would like to hear it from you guys. We've always just scooped off the liquids, ran them and mixed together for a final product. Sounds to me like there's a better way. I'm all ears.:)

It's old but works."

"Thanks Scotty, and the word pro was intended to include everyone. :)

Absolutely, pictures are great. Especially with our enjoyable hobby here. I like seeing what everybody else is using etc. Words are great, but pictures help take it to another level.

I think the coloring of the booze was his favorite part, other than drinking it

He'd use an old funky pan with maybe a cup of sugar and set it on a red hot burner in the wifes kitchen till it melted and filled the kitchen with smoke, which isn't necessary, I think he was just havin some fun. A character he was. Then he'd head out to the jug with a big grin on his face, add a bit now and then, stirring a little till the color was just right to match the store bought booze setting next to it. For a guy in his 20's, that was exciting.

Looking forward to learning much more about it here."

You got it Scotty. The water does help. We did it once without it and it just crystallized in the jug, though with a few aggressive swirls, it colored up just fine. Have fun!

I couldn't say for sure, but if I was to take an educated guess, for whatever that may be worth, I'd say it wouldn't. Of course, you could try it out on an experimental bottle if you just by chance have an extra one sitting around. Nothing ventured....nothing gained.:)

"

Shiner, I'm about as mixed as you in that area. I always thought the old time moonshiners used the entire product.

Really wished I had an experienced stiller standing next to me for guidance .

Send me PM if you would like to chat.

FMH."