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'[[Moonshine]] is a generic term for [[distilled alcoholic beverage]]s made throughout the globe from indigenous ingredients reflecting the customs, tastes, and raw materials for fermentation available in each region. The term commonly applies to small-scale production, which is often illegal or tightly regulated in many countries. {{TOC right}} ==Countries== === Afghanistan === Zarbali is a moonshine still, a type of distilled alcoholic beverage supposedly made from fermented raisins.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} === Albania === In Albania, moonshine ([[Rakia|Raki]]) is the primary alcoholic beverage consumed on daily basis. It is made from different fruits, usually grapes, but also plums, apples, blackberries, cornelian cherry, strawberry tree, mulberry, persimmons, figs, juniperus and walnuts. ===Armenia=== {| style="float:right;" |- |[[File:Samogon.JPG|left|thumb|A crude moonshine (aragh) device in an [[Armenia]]n village]] |} The Armenian name for moonshine is '''oghee'''. The production of ''oghee'' is widespread in Armenia. White [[mulberry]], grape, [[cornelian cherry]], plum, and [[apricot]] moonshine are especially popular, particularly in the countryside. The Arabic word ''Araq'' (Arak) is derived from the Sanskrit word Ark (or Urk, where the sound of U is as in BUT), which means ''distillate''. ===Australia=== Distillation of alcohol requires an excise license in Australia. The sale of stills and other distilling equipment, including yeasts, flavourings, and other ingredients specific to distillation, is legal.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110830172242/http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?doc=%2Fcontent%2F66216.htm&page=2&H2=&pc=001%2F003%2F043%2F003%2F004&mnu=12124&mfp=001&st=&cy=1 Frequently asked questions for distillation equipment (stills)]. ato.gov.au</ref> After World War II, there was large-scale immigration from Italy, with many of the immigrants settling in irrigation areas with orchards and grapevines. Many of the immigrants made wine for their own use, which was perfectly legal. However, some of them gathered and fermented leftover grape skins, seeds and stems to distill homemade grappa. Because of the woody seeds and stems, the raw liquor held substantial methanol; and there were occasional incidents of poisoning, sometimes at large parties, by distillers who didn't discard the head (the first portion of their condensate). Thus, the widespread deaths meant home-distillation has greatly decreased with later generations, and farm consolidation. ===Bosnia and Herzegovina=== In Bosnia, home distillation of ''plum [[rakia]]''/''[[šljivovica]]'' is common (plum = šljiva). Bosnians have a long tradition of making plum rakia and it is often made by individuals, with some brands exceeding 60% of alcohol. ===Brazil=== Brazil has a long tradition of home distilling, especially in rural areas. Artisanal liquors (especially [[cachaça]] made on small farms) tend to be of good quality and are prized by collectors. One form that can be qualified as moonshine is known as "[[:pt:Maria-louca|Maria Louca]]" ("Crazy Mary"). This is [[aguardente]], made in jails by inmates. It can be made from many cereals, ranging from beans to rice or whatever can be converted into alcohol, be it fruit peels or candy, using improvised and illegal equipment. ===Bulgaria=== The national spirit in Bulgaria is called "[[rakia]]" [ракия]. It is usually made from grapes, but other fruits are used as well, such as plum ([[Slivovica]]), apricot, apple, pear, raspberry, or peach. Rakia is the most popular drink in Bulgaria along with wine. Like wine, it is often produced by villagers, either in a community owned (public) still, or in simpler devices at home. Homemade rakia is considered of better quality and "safer" than rakia made in factories, since there were, especially during the 1990s, many counterfeit products on sale. By tradition, distilling a certain amount of rakia for home use has been free of taxes. In connection with Bulgaria joining the European Union in 2007, there were government decisions to raise taxes on homemade spirits. This led to protests in late 2006 and early 2007. With respect to local traditions, there is little risk that makers will actually have to pay the new taxes. In Bulgarian tradition, drinking rakia is accompanied by eating little dishes (called [[meze]] [мезе]), usually some kind of salad, e.g., [[Shopska salad]]. Rakia also has many uses as a folk medicine. ===Burma=== [[Burma (Myanmar)]] has several forms of moonshine. Although it is illegal, moonshine has majority share of the alcohol market especially in rural areas of the country. In the countryside, moonshine shares the alcohol market with what some call [[palm wine]]. ===Cameroon=== Arki odongtol or mfofo is the Cameroon moonshine. It has an alcohol content of 80%. ===Canada=== The common names in Canada for home-made alcohol are shine (bagosse<ref>[http://www.demelerlespinceaux.ca/fresque/prohibition/bagosse-en Bagosse definition] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106224210/http://www.demelerlespinceaux.ca/fresque/prohibition/bagosse-en |date=6 January 2014 }} in "Unraveling the fresco", Historical Society of Madawaska, Canada. (accessed 2013-02-15)</ref> in [[French language|French]]) or screech (which usually refers to a rum rather than a whiskey) in Newfoundland; in Manitoba, the term home-brew is also common. Two legal products that are marketed as shine or screech are Myriad View Artisan Distillery Strait Shine<ref>[http://www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdmrks/srch/vwTrdmrk.do?lang=eng&status=OK&fileNumber=1354313&extension=0&startingDocumentIndexOnPage=1 Trademark registration THE MYRIAD VIEW ARTISAN DISTILLERY STRAIT SHINE AN ISLAND TRADITION MOLASSES SPIRIT ESPRIT DE MÉLASSE 2006]. Cipo.ic.gc.ca. Retrieved on 2015-10-27.</ref> and [[Newfoundland Screech]]. ===Colombia=== In Colombia moonshine is called "Tapetusa" or "Chirrinchi" and is illegal. However, it is quite popular in some regions and has been traditional for hundreds of years. The cost of tapetusa is a fraction of the heavily taxed legal alcoholic beverages. The [[Indigenous peoples|aborigines]] used to make their own version of alcoholic drink called "[[Chicha]]" before the arrival of Europeans. Chicha is usually made of corn, which is chewed and spat in an earthen container that was then buried for some time (weeks). The latter is a special kind of alcoholic beverage, and similar to that made by Chilean Indians (Mapuches), but in Chile a legal version of Chicha, made of fermented apples, is sold in September. In the Caribbean coast there is a moonshine called "Cococho", an [[Aguardiente]] famous for the number of blindness cases due to the addition of [[methanol]]. On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the Wayuu tribe produces ''chirrinche'' for local consumption and trade with tourists. Chirrinche is very strong, and often produces a severe hangover.{{Citation needed|date=April 2007}} ===Costa Rica=== In Costa Rica it's called ''Guaro de Contrabando'', which means ''counterfeit liquor''. Also known as ''chirrite'', it can be made from any kind of fermented fruit from "manzana de agua" (Malay (rose) apple) to pineapple. ===Croatia=== The tradition in Croatia is similar to Bosnia, and it is also called "rakija" or "brlja" and it's made of various fruits. Each fruit has its own quality. Most common fruit for producing "rakija" is [[plum]], because of its high percent of fruit sugar which should be better than industrial sugar, since the final product should contain no methanol. It can also be made from wine and grapes, when it is called "Lozovača". In some parts of Croatia herbs are put into "Lozovača", which they call "Travarica" and it is said that it could heal stomach pains and various diseases. This kind of brandy production is very common in the Croatian culture and was fully legal before Croatia's accession to the EU on 1 July 2013 when certain restrictions were imposed. ===Cuba=== In Cuba, ''gualfarina'' or ''gualfara'' is a type of moonshine which is made at homes illegally. Its main ingredients are sugar and yeast, and its flavor is not pleasant. In the production of gualfarina, most people use the same alcohol used in hospitals to cure wounds, etc. The term "gualfarina" is thought by many to come from the word warfarina ([[warfarin]] in English), an anticoagulant.{{Citation needed|date=April 2014}} ===Cyprus=== In Cyprus a traditional drink is made from distilling grapes, known as [[zivania]]. ===Czech Republic=== The staple Czech liquor is traditionally made from distilling [[plum]]s and is known as '[[slivovice]]' (pronounced "slivovitze"), or 'meruňkovice', made from [[apricot]]s. Traditionally produced in garages and cellars, nowadays it is also produced by specialist distillers. It is found especially in the region of [[Moravia]] and is popular at celebrations, including weddings. Czech distillers also offer a service to distill your own fruit mash for you, but they charge heavily, on top of the taxes. The Czech slang term for this type of informally produced alcohol is "pálenka." ===Democratic Republic of the Congo=== [[File:Lotoko still by Francis Hannaway.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Lotoko]]'' being made from maize, in a still improvised from an oil drum. – [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]]] Home-made corn or cassava-based whiskey is known as ''[[lotoko]]'' in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DRC]]. Lotoko is usually made from maize, but sometimes made from [[cassava]], or [[Plantain (cooking)|plantain]]. Heads of corn are cut up and boiled into a mash which is then fermented and distilled using improvised stills made from cut-down oil drums. Because of the woody core of the cobs of corn, the alcohol produced contains high levels of [[methanol]] which is toxic. Although it is officially banned, because of its high alcohol content (over 50%), its production is widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lotoko made from cassava or plantains doesn't carry the same methanol risk. {{Clear}} ===Denmark=== In Denmark, moonshine is referred to as '''hjemmebrændt''' (lit.: ''home burnt'', that is home distilled). In Denmark an excise license is required to manufacture spirits above 14%. The penalty for illegal manufacture of spirits is a large fine or prison and confiscation of the spirit-making equipment. Even the possession or manufacturing of moonshine equipment is a criminal act. Importing any equipment that can be used for spirit distillation is supposed to be reported to the authorities. ===Dominican Republic=== In the Dominican Republic, moonshine is called ''cleren'' in the towns near the border with Haiti and ''pitrinche'' in the eastern towns. It is made from sugar or fermented sugar cane. Its production is illegal but the law is rarely enforced. Another form is ''berunte'', fermented from either corn (which is the most common), rice, melon, pineapple or wheat. ===Ecuador=== In Ecuador, moonshine is often distilled from [[sugarcane]], and referred to as '''Puro''', Spanish for pure, or '''trago''' from the Spanish verb ''tragar'', to swallow. Some people refer to it as '''Puntas''' (Tips) It is also known as "fuerte" or strong. It is often put in glass containers with fruits. A popular preparation mixes the alcohol with sugar cane juice and lemon juice. ===England=== In [[England]] an excise licence is required to manufacture spirits by any means. The penalty for "moonshine" (=illegal manufactured spirits) is a fine of up to £1,000 and confiscation of the spirit-making equipment. ===Estonia=== In Estonia moonshine is referred to as '''puskar''', '''samagonn''', '''samakas''' or '''metsakohin''' and is usually made from potatoes or rye. ===Finland===<!-- This section is linked from [[Cuisine of Finland]] --> Finnish moonshine, '''pontikka''', is home-made [[vodka]], usually made from any fermentable [[carbohydrates]], most commonly grain, sugar or potato, made into [[kilju]] and distilled, ideally three times (''kolmasti kirkastettu''). It is said that the name '''pontikka''' came about due to the poor quality French wine from [[Pontacq]]. Other names are '''ponu''' (an abbreviation of pontikka), '''ponantsa''' (a pun on ''[[Bonanza]]''), '''kotipolttoinen''' (home-burnt), '''tuliliemi''' (fire sauce), '''korpiroju''' (wildwood junk), or '''korpikuusen kyyneleet''' (tears of wildwood spruce) as stills often are located in remote locations. In Finland Swedish, the most common term is '''moscha''', deriving from English "moonshine", as the term was first used by emigrants who had returned home from America.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}} Home distillation was forbidden in 1866, but it was nevertheless widely practiced. Moonshining was boosted by [[prohibition in Finland]] in 1919–32, but even though alcohol was legalized, high excise taxes were still levied on it and various restrictions were in place. However, in recent years, the structural change of the rural Finland, the changes in Finnish alcohol politics due to EU membership, the rise of living standards and the availability of cheaper legal liquors, caused by lowering the excise taxes and abolishment of specific import restrictions from Estonia, have made making pontikka a rarity, and it is no longer considered a serious policy issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iltalehti.fi/ruoka/2011072614114176_ru.shtml |title=Pontikankeitto on loppunut lähes kokonaan &#124; Ruoka |publisher=Iltalehti.fi |date=1 May 2012 |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref> Unlicensed moonshining is technically illegal in Finland, but it is often considered a challenge or hobby. In practice prosecution follows only if the authorities become aware that the product is being sold. Most Finnish moonshiners use simple [[pot still]]s and [[Flash evaporation|flash distillation]]. Some have constructed sophisticated [[reflux]] or rock stills for [[fractional distillation]], containing plate columns or [[fractionating column|packed columns]], with reflux filling components of [[Raschig ring]]s, crushed glass, nuts, glass pellets or steel wool. The city of [[Kitee]] is the most famous Finnish "moonshine-city". Although by definition illegal, drinks produced by the same process are legally available: a brand of vodka called "Kiteen kirkas" ("Kitee's Clear") is available commercially<ref>https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-7393911</ref> and Helsinki Distilling Company also produces "[[sea-buckthorn]] pontikka".<ref>https://www.city.fi/kulttuuri/maailman+paras+snapsi+tulee+suomesta/11220</ref> === France === '''Eau de vie''', '''gnôle''', '''goutte''', '''lambic''', '''fine''', or more generically the simple name of the fruit they were distilled from – '''poire''' (''Pear''), '''prune''' (''Plum''), '''mirabelle''' (''[[Mirabelle Plum|Mirabelle]]'') – there is a wide variety of terms in French to speak of strong alcohols, which also reflects the wide variety of recipes and ingredients available to make them. There are strong local traditions depending on the provinces: '''lambic''' or '''calvados''' is distillated from cider in [[Brittany]] and [[Normandy]], '''mirabelle''', '''prune''', and '''kirsch''' are mainly produced in the East ([[Alsace]], [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine]], [[Bourgogne]], [[Champagne, France|Champagne]]), and every wine-producing region has, to some extent, a tradition of making brandy, the most famous being [[Cognac (drink)|Cognac]] and [[Armagnac (drink)|Armagnac]]. Unlicensed moonshining was tolerated in France up to the late 1950s. Since 1959 the right can no longer be transferred to descendants, and only a few ''{{Interlanguage link multi|bouilleur de cru|fr}}'' are still exercising their right. Owning a registered fruit orchard or a vineyard still gives the right to have the production distilled, but is no longer free, and a licensed distiller must be utilized. The excise amounts to 7.50 € per litre of pure alcohol for the first 10 litres, and 14.50 € per litre above that limit. === Georgia === In Georgia the traditional grape moonshine is called [[chacha (liquor)|chacha]]. Recently, with modernized distilling and aging technology, chacha is promoted as "Georgian brandy" or "Georgian vodka", and is compared to [[grappa]]. ===Germany=== In Germany, moonshine is called ''Schwarzgebrannter''. The term is very often translated "black burned" since the word ''schwarz'' means black, but in this case schwarz means illegal (as in [[black market]]). A more accurate translation is "illegally distilled liquor". Generally, home-distillation of alcohol is illegal in Germany, but there are exceptions. Ownership and use of very small stills up to {{convert|500|ml}} capacity is legal. Such stills are only used by hobbyists, and the products of them are not available on the black market. The ownership of larger stills must be reported to fiscal authorities, otherwise it is illegal, and the use of these stills requires a licence. The German market for moonshine is limited, in part because legal alcohol is inexpensive, compared to most European countries and in part because controls are generally effective. German home-distilled alcohol is in most cases a type of traditional German [[schnapps]], often a type of fruit brandy. There are many legal and often very small distilleries in Germany. Most of these small distilleries are located in [[Southern Germany]], located on farms and are home-distilleries. These producers of distilled beverages are called ''abfindungsbrennerei'' and the operation of these small distilleries requires a special type of licence. The number of such licences is limited and it is difficult to obtain one, since in most cases all licences are in use. An abfindungsbrennerei is only allowed to produce a limited amount of pure alcohol per year and the operation of the still is limited to some months of the year. There are tight controls of these limitations. The products of an abfindungsbrennerei, though in many cases home-distilled, are not considered schwarzgebrannter, since they are taxed and legal. ===Ghana=== Ghanaian moonshine is referred to as ''[[akpeteshie]]'', and is distilled from palm wine, or juice from the sugar cane. It is also at times referred to as ''apio'' or simply ''hot drink''. === Greece === Greek moonshine is known as [[tsipouro]] (Greek: τσίπουρο) or raki (Greek: ρακή). In the island of [[Crete]] it is also known as raki (Greek: ρακή) or [[tsikoudia]] (Greek: τσικουδιά). It is usually made from pomace grapes. The best quality of raki (Greek: ρακή) is made from grape berries. There is also [[anise]]-flavored [[tsipouro]], usually made in [[Thessaly]] (Tsipouro Tyrnavou) and also tsipouro (Greek: τσίπουρο) made from [[Greek Strawberry Tree]] berries (Greek: κουμαριά), usually made in [[Northern Epirus]]. There are legal commercial distilleries, but private stills are quite common, particularly in rural areas. Home distilled products are generally produced in limited quantities, for the distiller's personal use and for gifts to friends and family—many of whom are often present during the distillation process. Home distilled products are not in direct competition with commercial products, since moonshine is generally not sold or consumed in public places. === Guatemala === The broadest term for Guatemalan moonshine is '''cusha'''. It is popular in large regions of the countryside, where it is made by fermenting fruits, particularly for Mayan festivities. If forbidden, nobody is prosecuting its manufacture. Cusha is also a valuable for shamans, who consume it during cleansing ceremonies and spit on their "patients" with it. ===Haiti=== In Haiti moonshine is called ''[[clairin]]''. It is made from sugar or fermented sugar cane. ===Honduras=== In Honduras, moonshine is commonly called [[Guaro (drink)|guaro]]. It is normally distilled from sugarcane. In small towns, it is often sold out of the home by the producer. In cities and larger towns you can find it where other liquors are sold, usually in plastic bottles with labels of local producers. === Hungary === Hungarian moonshine is called '''házipálinka''' (''[[pálinka]]'' is a spirit, ''házi'' means 'homemade'). It is mostly made in rural areas where the ingredients, usually fruit, are readily available. In modern times, home destillation was illegal (since medieval time, it was a privilege of the nobility), as it constituted a tax fraud if not carried out at a licensed distillery, however it was, and is quite widespread. Since 2010,<ref>{{cite web|title=regulations on domestic production of pálinka|url=http://www.palinkafozes.com/palinkafozes-otthon-torveny/|website=palinkafozes.com|accessdate=20 November 2016}}</ref> it is legal to produce small portions (up to 86 liters 42% ABV per year per person) házipálinka for personal use (ie. to be consumed by "the distiller, their family and guests") for a small, yearly fee. Community distilleries also exist, operated by one or more villages, to make maintaining the equipment profitable (in case of rented distill-time, however, the personal quota is 50 liters). Because the ingredients are usually of good quality, and the equipment used (while possibly old and obsolete) is designed for this purpose, the quality of these spirits is usually higher than most of the other moonshine varieties; however, expertise is still required and brewing good-quality pálinka is usually a source of prestige in communities, thus making most of the moonshiners adhere to the strict rules defining pálinka. Because of this, házipálinka-induced methanol poisoning is exceptionally rare when compared to other moonshines. === Iceland === Icelandic moonshine (Landi) is distilled gambri or landabrugg.<ref>[http://www.ma.is/kenn/svp/greinar/muninn02.asp ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041223045359/http://www.ma.is/kenn/svp/greinar/muninn02.asp |date=23 December 2004 }}</ref> It is largely made by hobbyists due to high liquor taxes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.althingi.is/altext/128/s/0510.html |title=http |publisher=//www.althingi.is |date=28 November 2002 |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref> but used to be a prolific business during the prohibition.<ref>[[:is:Bannárin|Bann A1rin]]</ref> Due to the lack of natural cover and harsh weather conditions, most "moonshining" activity occurs indoors in a controlled environment. Although potatoes are the most common constituent of Icelandic moonshine, any carbohydrate can be used, including stale bread. Landi is often consumed by people who cannot buy alcohol, either due to their young age or distance from the nearest alcohol store.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} === India === Locally produced moonshine is known in India as [[tharra]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Sharma|first=Sanjeev|title=Study on Seed Germination and Growth Behavior of Brinjal Solanum melongena var. BR 112 in Admiration to Effect of CML (Country Made Liquor)|url=http://free-journal.umm.ac.id/files/file/19_2606_ns0805_163_166.pdf|accessdate=20 October 2014|author2=Kapil Sharma|format=PDF|year=2010}}</ref> It is made by fermenting the mash of sugar cane pulp in large spherical containers made from waterproof [[ceramic]] ([[terra cotta]]). In South India, moonshine is any alcoholic drink not made in distilleries. [[Palm wine|Toddy]] and [[Arrack (drink)|arrack]] are not synonyms or Indian names for moonshine liquor. Toddy(or taddy) is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees, and arrack refers to strong spirits made traditionally from fermented fruit juices, and the sap of the palm tree. In the Indian state of [[Goa]], a locally produced [[cashew]] flavored drink [[Feni liquor|Feni]] is popular among locals and the tourists. There are frequent deaths associated with consumption of unsafe liquors in India, such as the Hooch tragedy in West Bengal in December 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gSqjJNShnG21YMiKCAcsZ6pWBToA?docId=CNG.3a56092a8cb8a41cbc9312e2588e3deb.3d1 |title=AFP: Death toll from India toxic liquor rises to 170 |publisher=Google |date=15 December 2011 |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref> ===Indonesia=== [[Arrack (drink)|Arrack]] is commonly produced as moonshine, as thus has resulted in deaths from contaminants. ===Iran=== [[Arak (distilled beverage)|Arak]] (especially [[Aragh Sagi]]) made from various kinds of fruit based liqueurs as well as from wine is commonly produced as moonshine. Its underground production practices have resulted in deaths from contaminants. Also because of the danger of carrying Arak in Iran (as a forbidden drink in Islam) or simply the difficulty of finding it, some use pure [[Ethanol]] made for chemical uses which increases the chance of alcohol poisoning. ===Ireland=== {{Wiktionary|poteen}} Grain or potato based moonshine made illegally in Ireland is called [[poitín]], or poteen. The term is a diminutive of the word ''pota'' ' a pot'. As elsewhere, poteen is the basis for extensive folklore with crafty hillsmen pitted against the "excise men" as in the song [[The Hackler from Grouse Hall]]. In the past, the wisp of smoke on an isolated hillside was what gave the poteen-maker away: in modern times this risk was removed by the use of bottled gas to fire the clandestine still. ===Italy=== Clandestine distillation of alcohol typically from grapes which is called [[grappa]] was common in the once poor north eastern part of Italy, which still produces some of the finest grappa in the country but with tighter control over the supply of distillation equipment its popularity has slumped. However, distillation of grappa still continues in the rural areas of Italy especially in the south where control over distilling equipment is not as rigid. Typically, families produce small quantities for their own consumption and for gifts to others. Nowadays, the supply of production equipment larger than three litres is controlled, and anything smaller must bear a sign stating that moonshine production is illegal.<ref>"[http://www.enotecnochimica.it/doc01/DECRETO%2027%20MARZO%202001.htm Supplemento ordinario n° 95/L] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915110307/http://www.enotecnochimica.it/doc01/DECRETO%2027%20MARZO%202001.htm |date=15 September 2010 }}", Ministero delle Finanze, 27 April 2001.</ref> On the island of [[Sardinia]], one can still find local varieties of [[grappa]] which are dubbed '[[filuferru]]', the local pronunciation for 'iron-thread'; this peculiar name comes from the fact that grappa jugs and bottles were buried to hide them from authorities with iron-thread tied to them for later retrieval. Legal production occurs both by large-scale industrial producers as well as small producers who still use the traditional (formerly illegal) methods. ===Kenya=== Illegally distilled alcohol is widely made in Kenya, known as "[[Changaa]]", "[[Kumi kumi]]" or "Kill me quick". It is mostly made from maize and produced with crude stills made from old oil drums. It has been known to cause blindness and death. This may be caused by unscrupulous adulteration by sellers who want to give the beverage more 'kick', for example, adding battery acid. It may be caused by impure distillation. Because use is so widespread in Kenya the government has little control and has considered legalization to avert deaths. ===Laos=== In Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic) the home distillation of spirits is technically illegal, although this law is rarely enforced. 'Lao Lao' is the name given to home-produced liquor, and it is drunk openly especially in rural areas, with many small villages operating a communal still. Usually brewed from rice, it varies from well produced, smooth tasting liquor to very rough spirits with many impurities. ===Latvia=== In Latvia, moonshine "kandža" (45–55% vol) is generally made from sugar, sometimes from potatoes or also grains. The brewing kettle commonly is an old aluminum milk-can (approximately 40l). Normally sugar, [[baker's yeast]] and water is fermented for few weeks and then distilled with help of gas-burner or wood-cooker. Brewing of "kandža" is illegal; however, in reality as long as it is used for own consumption (not for sale) there are no problems with authorities. ===Lithuania=== The Lithuanian name for moonshine is '''naminė degtinė''' or in short '''naminė''' or '''naminukė''' (''naminė'' means 'homemade'); also the word '''samagonas''' (from Russian ''samogon'') is often used. Quite often '''samagonas''' is shorted to '''samanė''' which connotates with the word ''samanos'' (means 'moss') as usually Lithuanian moonshine is made illegally, thus hiding in the woods. Moonshine "Samanė" (i.e. named after common name) is made from triticale grain in [[Dzūkija]] region. The fermented mash (''broga'' in Lithuanian) is held in stainless steel reservoir and distilled twice what determines its strength of 50–90% vol and specific aroma. === Macedonia === In Macedonia moonshine is not only legal, but is also the liquor of choice, where it is called ракија (rakija). Typically, the moonshine is made out of grapes, which are the leftovers from the production of wine, but also made from plums ([[Slivovica]]). Moonshine is highly popular because it is commonly used for medicinal purposes. This process usually uses diluted moonshine with caramelised sugar, and the liquor is then boiled and consumed while still hot. ===Malawi=== In Malawi moonshine is commonly brewed and distilled by women in townships and villages. Known as "kachasu" or "Jang'ala" in Chichewa, various sources of starch may be used including potatoes, sugar cane or maize. Although technically illegal, there is no social stigma attached to moderate consumption. ===Malaysia=== In the state of [[Sarawak]], moonshine is called Langkau, meaning 'hut' in the Iban language, which is where people cook them (illegally). Langkau is made from fermented rice wine (tuak) and cooked in a barrel with a little house hanging off the top of the barrel. Some rural folks like to drink 'Langkau' at festivals and during leisure hours. In Sabah, a drink similar to 'Langkau' is called 'Montoku'. ===Mexico=== Mexico has a variety of home-made alcohol based on sugar cane or agave. The most common name for sugar-cane based moonshine is 'win' in the central Mexican states or '[[charanda]]' in Michoacan in the west coast. Agave-based distilled beverages are generally named '[[mezcal]]'. However, depending on the region, it can take the names of '[[tequila]]', '[[sotol]]', or '[[bacanora]]'. ===Nepal=== Nepal has an indigenous liquor ''[[raksi]]'' ({{lang-ne|राक्सी}}) that is distilled illegally at home as well as legally in rustic distilleries. The legal product is usually made from fruit since there are statutes against diverting grain away from human consumption. Distilled liquor made from grain may also be called ''daru'' or ''double-daru'' if distilled twice. Legal raksi is seldom aged; usually quite harsh to the taste. Illegal daru may be smoother, or it can be poisonous if improperly prepared. It is not uncommon for Nepalese to tell outsiders that the concoction does not exist. The Nepalese sometimes add rakshi to hot tea, calling the mixture ‘Jungle Tea’. ===New Zealand=== New Zealand is one of the few [[Western culture|western societies]] where home distillation is legal for personal consumption but not for private sale. In New Zealand, stills and instruction in their use are sold openly. Hokonui Moonshine was produced in Southland by early settlers whose (then) illegal distilling activities gained legendary status, see [[Hokonui Hills]]. ''Hokonui Moonshine'' is now produced legally and commercially by the Southern Distilling Company which has recently started to export it. ===Nicaragua=== In the country of Nicaragua, home distilled spirits are called "Cususa". [koo-soo'-sah] Cususa is made of corn and "dulce de tapa" (dried sugarcane molasses) or just plain sugar. It is distilled by means of a cold bowl of water (porra) placed over a metal drum full of the fermented corn. A tube channels the condensation to a bottle. ===Nigeria=== In Nigeria, home based brewing is illegal. Moonshine is variously called '[[ogogoro]]', 'kai-kai', 'kainkain', 'Abua first eleven', 'agbagba', 'akpeteshi', 'aka mere', 'push me, I push you', 'koo koo juice', 'crazy man in the bottle', or '[[Sapele, Nigeria|Sapele]] water' (particularly in Delta State), depending on locality. Several companies produce moonshine legally as 'Gin' examples include Orijin, Schnapps, Chelsea Dry Gin etc. Following the addition of other herbal substances the product may be referred to as "man powa".{{Citation needed|date=January 2014}} ===Norway=== Due to the very high taxation of alcohol, moonshine production—primarily from potatoes and sugar—remains a popular, albeit illegal, activity in most parts of the country. {{Citation needed|reason=No ource on claim|date=October 2016}} Moonshining occurs in the Mid- and North-Norwegian regions in particular and rural areas in general. Norwegian moonshine is called "hjemmebrent" or "heimebrent" (which translates into English as "home-burnt"), sometimes also "heimkok"/"himkok" (meaning "home-cooked") or "heimert"/"himert" (slang), "blank vara" or "blank fløte" (meaning "clear stuff" or "clear cream") and the mash is called "sats". In rural parts of eastern Norway, it is also referred to as "ni-seks"(meaning "nine-six", referring to the alcohol content, 96% ABV) as a common moonshine variant is rectified spirits from potatoes. In the county of [[Telemark]] mash is also referred to as "bæs". A more contemporary name is "sputnik" after the Soviet satellites, a joke that the liquor's strength could send one into orbit. In the old days on [[Finnskogen]] they called the mash Skogens vin ("Wine of the forest"), a name used by poorer people without access to distilling equipment. When talking to foreigners, some Norwegians use the term "something local" about their moonshine. In Norway, moonshine is commonly mixed with coffee, and sometimes a spoon of sugar. This drink is known as [[karsk]], and has a special tie to the mid- and north-Norwegian regions, but is also enjoyed elsewhere. A common joke is that the traditional mixture was made by brewing the strongest, blackest coffee possible, then putting a 5 Øre piece (a copper coin of size and color of a pre-decimalization English penny, no longer in circulation) in a cup. Add coffee to the cup until the coin can no longer be seen, then add hjemmebrent, straight from the still until the coin can again be seen. Apple juice is also a common beverage for mixing, as it is said to "kill the taste" of bad moonshine. While brewing is permitted in Norway, distillation is not. Possession of equipment capable of distilling is also illegal.<ref>http://www.norgeslover.no</ref> ===Pakistan=== Alcohol is strictly licensed or otherwise illegal in Pakistan. However unregulated production in rural areas thrives. Products include [[tharra]] and its variants including what is ironically known as "[[Hunza (princely state)|Hunza]] water" and rudimentary beers made from [[barley]], rye and other grain mixtures. Some [[brandy]] is also produced in the north where fruit is more readily available. [[Methanol]] contamination is a serious problem in some regions. ===Panama=== In the faraway rural areas of Panama, the illegal beverage is known as "chirrisco" or "chicha fuerte", and is highly persecuted by the law, as it is a public health concern. It is often made out of any kind of fruit but is especially brewed from rice or corn. Unscrupulous or ignorant distillers often add car battery acid or toxic chemicals to increase potency, thereby leading to poisoning and severe health problems. In fact, discarded herbicide containers are used to store chirrisco. Sweet cane liquor also is very famous and highly against the law, mainly made and consumed on Azuero's peninsula area, it is known as "guarapo". It is fermented buried into the ground for around a year then distilled up to 3 times. This is a tradition well known by a few Spanish descendant from the peninsula passed down from generations. {{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} ===Peru=== Peru is one of the few countries where moonshine is completely legal. The production and sale of homemade alcoholic drinks is entirely unregulated and their consumption is common in daily meals. [[Pisco]] is one of the most common alcoholic drinks in Peru, although different types of [[chicha]], with their generally low alcohol content, are the most popular alcoholic drinks in the country, with regional variations common in all areas. Even small children enjoy chicha as commonly as children in other countries may drink juice. This is especially true of the non-alcoholic chicha morada (purple chicha), loved by both children and adults. The low alcohol content rarely causes drunkenness or [[physical dependence|dependence]], even in small children. Chicha was also consumed by the ancient Peruvians, before the [[Inca]]s' empire; it was apparently consumed by [[Chavín culture|Chavin]] De Huantar, one of the first cultures in Peru. ===Philippines=== [[Arrack#Coconut arrack|Lambanog]] is distilled from the sap either of the coconut flower or of the nipa palm fruit. Commercial versions—usually 80 to 90 proof—are widely available, but homemade lambanog can be found in the coconut-producing regions of the country. ===Poland===<!-- This section is linked from [[Bimber]] --> [[File:Łacka Śliwowica.jpg|thumb|100px|Bottle of '''[[Łącka Śliwowica]]''']] {{See also|Siwucha}} The Polish name for moonshine is '''bimber'''; although the word '''samogon''' (from Russian) is also used. Far less common is the word '''księżycówka''', which is roughly equivalent to "moonshine", being a nominal derivation from the word ''księżyc'', "moon". The tradition of producing moonshine might be traced back to the [[Middle Ages]] when tavern owners manufactured vodka for local sale from grain and fruit. Later, other means were adopted, particularly those based on fermentation of sugar by yeast. Some of the moonshine is also made from distilling plums and is known under the name of '''[[slivovitz|śliwowica]]'''. The plum moonshine made in area of [[Łącko, Lesser Poland Voivodeship|Łącko]] (Southern Poland) called '''[[Łącka Śliwowica]]''' gained nationwide fame, with tourists travelling long distances to buy one or two bottles of this strong liquor. Because of the [[Geography of Poland|climate]] and density of the population, most of the activity occurred indoors. In Poland, the simplest recipe for producing moonshine by fermentation of [[yeast]] with the use of '''1''' kilogram of sugar, '''4''' liters of water, and '''10''' dag (= 100 g) of [[yeast]] is jokingly abbreviated as '''1410''' – the year of the [[Battle of Grunwald]], the most famous victory of the [[ Kingdom of Poland (1385–1569)|Kingdom of Poland]], the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]] and their allies over the Knights of the [[Teutonic Order]] in the [[Middle Ages]]. It is illegal to manufacture moonshine in Poland, as confirmed by the [[Supreme Court of Poland|Supreme Court’s]] ruling of 30 November 2004. Selling home-made alcohol is also a tax offence as there is an [[excise]] imposed on sale of alcohol, and there is no provision for those manufacturing alcohol illegally to pay this duty if they want to. In reality the law is not consistently enforced, an example being the authorities' toleration of the large-scale manufacture and sale of Śliwowica Łącka. The small sets for home distillation can also be easily purchased in any chemical glass shop with no control whatsoever. ===Portugal=== In Portugal the most common type of moonshine is a drink commonly named bagaço. The word refers to [[bagasse]], the mash of grape skins and stems left over from the production of wine, which is distilled to produce this spirit that bears the same name. When aged in oak casks, it acquires an orange color, similar to whisky, and enhanced flavour. This is called bagaceira. In the Algarve, ''[[Arbutus unedo]]'' is endemic, and its fruit ferments on its own while still on the tree. A drink is made from it called [[medronho]]. ===Puerto Rico=== The common Puerto Rican term for moonshine rum is '''[[pitorro]]''', from the [[Andalucia|Andalusian]] term "pintorro", given to a white wine (or rum, near the rum-producing sugar cane fields of [[Málaga]]) of inferior quality which has some grape (in the case of the wine) or molasses (in the case of rum) coloring in it. === Romania === In Romania, plum [[brandy]] is called [[țuică]] (tzuika), rachiu (raki) or palincă ([[palinka]]), depending on the region in which it is produced. It is prepared by many people in rural areas, using traditional methods, both for private consumption and for sale. Production is subject to government inspection, for purposes of levying the alcohol tax; undeclared distilleries, even for personal use, are illegal.<ref>[http://www.cdep.ro/pls/legis/legis_pck.htp_act_text?idt=52436 Law 571/2003 (Fiscal Code)]. Cdep.ro. Retrieved on 2015-10-27.</ref> Some [[țuică]] is sold in markets or fairs; it is also commonly sold on the side of the road, especially in autumn, after harvest season. === Russia === The Russian name for any homemade distilled alcoholic beverage is called '''samogon''' (ru: [[:ru:Самогон|'''самого́н''']]), meaning "self-distilled", literally "self-ran"; (гнать - gnat' is the Russian word for making someone run; -gon is derived from). Historically, it was made from malted grain (and therefore similar to whisky), but this method is relatively rare nowadays, due to increased availability of more convenient base ingredients, such as table sugar, which modern ''samogon'' is most often made from. Other common ingredients include beets, potatoes, bread, or various fruit. ''Samogon'' of initial distillation is called '''pervach''' (ru:&nbsp;[[:ru:Первач|'''перва́ч''']]), literally translated as "the first one" – it is known for its high quality (pure alcohol evaporates at the beginning of the process, but impurities do not; over time impurities evaporate as well, thus making the rest of the batch not as clean). The production of samogon is widespread in Russia. Its sale is subject to licensing. Unauthorised sale of samogon is prohibited, however, production for personal consumption has been legal since 1997 in most of the country. Samogon often has a strong repulsive odor, but due to cheap and fast production, and the ability to personalize the flavor of the drink, it is relatively popular. '''Pervach''' is known for having a little or no smell. ''Samogon'' is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country. It directly competes with [[vodka]], which is more expensive (in part due to taxes on distilled alcohol), but contains fewer impurities. A 2002 study found that, among rural households in central Russia, ''samogon'' was the most common alcoholic beverage, its per capita consumption exceeding the consumption of vodka 4.8 to 1. The study estimated that, at the time, it was 4 to 5 times cheaper to manufacture homemade ''samogon'' from sugar than to buy an equivalent quantity of vodka.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://demoscope.ru/weekly/2004/0143/analit01.php |title=Особенности российской модели потребления некоммерческого алкоголя |author=Zaigrayev, G.G. |journal=Социологические исследования |volume=12 |year=2002 |pages = 33–41}}</ref> Since then, the price of vodka has been rising above the rate of inflation. As of 2011, typical cost of production of homemade ''samogon'' is on the order of 30 rubles (approx. 1 USD) per liter,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120426062402/http://samogonochka.ru/news/luchshe.php Самогон лучше водки?]. samogonochka.ru. Retrieved on 2015-10-27.</ref> mainly determined by the price of sugar. The breakeven cost of "economy-class" vodka is 100 rubles/liter, but federal taxes raise retail prices almost threefold, to 280 rubles/liter.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105755/http://www.city-fm.ru/programs/experts/opinion/100426313.html Программы]. city-fm.ru</ref> Possibly due to rising taxes, per capita consumption of vodka in Russia has been falling since 2004. It has been largely replaced with ''samogon'' among marginal classes. Some analysts forecast that the trend will result in increased adoption of ''samogon'' among the middle class, and by 2014, ''samogon'' will overtake vodka as the most common alcoholic beverage nationwide.<ref>[https://www.rbc.ru/society/22/11/2011/5703ef229a79477633d3a436 Россиянам прочат будущее без водки, но с самогоном – Газета РБК]. rbc.ru (2011-11-22). Retrieved on 2018-03-06.</ref> In 2016, it was estimated that the black market share in hard liquor sales in Russia dropped to 50 percent in 2016 from 65 percent in 2015 and sells for about a third of the vodka sold in shops.<ref>http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-12-russia-bootleg-vodka-hangover.html</ref> ===Saudi Arabia=== In Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is prohibited, black-market alcohol, typically distilled from fermented sugar water, is mostly known as "Aragh" ("عرق" in Arabic). 'Sidiki' or 'sid' are also commonly recognized terms. 'Sid' is often produced by fermenting fruit juice and sugar, after distillation it is commonly cut 2–3 parts water : 1 part 'Sid'. {{Citation needed|date=August 2010}} American soldiers, in the American military bases, and South Korean workers in Saudi Arabia create improvised moonshines from water, fruits (lemons and oranges), and yeast.<ref>[http://www.mt.co.kr/view/mtview.php?type=1&no=2010111811064404128&outlink=1 중동 건설근로자 "싸대기(?) 먹고 일해요"] 19 November 2010.</ref> ===Scotland=== Illicitly produced whisky from Scotland is called '''peatreek'''. The term refers to the smoke (or ''reek'') infused in the drink by drying the malted barley over a [[peat]] fire. "Peat Reek" is also the brand name of a legal, commercially available whisky. Production of spirits in Scotland requires the relevant excise licences, as in the rest of the UK. ===Serbia=== [[File:Печење ракије.jpg|thumbs|300px|right|Serbien moonshine destillerie]] Many types of moonshine are produced in Serbia, even though they are almost exclusively fruit-based, made in pot-stills and commonly referred to as '''rakija'''. '''[[Šljivovica]]''' (plum brandy) is the most popular, but brandies based on other fruits, such as '''breskovača''' (peach brandy), '''kajsijevača''' or kajsijara (apricot brandy), '''viljamovka''' (pear brandy) and '''jabukovača''' (apple brandy). Product quality can range from poorly produced low [[alcohol per volume|ABV]] '''brlja''' (cheap raw brandy) to oak barrel aged fine quality rakija that is superior to the bulk of the commercial market. Rakija is readily available on open markets even in the big cities, so finding a producer of quality product is the only real challenge in the process. There has been a scarcity of reports on poisoning, which indicates a high level of product safety derived from a long tradition. While most of it is produced in the farming regions (central and north), moonshine is being produced throughout the country and one would be hard-pressed to find a village without at least one pot still. Rakija is not commonly used for mixing with any other drinks as it is considered a fine beverage on its own, but some people have been known to drink '''beton''' (literally translated as ''concrete''), which is a shot-glass of low quality šljivovica dropped into a glass of beer. Until recently, rakija had the image of a low-class category of drinks, not comparable to foreign imports, such as whiskey or rum. A recent upsurge in nationalism has reintroduced rakija as a connoisseur's drink to the general public and posh bars that stock quality rakija in many varieties have opened up in major cities' clubbing districts. ===Slovakia=== The common term referring to moonshine in Slovakia is ''domáce'', meaning "made at home"; or ''páleno'', which roughly translates as "burned", derived from the process of burning during distillation. A common moonshine in Slovakia is '''[[slivovica]]''', sometimes called ''plum brandy'' in English. It is notorious for its strong but enjoyable smell delivered by [[plums]] from which it is distilled. The typical amount of alcohol is 52% (it may vary between 40–60%). The homemade slivovica is highly esteemed. It is considered a finer quality spirit compared to the industrial products which are usually weaker (around 40%). Nowadays this difference in quality is the primary reason for its production, rather than just the economic issues. A bottle of a good homemade slivovica can be a precious gift, since it cannot be bought. The only way to obtain it is by having parents or friends in rural areas who make it. Slivovica is sometimes used also as a popular medicine to cure the early stages of cold and other minor aches. Though small-scale home production is illegal, the government seems to tolerate it. Several other fruits are used to produce similar homemade spirits, namely pears – '''hruškovica''' and [[Prunus cerasus|wild cherries]] – '''čerešňovica'''. Another common traditional Slovak moonshine is called '''borovička''', distilled from [[juniper|juniper berries]] or [[pine]]. Its flavor, although much stronger, resembles gin and can a reach 50–70% alcohol content. ===Slovenia=== In Slovenia, especially in the western part, moonshine is distilled from fermented grapes remaining from wine production, and sugar if necessary. It is called ''tropinovec'' (tropine, means squeezed half-dried grapes, in the west of the country). Šnops or Žganje, as its otherwise known, is generally distilled from pears, plums and apples. Because it has around 60–70% of alcohol is often mixed with boiled water to make it lighter (vol. 50%). Tropinovec is rarely drunk in large quantities. It is often mixed with fruits (cherries, pears, etc.) to cover the strong odor and taste, or herbs ([[Anise]], [[Wolf's bane]], etc.) for alternative medical treatment. Home distilling is legal in Slovenia. Still owners are obliged to register and pay excise duties (approximately 15 USD for 40–100 l stills and 30 USD for stills larger than 100 l). There were 20,539 registered home distillers in 2005, down from over 28,000 in 2000. ===Solomon Islands=== In the Solomon Islands illegal liquor known as Kwaso is distilled and widely consumed. It is often of low quality and is thought to have caused death, blindness and severe health problems.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kwaso homebrew new scourge of Solomon Islands|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/kwaso-homebrew-new-scourge-of-solomon-islands|accessdate=4 May 2014|newspaper=Radio Australia|date=20 May 2009}}</ref> ===South Africa=== [[File:Witblits-001.jpg|thumb|100px|A small bottle of ''witblits'']] In South Africa moonshine made from fruit (mostly peaches or [[marula]]s) is known as ''mampoer'' (named after the [[Pedi people|Pedi]] chief Mampuru).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/central/groot_marico_mapoer.html|title=Distillation of Mampoer in the Groot Marico|publisher=The North West Parks & Tourism Board|accessdate=27 January 2009}}</ref> The equivalent product made from grapes is called ''[[witblits]]'' (white lightning). Witblits has a long history in the [[Western Cape Province]] (over 200 years) and many producers take pride in their product, which is widely available from liquor stores and at farmer's markets. Most witblits is of a very high quality compared to typical moonshine worldwide and is generally comparable to [[grappa]]. A licence is required to distill alcohol in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.za/regulations/2004/26689/index.html|title=Liquor Act: Regulations|date=17 August 2004|publisher=South African Government Information|accessdate=18 August 2008}}</ref> A limited number of "cultural heritage" small-scale distillers are licensed. ===Spain=== Most of the moonshine in Spain is made as a byproduct of wine making by distilling the squeezed skins of the grapes. The basic product is called [[orujo]] or [[aguardiente]] (burning water). The homemade versions are usually stronger and have a higher alcoholic content, well over the 40% that the commercial versions typically have. Starting with orujo there are a countless number of blends and flavours around. Typically adding herbs, spices or berries or fruits or mixing the moonshine with other distillates. The best-known are probably: ''[[pacharán]]'', [[Coffee liqueur|''licor de café'']] and [[Orujo#Orujo Beverages|''orujo de hierbas'']] (tea mixed with orujo). ===Sri Lanka=== In Sri Lanka, home based brewing is illegal.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tales from the backwoods By Haris Tumpane |url=http://sundaytimes.lk/071028/Plus/plus0009.html |title=Sunday Times Online |publisher=Sundaytimes.lk |date=28 October 2007 |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref> However, this is a lucrative underground business in most parts of the island. Illicit brew is known by many names; 'Kasippu' is the most common and accepted name, 'Heli Arrakku' (archaic term means, Pot-Liquor), 'Kashiya' (which is a pet name derived from more mainstream term Kasippu), 'Vell Beer' (means, beer of the paddy field), 'Katukambi', 'Suduwa' (means, the white substance), 'Galbamuna', 'Gahapan Machan' (means drink it, mate), {{not a typo|vell}} fanta depending on locality. The raw materials used in the production are mainly common white sugar (from [[Sugarcane]]) or local fruits for special brew kasippu manufactured in Sri Lanka, yeast, and [[urea]] as a nitrogen source.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} ===Sudan=== In Sudan, all domestically produced distilled alcoholic beverages can be considered moonshine, on account of a general prohibition of alcohol pursuant to the demands of [[Islamism|Islamists]] for the establishment of [[Sharia]]. Nevertheless, production remains widespread, particularly in rural areas of the country, predominantly in the form of [[araqi (drink)|araqi]], produced from [[Phoenix dactylifera|dates]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8638670.stm|title=Sudan's date-gin brewers thrive despite Sharia |work=BBC News | date=29 April 2010}}</ref> ===Sweden=== {{Further information|Alcohol in Sweden}} Moonshine is in Sweden known as ''hembränt'' in Swedish (literally "home burnt") with common nicknames like ''HB'' and ''skogsstjärnan'' ("the forest star") or humorous names like ''garagenkorva'' (a pun from "garage" and "[[Koskenkorva]]") and ''Folksprit'' (booze of the people). As the desired product is a neutral spirit (resembling vodka), the "mash" is typically a mix of sugar and yeast in water which gets a simple distillation followed by filtration in activated charcoal after being diluted to 30%–50% ABV as higher strengths lessens the efficiency of the filtering. Sometimes [[freeze distillation]] is used to make apple brandy or other drinks with lower alcohol content. Unlicensed manufacture, transfer and possession of distilled alcohol is illegal in Sweden, as is the manufacture, transfer and possession of stills or parts of stills intended for unlicensed manufacture of alcohol. The manufacture, transfer and possession of mash intended for this purpose is also illegal.<ref>[http://www.riksdagen.se/webbnav/index.aspx?nid=3911&bet=1994:1738 Alkohollag (1994:1738)]. Riksdagen.se. Retrieved on 2015-10-27.</ref> Due to relaxed import regulation since 2005, business has declined. Moonshine is most socially accepted in the countryside, where it's produced for own consumption rather than for sale. ===Switzerland=== In Switzerland, [[absinthe]] was banned in 1910, but underground distillation continued throughout the 20th century. The Swiss constitutional ban on absinthe was repealed in 2000 during a general overhaul of the national constitution, but the prohibition was written into ordinary law instead. Later that law was also repealed, so from 1 March 2005, absinthe is again legal in its country of origin, after nearly a century of prohibition.<ref>Elaine Sciolino, "[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/11/04/MNGQD9LM621.DTL Long absent, absinthe to become legal in its native Switzerland]", ''[[The New York Times]]'', as reprinted in the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', 4 November 2004.</ref> Absinthe is now not only sold in Switzerland, but is once again distilled in its [[Val-de-Travers (district)|Val-de-Travers]] birthplace, with Kübler and [[La Clandestine Absinthe]] among the first new brands to emerge, albeit with an underground heritage. The alcohol contents variation of those legal absinthes in their first few years is interesting to note. Whereas pre-2005 bootleg absinthe usually clocked in at 65–70% alcohol by volume (ABV), the first few legal absinthes were aligned on the 42–45% ABV of other common domestic spirits such as fruit schnapps. This proved lacking in taste intensity for a drink that is drunk watered down as a rule, and by 2010 most Swiss absinthes contained something on the lines of 54% ABV, a few being back to the pre-2005 strength that is 65%, sometimes up to 72% ABV. ===Thailand=== In Thailand, home-brewed alcohol, most commonly distilled from [[glutinous rice]], is called ''lao khao'' (เหล้าขาว; literally "white liquor") or officially ''sura khao'' (สุราขาว). It is sometimes mixed with various herbs to produce a medicinal drink called ''yadong'' (ยาดอง; literally "fermented herb (in alcohol)"). Yadong is prepared by mixing ''lao khao'' with various herbs and allowing the mixture to ferment for 2–4 weeks<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samunpai.com/samunpai/show.php?cat=9&id=6|script-title=th:การเตรียมยาต้ม ยาชง ยาดอง และยาลูกกลอน|accessdate=7 February 2008|language=Thai|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704100216/http://www.samunpai.com/samunpai/show.php?cat=9&id=6|archivedate=4 July 2003|df=dmy-all}}</ref> before use. Some people claim that it helps them regain strength.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.korat6.go.th/kmc/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=303|script-title=th:ยาดองเหล้าหนึ่งในการรักษาโรคด้วยพืชสมุนไพร|accessdate=7 February 2008|language=Thai}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> These days you can find instant yadong mixes that significantly reduce the time it takes to produce the final product. === Trinidad and Tobago === In Trinidad and Tobago, an illegally distilled rum is produced, known as ba-bash, bush rum or mountain dew. It is primarily made from fermented sugar cane. The "stills" used are very similar to those used in North America. Although ba-bash is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago it is readily available if contacts are right. === Tunisia === [[Boukha]] is a spirit produced from figs in Tunisia. Its name means 'alcohol vapor' in Tunisian [[Judeo-Arabic]] dialect. It is obtained by simple distillation of Mediterranean figs from Tunisia. Its alcohol percentage ranges between 36 and 40 percent. Boukha is consumed dry, room temperature or cold. It can also serve as the basis for many cocktails, flavors and fruit salad or drunk with a meal at room temperature. === Turkey === Turkish moonshine is called [[Raki (alcoholic beverage)|Raki]]. Sometimes it is flavored with anise. The name however does not imply illegal distilling, as there are legal distilleries that produce raki too. Real "moonshine" from clandestine sources that are homemade from grapes, figs, berries or sourcherries are popular in the south among the Arabic speaking Turkish population and is called "Boğma". A very distinctive source of 100% pure Turkish moonshine made by locals of Arabic descent is the district of Samandağ in the Province of Hatay, close to Syria. Boğma is also made by and very popular among the Arab population in the city of Adana, especially the suburb of Güneşli. ===Uganda=== [[Waragi]] is a moonshine gin produced from bananas and often stored in [[jerrycan]]s. In moonshine form, it is drunk mostly by people who cannot afford commercially available alcohol, although there are several brands that use the term "waragi" in their names.{{Clarify|date=April 2010}} In April 2010, more than 80 people were poisoned in the Kambala district after consuming waragi laced with methanol.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8640731.stm Illegal banana gin 'kills 80' in Uganda]. BBC News (2010-04-23). Retrieved on 2015-10-27.</ref> ===United States=== [[File:Moonshine3.jpg|right|thumb|A typical jar of moonshine. It was once wrongly believed that the blue flame meant that it was safe to drink.]] While home distillation is illegal in the United States, it continues to be practiced, mainly in [[Appalachia]].<ref name=Markon>Markon, Jerry "Ingrained in Culture of 'Liquor Country' Va. Moonshiners, Agents Still Tangle in Cat-and-Mouse Game." Washington Post, 8 January 2008.</ref> The product is sometimes called ''white lightning'', because it is not aged and is generally sold at high alcohol proof, often bottled in [[Mason jar]]s. A typical moonshine still may produce 1000 gallons per week and net $6000 per week for its owner.<ref name=Markon/> The simplicity of the process, and the easy availability of key ingredients such as corn and sugar, make enforcement difficult. However, the price advantage that moonshine once held over its legally sold competition has fallen. Nevertheless, over half the retail price of a bottle of distilled spirits typically consists of taxes. With the availability of cheap refined white sugar, moonshiners can make saleable product for a fraction of the price of heavily taxed and legally sold distilled spirits. Some people also use moonshine alcohol for herbal [[tinctures]]. The number of jurisdictions that ban alcoholic beverage sales has steadily decreased, which means many of former moonshine consumers are much nearer to a legal alcohol sales outlet than before. Many legal distilled beverages, usually [[neutral spirits]] or [[corn whiskey]], with names evoking moonshine exist, such as [[Onyx Moonshine]], Virginia Lightning, Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine,<ref>{{cite web | title = Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine | url = http://www.olesmokymoonshine.com/| accessdate =23 July 2011}}</ref> and Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon are produced commercially and sold in liquor stores, typically packaged in a clay jug or glass Mason jar. While these products may refer to themselves as "moonshine," any alcohol that is legally sold cannot be accurately called "moonshine" by nature of the term. Moonshining has always been popular in the southeastern part of the United States, especially in farm communities, partly because farmers have the produce (corn, barley, apples, grapes, etc.) to make illegal liquor. In some cases, farmers use produce they cannot sell to make moonshine for a profit.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Stewart, Bruce E. |year=2003|title="When Darkness Reigns Then is the Hour to Strike": Moonshining, Federal Liquor Taxation, and Klan Violence in Western North Carolina, 1868–1872|journal=North Carolina Historical Review |volume=80|issue= 4|jstor=23522839|pages= 453–474}}</ref> Lengthy prison sentences for those caught manufacturing or distributing illegal alcohol makes moonshiners conceal their still sites in secret locations. Stills are unique contraptions that typically consist of several metal drums, copper pipes, and heat sources that heat the mash of sugar, starch and fruit or grain product. The weight and overall size of stills makes concealment difficult.<ref>Thomson, Charles. Spirits of Just Men: Mountaineers, Liquor Bosses, and Lawmen in the Moonshine Capital of the World. Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 2011.</ref> This has led many moonshiners to hide their still sites in very clever locations; most of these moonshiners take refuge deep in the backwoods of America, in abandoned barns in addition to underground structures and tunnels. A classic example of underground still sites that are still being utilized today is the usage of old abandoned mining tunnels.<ref>Kephart, Horace [https://archive.org/details/oursouthernhighl31709gut Our Southern Highlanders]. The Project Gutenberg</ref> This idea is said to have started in the old mining caves in Tennessee soon after the civil war. Illegal distillers would use these caves because it provided adequate cover that protected them from being discovered by law enforcement officers. American moonshiners also preferred the use of caves due to the natural abundance of water that the caves provided; which is a key ingredient to moonshine. These caves were used to manufacture moonshine until well into the 20th century.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Douglas, Joseph C.|year= 2001|journal=Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology |volume=26|issue=2|pages= 251–267|title=Miners and Moonshiners: Historic Industrial Uses of Tennessee Caves|jstor=20708162}}</ref> During [[Prohibition in the United States|prohibition]] (which lasted from 1920 to 1933), the sale, manufacture and distribution of alcohol was severely curtailed. This new legal sanction created a landslide of illegal distribution of liquor and moonshine, which some farmers and illegal distillers would call the golden age of moonshining. Since alcohol was illegal, moonshiners and [[Rum-running|bootleggers]] faced a high demand for liquor that allowed them to have a monopoly over the alcohol trade in the United States. The Great Depression—from 1929 to 1939—also contributed to the popularity of moonshining in the United States. During that time of economic hardship, many Americans turned to manufacturing and distributing illegal products.<ref>Thomson, Charles (2011). ''Spirits of Just Men: Mountaineers, Liquor Bosses, and Lawmen in the Moonshine Capital of the World''. Illinois: University of Illinois Press</ref> In the southern states, some moonshiners sold their product to bootleggers, who transported it all over the country, often selling to crime syndicates such as that run by [[Al Capone]]. As early as prohibition, there have been stories of moonshiners using their product as a powerful fuel in their automobiles, usually when evading law-enforcement agencies while delivering their illegal product. The sport of [[stock car racing]] [[NASCAR#Early stock car racing|got its start]] when moonshiners would modify their automobiles to outrun federal government [[Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives|revenue agents]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2005/MichaelMirochnik.shtml|last=Mirochnik |first=Michael|title=Speed of a Stock Car|work=The Physics Factbook|year=2005}}</ref> [[Junior Johnson]], one of the early stock car racers in the mountains of North Carolina who was associated with running moonshine, has even "gone legitimate" by marketing a legally produced grain alcohol, which is made by the first legal distillery in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raleighchronicle.com/2007071704.html|last=Gregg|first=R.|title=Moonshine Makes A Comeback In NC|work=The Raleigh Chronicle|year=2007}}</ref> [[Stokesdale, North Carolina|Stokesdale]], a town not far from where the distillery is located, has a moonshine still on its official town seal to reflect corn liquor's history in the town's past. ===Vietnam=== Moonshine made from yeast-fermented rice is called ''rượu,'' which is also the common name for alcohol. ===Wales=== Welsh moonshine is simply called "Chwisgi". The tradition of illicit distilling is not as strong as in Ireland or Scotland. ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} {{portalbar|Liquor}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2012}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Moonshine By Country}} [[Category:Alcohol by country]] [[Category:Distilled drinks by country]]'