[at-l] Peach wines etc.

[nealb@midlandstech.com (William Neal)]

Getting caught up on some back lists, and saw your posting.

They are not moonshinners if its wine.  Lots of country people make "strong"
wines.  And it's not illegal.  Though some of them will kid an outsider
about it.  What's illegal with such wines is if you sell it.  Though I think
there are ways around that.

Dad use to make it all the time and gave to some of his friends who were law
enforcement officers.  Usually scuppenong and honey mixed together wines.
He made a mean mead.

Now a real moonshinner makes distilled whiskey.  I guess distilled beverages
of anykind would qualify a maker as a moonshinner.  And you can distill
wines after they are made.  Some of the famous "liquors" are nothing more
than distilled wines.  I think that's how they make Brandy; especially fruit
brandies.

And if it's distilled, be extra careful.  Many of the old timers used copper
in their stills, and could produce a drink that was purer and better than
legal distilleries.  But many modern moonshinners use such things as old
radiators (yes from cars) and lead solder and other used materials that are
not good for you.  And through the "tainted" liquor, you can absorb lead and
other chemicals.  Some people say this is where the term "blind drunk" came
from since many drinkers ended up permanently blind afterwards.

I've been lucky in that I've never (knowingly) had "tainted" liquor, and
I've always trusted the sources I got it from. One old timer slapped his
grandson down to the ground for trying -- just trying -- to sell me some
"tainted" liquor.

IF you trust them, can I have some?

William, The "Thirsty" Turtle

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda Benschop [mailto:athummingbird@tds.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2002 5:32 AM
To: at-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Peach wines etc.


Since William, the Turtle, brought it up....."Also I had a friend who use to
make fruit wines.  Peach was one of the best."

If you do any hiking in N. GA. and need a break off the trail the
Moonshiners here are running strong.  Recently located a great spot where
they make home made wine (well hidden until they get to know and trust you.)
Peach is one of the top offerings, although I LOVE the Blackberry and
Raspberry and Crab Apple.  Would not dare post locations on the list.  Must
mention that these homemade brews (the wines) are usually at least  33 proof
so you dare not drink them like regular wine.

A few bottles just might slip into my vehicle the next time we have a RUCK.

Hummingbird