One of the most common questions we get asked at O'Donnell Moonshine is 'what is Moonshine', or even 'what is it made from?' O'Donnell Moonshine is a smooth and delicious liqueur. Made using only the finest ingredients, our spirits and liqueurs have been crafted with the ultimate drinking experience in mind. Whether you sip it, mix it, shot it or share it, our versatile range of spirits and liqueurs is perfect for every occasion.
However, Moonshine is a drink with a rich and rebellious history, and with that comes a whole array of myths and misconceptions. At O'Donnell, we honour the Moonshine legacy while crafting a premium spirit, made to modern standards. But what exactly is moonshine, and how is it made? Let's dive into the world of this iconic spirit and discover why O'Donnell Moonshine stands out.
A Brief History of Moonshine
The term 'moonshine' was born from the clandestine nature of the spirit's production. Traditionally, illicit alcohol was crafted at night, or 'by the light of the moon', to avoid detection by authorities.
While early references to moonshine date as far back as 1785, the drink became especially popular during the US Prohibition era (1920–1933), a time when alcohol was outlawed across the United States.
Due to the often poor-quality distillation methods of the time, moonshine was frequently harsh and unpalatable, leading to a boom in cocktail culture as bartenders sought to mask its strong flavours. It was during this ear that several cocktails that are still popular today, including the Side Car and the Brandy Alexander were developed.
During Prohibition, moonshine producers needed a way to transport their spirits discreetly. Instead of traditional bottles, they used Mason Jars to store and sell their illicit liquor. At O'Donnell Moonshine, we pay tribute to this historic packaging with our own signature Mason Jar design—an authentic nod to the past to help us deliver a premium drinking experience today.
Our namesake 'O'Donnell', comes from one of the most notorious Moonshine brewers and racketeers of the 1920s Edward 'Spike' O'Donnell. Leader of the South Side Chicago gang. O'Donnell was known for his attention to detail and concern for the quality of his alcohol, hence his story appealing to our founders. Unlike many of the gang leaders of the day, and despite no less than 10 assassination attempts, O'Donnell was one of the few gangsters from the Prohibition era to retire from the mob and eventually die of natural causes (in 1962).
What is Moonshine?
Moonshine is an unaged spirit, typically made from corn, though technically, it can be produced using any base material. Traditionally, moonshine is a high-proof beverage, but unlike vodka (38 - 40%) or whiskey (40%), there are no strict regulations regarding its alcohol content.
At O'Donnell Moonshine, we prioritise flavour and delivering the ultimate taste experience. Our range includes everything from our Cream Liqueurs at 17% ABV, which offer a full, rich cream flavour and velvety mouthfeel, right up to our High High Proof, which at 72% ABV offers the ultimate, authentic moonshine hit.
How is Moonshine Made?
As a spirit-based drink, Moonshine is typically made from a grain mash, such as corn, barley, or wheat, which is then distilled. The process involves:
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Mashing – Grains (or chosen base ingredients) are mixed with water and heated to release natural sugars.
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Fermentation – Yeast is added to the mash, converting sugars into alcohol over several days.
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Distillation – The liquid is heated, and alcohol vapours are collected and cooled back into liquid form, increasing its purity and strength. At O'Donnell Moonshine, every spirit and liqueur is triple distilled for the ultimate smoothness and clarity.
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Bottling – In a nod to the Moonshiners of the American Prohibition, our moonshines are bottled in traditional Mason Jars, while our handy pouring lid ensures that you don't lose a drop of your liqueur.
At O'Donnell Moonshine, we use only the finest ingredients to create our exceptional range of spirits and liqueurs. Our meticulous process ensures a superior taste, making our moonshine smooth and enjoyable, whether sipped neat or mixed into a delicious cocktail.
Despite being made from a wheat base, as gluten proteins do not evaporate, this distillation process means that all of our Moonshines are naturally gluten free!
Is Moonshine Dangerous?
Historically, moonshine had a notorious reputation for being unsafe. During Prohibition, unregulated production led to inconsistencies in quality, with producers using unsafe equipment and sometimes even toxic ingredients like methanol, which could cause serious harm. The dangers associated with early moonshine were not due to the spirit itself but rather the lack of quality control in its production.
Today, O'Donnell Moonshine is crafted with the highest standards of safety and quality. We use professionally regulated distillation techniques and triple distil all our spirits to ensure a smooth, high-quality product. Our commitment to using only the best ingredients means that our moonshine is not only safe but also an exceptional drinking experience.
Experience O'Donnell Moonshine
At O'Donnell Moonshine, we take inspiration from history while perfecting our craft with modern techniques. From our smooth, triple-distilled spirits to our iconic Mason Jar packaging, every sip is a tribute to the rich history of moonshine. Try our premium flavours today and discover why O'Donnell Moonshine is a true standout in the world of spirits.
