French Oak & Vanilla Aged Moonshine
Enjoy a rich, smooth homemade spirit aged in oak with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for sipping or gifting!
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon high-proof homemade moonshine (or neutral spirit)
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons medium-char French oak chips (or one small oak barrel if available)
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Equipment:
- Large glass jar or food-safe container for aging
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for final filtering
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oak and Vanilla:
- If using oak chips, medium-char them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 2 hours.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the seeds.
- Mix the Sugar Wash:
- In a large pot, dissolve white and brown sugar in a small amount of water over low heat.
- Let it cool completely.
- Combine the sugar syrup with your gallon of moonshine in the jar.
- Add Flavorings:
- Add the medium-char French oak chips and the split vanilla bean to the moonshine.
- Stir gently to ensure the oak and vanilla are fully submerged.
- Age the Spirit:
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Let it age for approximately 9 months, checking occasionally.
- For the first week, gently swirl the jar every few days to help the flavors infuse.
- Taste and Adjust:
- After aging, taste your moonshine. If the oak flavor is too strong, remove the chips; if you want more vanilla, leave the bean in longer.
- Filter and Bottle:
- Once satisfied with the flavor, strain out the oak chips and vanilla bean using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Transfer the aged moonshine to clean bottles. Seal tightly.
- Enjoy:
- Your moonshine should be around 90 proof, smooth, with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. Sip responsibly or use in cocktails.
Tips:
- Medium-char oak adds caramelized, smoky notes without being overpowering.
- Patience is key—aging allows flavors to mellow and meld.
- This is a great hobby to enjoy and experiment with with friends or family!
