Does moonshine go bad? Not the stuff you can buy in the stores but the real, distilled in the backwoods, mason jar, moonshine. I’m getting conflicting answers on my internet searches.

Not for a very long time if it’s kept sealed. I’ve seen it as much as 30yo still smooth and perfect. If not sealed properly it will get bitter almost vinegary.

I’d think mash would spoil but distilled alcohol wouldn’t. Does a bottle of vodka go bad?

So a sealed, 30 year old, sealed mason jar of moonshine, kept in a cool place, would be worth giving a sip.

No

Pour some in a saucer and light it. If it burns blue, drink it.

Yep.

Bubble test it. I have also heard of old timers finger testing for absorption.

I will never have to learn how long it takes for a bottle of liquor to go bad...

Absolutely

I’ll try it!

Amen

Most commercially distilled alcohol is approximately 140-proof (70%) when put into barrels (can be used as hand sanitizer). Moonshine can be as high as 190-proof - depending on the moonshiner, before cutting it.

Commercially manufactured - after aging in barrels - it will be approximately 127-proof (some alcohol will escape the barrels "Angels Share" "Angels Cut") depending on the location within the barrel house. The barrels are what add the color and flavor, not the charcoal filtering aspect of the processing.

I would think that moonshine kept in mason jars will not have the evaporation (unless the seal is broken) of alcohol and will therefore retain it's original proof, but will not necessarily age like brandy, whiskey, or bourbon - simply because the barrels impart flavor (think of a smoked Boston Butt and the smoke ring) as the barrel expands and contracts. I can't say that I've ever had aged moonshine (greater than probably a couple of years) - so I don't know if aged is better than straight out of the still. Also - I can't say that I ever drank moonshine for the flavor, only to get a buzz; however, if that is your goal - but it in the freezer and take a shot and chase it with a Code Red Mountain Dew; it will be like drinking an ice cube with flavor. Does Moonshine Go Bad

I say all of that to say - more than likely any bacteria that was in the glass container has probably been sterilized and more than likely it will taste very similar to the day it was put into the jar (there is nothing to add flavor).

Personally - I wouldn't drink it, because if you don't know the moonshiner - you may be drinking something condensed with a lead lined radiator, especially if it is 30-years old.

For those interested - I would recommend a tour of a distillery, there is a wealth of information that can be gleaned from visiting one.