Turning Mountain Dew into Moonshine: A Fermentation Experiment

🌙Mountain Dew can be fermented to turn it into high-proof alcohol, a process known as moonshining.

🍹The high sugar content in Mountain Dew makes it ideal for fermentation and distillation.

🎛️To ferment Mountain Dew, the pH needs to be increased to counteract preservatives, carbonation needs to be removed, and yeast needs to be added.

🥤Tasting Mountain Dew before fermentation reveals its intense sweetness and carbonation.

🧪Using a pH meter or taste testing can help determine the ideal pH for fermentation.

Can any carbonated soda be used for moonshining?

—Yes, but Mountain Dew is often preferred due to its high sugar content.

What is the purpose of increasing the pH for fermentation?

—Increasing the pH counteracts the preservatives in Mountain Dew, allowing the yeast to do its job.

Why is carbonation removed before fermentation?

—The carbonation can interfere with pH measurements and yeast activity.

How does the taste of fermented Mountain Dew differ from the original?

—Fermented Mountain Dew loses its intense sweetness and carbonation, resulting in a different flavor profile.

What tools or equipment are necessary for moonshining?

—A pH meter, yeast, a fermenting vessel, and a distillation setup are essential for moonshining.

00:00Introduction to the experiment and its goals.

01:00Tasting Mountain Dew before fermentation.

02:00Increasing the pH of Mountain Dew and removing carbonation.

04:30Adding yeast to start the fermentation process.

06:00Distilling the fermented liquid into high-proof alcohol.

08:30Tasting the final product.