Congeners in spirits produced by moonshine distillers

Abstract

For this study, 99 spirits distilled in moonshine distilleries in central and eastern Europe were analysed for concentrations of ethanol and congeners. In most spirits groups we found a statistically normal distribution. Nevertheless we found differences in variances within the groups and sometimes significant discrepancies between average values and medians. As part of forensic congener analysis of an illegally distilled spirit it is advisable to analyse the original beverage. It would therefore be necessary for the police to confiscate the original spirit in case of suspicion.