What Is Moonshine?

Moonshine originally meant illicitly distilled spirit made under cover of darkness — today it's also a legitimate style of unaged "white" spirit.

"Moonshine" has two overlapping meanings, and it's worth separating them.

The historical meaning: illegal spirit

Traditionally, moonshine referred to spirit distilled illegally, without paying tax or holding a licence — often at night ("by the light of the moon") to avoid detection. In the United States this is heavily associated with corn whiskey made in rural Appalachia during and after Prohibition. The term carries that outlaw history with it wherever it's used.

The modern meaning: a legal style of unaged spirit

Today, many distilleries — including craft producers in New Zealand — legally sell "moonshine" as a style, not a description of how it was made. In this sense, moonshine usually means:

• Unaged — bottled clear, straight off the still, without time in wood
• High proof, often bottled at a higher ABV than typical whisky or vodka
• Often (but not always) grain- or corn-based, echoing the traditional recipe

This legal, taxed version is essentially the same liquid that would become whisky if it were aged in barrels — moonshine is often described as "unaged whiskey" or "white dog" for that reason. See our article on what unaged whisky tastes like for more on that specific flavour profile.

Is it legal to make in New Zealand?

Selling moonshine as a legitimate product is legal for a licensed distillery, exactly like any other spirit. Making it yourself at home without an excise licence is a different matter — see our New Zealand Distilling Laws section, and note that the specific legal position should be confirmed against current Customs and Excise Act 2018 requirements rather than assumed.