Moonshine Story

[carol333]

Hi -

I'm a writer, not a distiller, and I'm writing a story set in 1915 in which the characters have a still. I've been reading about old-time stills in Appalachia, and hope to learn a lot more here.

Here's my opening question: My characters are making corn liquor, and one of them ruins it. I've heard of ruining a batch by burning. Is this heating the mash at too high a temperature?

Any other suggestions of how someone can ruin a batch will be appreciated!