Ep 2. Moonshine Myths

During MythBusters season 15 episode 2, entitled "Moonshine Myths," the team takes on a number of well-known myths and theories associated with homemade alcohol. In total, the MythBusters team put four different theories to the test over the course of the episode: whether or not using electrical tools to make a still will result in an explosion, whether or not a copper coil can be used to remove unwanted toxins from homemade alcohol, whether or not alcohol gets stronger when it's stored in a copper container, and whether or not the "shake a bottle" method can be used to determine the alcohol content of a batch of moonshine.

One of the primary myths addressed in this episode centers around the use of electrical tools in making moonshine. According to legend, using an electrical saw or drill to create a still could potentially cause the whole apparatus to explode, leading the MythBusters team to put this to the test. To do so, they create a still using both traditional and electrical tools, then set each up outdoors in a safe area before adding the necessary ingredients and waiting to see what happens.

Another theory covered in this episode relates to the use of copper coils in homemade stills. According to legend, copper coils can be used to filter out unwanted toxins and impurities from homemade alcohol, making it clearer and more palatable. The MythBusters team decides to test whether or not this is true, creating two batches of alcohol: one using a copper coil and one without. They then sample each batch to determine whether or not there is a noticeable difference when it comes to taste and clarity.

In addition to testing these two theories, the MythBusters team also looks into whether or not storing alcohol in a copper container makes it stronger over time. According to legend, copper reacts with the alcohol, eventually leading to a higher alcohol content in the drink. To put this to the test, the team creates multiple batches of alcohol and stores each in different types of containers: copper, stainless steel, and glass. They then measure the alcohol content over a period of several weeks to determine whether or not there is any noticeable difference.

Finally, the team puts the "shake a bottle" method to the test. According to legend, by shaking a bottle of moonshine and watching how quickly the bubbles dissipate, one can determine the alcohol content of the drink. However, the team quickly finds that this theory is not entirely accurate, with several different factors creating varying results. They continue to test the method, making small adjustments along the way, in order to fully understand whether or not it can be relied upon.

Throughout the episode, the MythBusters team uses a range of scientific methods to put each of these theories to the test. They measure alcohol content, sample taste, and observe physical reactions in order to determine whether or not each myth holds any truth. As always, the team is both thorough and entertaining, making for an engaging hour of television that will appeal to science buffs and fans of reality TV alike.