In this episode of Moonshiners: Master Distiller, Mark, Digger, and Tim delve into the world of Italian grappa, a traditional spirit with a long history. Grappa, often referred to as Italy’s original moonshine, is produced from grape pomace, the leftover grapes and skins used in winemaking.
The episode, airing on Discovery on Tuesday April 16, explores the art of crafting grappa, with legal distillers and a backwoods outlaw moonshiner competing to create the best grappa. This competition highlights the unique skills and techniques required to transform winemaking scraps into a refined spirit.
Grappa has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. While it was originally produced to reduce waste, grappa has evolved and is now a legally defined alcoholic spirit in the European Union. Authentic grappa can only be produced in Italy, Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland, and the Republic of San Marino.
The process of making grappa involves distillation, and the episode showcases the different techniques employed, including the use of steam and bain-marie methods. The judges and Tickle bring their expertise and humor to the table, evaluating the grappa produced by the competitors.
As with any moonshine endeavor, there is a sense of adventure and a connection to the past. Grappa has its own unique story, and this episode of Moonshiners: Master Distiller promises to uncover the secrets of this Italian spirit.
Moonshiners: Master Distiller – Italian Grappa airs Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 8.00pm on the Discovery Channel.
