Moonshine vs Bimber UK: Understanding the Differences

It’s a question I get asked a lot at markets, sometimes as people eye our Traditional Moonshine, sometimes over a tasting of a fruit-flavoured spirit. People are curious about what Polish moonshine actually is, and how it measures up against the general idea of 'moonshine' here in the UK. For us at AK Distillery, the term 'Polish-style moonshine' isn't just about a type of spirit; it's about preserving a specific heritage and a way of making things that resonates deeply with our roots. We focus on quality and authenticity, ensuring that what we offer is a true reflection of that tradition.

What is moonshine in the UK context?

In the UK, when someone mentions 'moonshine', they're usually referring to a high-proof, often unaged, distilled spirit that might have been made outside of official regulations. Historically, this term is linked to clandestine production, often to avoid taxes or prohibition. It's a broad label that doesn't necessarily dictate specific ingredients or methods, beyond the idea of it being a potent, clear spirit. You might see all sorts of spirits dubbed 'moonshine' here, some legal, some not, and the quality and safety can vary wildly depending on its origin. This perception in the UK is quite different from what we understand as bimber back in Poland.

And what exactly is traditional Polish Bimber?

Traditional Polish Bimber, or simply 'bimber', is Poland's own version of moonshine. While many assume moonshine is always grain-based, our Polish-style moonshine and flavoured spirits at AK Distillery are made using sugar and yeast as the fermentation base. What sets it apart is its deep cultural roots and the pride in crafting a spirit that's often shared at celebrations and family gatherings. For us, making Polish-style moonshine is about honouring those traditions, and bringing that authentic flavour and experience to Stalybridge and the North West. It's a spirit with a story, carefully made with respect for its origins.

It’s worth noting that AK Distillery doesn't use grain in our production, nor do we produce whisky. This keeps us true to the style of Polish moonshine we aim to create. We focus solely on our traditional Polish-style moonshine and our diverse range of flavoured spirits, like our popular Pistachio or Raspberry offerings. This clarity in our production helps to differentiate us and highlight the specific traditions we uphold.

The legal side of moonshine vs. Bimber in the UK

This is a key difference. While illicit moonshine production carries legal risks, genuine Polish-style moonshine, when produced by a licensed distillery like ours in the UK, is completely legal. We operate under all the necessary regulations for producing and selling spirits, meaning you can enjoy our Traditional Moonshine and flavoured spirits like Kiwi & Hibiscus or our new Cucumber without any concerns. The 'moonshine' label for us speaks to the traditional style, not to its legality. It's about preserving Polish moonshine heritage while building a modern British craft spirits brand.

We've been building AK Distillery to be a welcoming social space, and we're actually opening our own customer venue in Stalybridge very soon. There, you'll be able to relax and enjoy our signature cocktails and traditional moonshine in person, alongside some light snacks. It’s part of our commitment to quality and customer experience. You can also catch us at markets across the region, like the Stray Food & Drink Festival in Harrogate on June 27th and 28th, where we'll be serving cocktails and sharing our story.

So, while the term 'moonshine' in the UK might conjure up a range of ideas, our Polish-style moonshine is a distinct product rooted in tradition, legal to enjoy, and crafted with care here in Greater Manchester. It's about tasting a piece of Polish heritage, whether that's neat or in a delicious cocktail. We hope this helps clear up some of the confusion and gives you a better sense of what we do at AK Distillery.