In a high-stakes competition held within the confines of a prison, the contestants battled it out to create the finest homemade “shine,” using nothing but ingredients available in the prison commissary. The stakes were high: only one would walk away with the title of “Master Distiller,” while the others would face the harsh reality of elimination.
Ryan Shazwell, a 44-year-old head distiller from Bennington, Vermont, entered the contest with a strategy he felt would set him apart. With 13 years of distilling experience, including a history of illegal moonshine making, Ryan’s plan was simple—keep it uncomplicated, and use the most fermentable sugars available in the commissary. His ingredients included a variety of fruits, dried fruit, and sugar, which he hoped would provide the sweet base for a successful prison wine-style hooch.
“I wanted the fruit just because it was sweet,” Ryan explained. His strategy was to create a simple syrup from the sugar, then add the fruit to ferment, believing this would give him the best chance in the short time available. However, Ryan’s approach was not without its challenges. As the fermentation process took its course, Ryan began to worry that his mash hadn’t fully fermented, which would pose a significant obstacle. In prison distilling, time is precious, and he only had three hours to complete his distillation process.
The judges were split on his creation. Ryan’s mash had potential with its fruit cocktail flavor, but the lower alcohol by volume (ABV) of his product held him back. The judges acknowledged the complexity and flavor profile of his shine but noted that the proof was lower than expected, likely due to incomplete fermentation. “Had Ryan pulled one of his earlier jars and turned that in with a little more proof, we could be speaking a whole different tune,” one judge commented.
Despite his efforts, the low ABV ultimately worked against Ryan. While his fruit-based creation showed promise, it lacked the kick needed to compete in a field of distillers using more potent ingredients. As the competition reached its conclusion, Ryan’s shine didn’t quite meet the mark.
After careful deliberation, Ryan was sent home, a victim of the tough prison distillation challenge. “Your jar bought you a ticket home,” the judges told him. While Ryan’s fruit shine had potential, the low alcohol content proved to be a fatal flaw in his distilling journey. However, Ryan left with his head held high, proudly stating, “If they ever catch me running from the wall and I do get locked up, I’m going to make the best hooch anybody ever seen.”
The competition, fierce and unforgiving, continues as the remaining contestants battle it out to earn the title of Master Distiller, with the knowledge that in the world of prison hooch, every drop counts.
