How To Make Wine In Prison

Imagine being behind bars and feeling the urge to sip on a fine glass of wine. You might think it's impossible, but have you ever wondered how prisoners manage to make their own wine? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of prison wine and learn the ins and outs of creating your very own makeshift winery in the most unlikely of places.

What is Prison Wine?

Also known as "pruno," prison wine is an alcoholic beverage made by inmates in correctional facilities using limited and unconventional ingredients. Pruno can be made with just about anything fermentable, from fruit to ketchup to bread. The final product isn't pretty or delicious, but it serves its purpose as a means of obtaining alcohol in a place where it's strictly prohibited.

Ingredients and Preparation

Now that you have an understanding of what prison wine is, let's take a look at the ingredients and tools needed to make your very own batch:

• 10-12 oranges or apples
• 2 to 3 cups of sugar
• A packet of ketchup, tomato sauce or jelly (as a yeast substitute)
• A plastic bag or container with a tight-sealing lid
• A clean sock or cheesecloth
• Boiled water
• Something sweet and acidic, like fruit punch or lemon juice

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Prison Wine

1. Start by peeling the fruit and cutting it into small chunks. This helps release the juices that will aid in the fermenting process.
2. Add the fruit to the plastic bag or container. If using a bag, make sure it's very sturdy and not punctured.
3. Mix in the sugar, ketchup and lemon juice. The more sugar you add, the stronger the final result will be. Ketchup or jelly helps as a yeast substitute since it contains sugars and natural yeasts.
4. Add the boiled water, avoiding direct contact with the fruit. Do not fill the container all the way up, as the liquid needs room to ferment and expand.
5. Seal the container well, squeezing out as much air as possible. This is essential for the fermentation process.
6. Place the container in a dark, warm area and let it sit for 7 to 10 days. During this time, the fermented fruit will produce carbon dioxide. Release the pressure by opening the container once daily.
7. After 7 to 10 days, strain the mixture through a clean sock or cheesecloth into a separate container. The liquid you collect is your prison wine.

How To Make Wine In Prison Example:

Here's a true scenario of how wine is made in prison with a twist of creativity:

An inmate gathers up apples from the meal hall, smuggles in a stash of sugar from the pantry and trades some commissary items for a container and a pair of clean socks. In his cell, he carefully peels the apples and crushes them in a makeshift bowl, while daydreaming of a fine Chardonnay. Mixes the apple chunks with sugar, boiled water, and tomato sauce before sealing it tight and stashing it away in a hidden spot. Every day, he checks the container, releasing the pent-up pressure in anticipation of that glorious taste of victory. Finally, after the long wait, he strains his concoction into a new container. The taste might not be amazing, but the DIY process in itself is something to celebrate.

We hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into the intriguing world of prison wine-making. While we don't necessarily recommend trying this out at home, the creativity and determination shown in the process of making wine in prison is impressive. If you found this article captivating, make sure to share it with fellow wine enthusiasts, and don't forget to explore other engaging articles on Black Wine Club. Cheers to making the best of any situation!