The day of the year when the country recognizes closet mixologists arrives this week.

Most of us have that one friend who dabbles in basement brewing. The process is how every major liquor and beer got its start.

Trial and error is the name of the game in bootlegging. Though I've never put the time into trying to create hooch of my own, I have sampled some pretty crazy concoctions dreamed up by friends who thought they were on to the next breakthrough in DIY brewing.

Years ago, I sampled a red wine made by a friend in his basement laundry room, and I still can't get the taste out of my mouth. I recall it was earthy, with notes of jalapeno and ass.

95.7 KEZJ logo
Get our free mobile app

National Bootlegger's Day Is Acknowledged In The U.S. Annually on January 17

Credit: Greg Jannetta
Credit: Greg Jannetta
loading...

New York gangster Al Capone is known as one of America's most notorious bootleggers. The word describes someone who illegally makes alcoholic beverages (mainly liquor) in the United States without a permit. The word 'bootlegging' is also loosely used by some to describe anyone who brews their own hooch from home.

READ MORE: Is It Illegal To Smoke And Drive In Idaho?

Permits are needed to make liquor such as gin or whiskey, according to Fintech. Just over a century ago, Congress passed an amendment prohibiting the manufacturing, transporting, and sale of alcohol, which sparked bootlegging in America, and many people still illegally make and attempt to sell alcoholic beverages throughout the world.

National Bootlegger's Day arrives on Saturday (January 17)  in the U.S. We aren't encouraging the manufacturing of illegally made alcohol, but instead, putting a spotlight on a passion that many people in the world have still to this day, and the origins of the process in American history.

Salute! Responsibly, of course.

9 Meats That Are Illegal to BBQ in Idaho

In addition to any endangered animals and marine mammals like whales and dolphins, you can’t serve these animals as food in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Credit N8 Bird

More From 95.7 KEZJ