How Prison Hooch Is Made

Inside the UK's prison system, inmates have long found ways to produce their own illicit alcohol, commonly referred to as "hooch." Despite tight regulations and surveillance, this homemade brew continues to be a part of prison life. But how exactly is prison hooch made, and what risks come with it?

What Is Prison Hooch?

Prison hooch is a form of improvised alcohol, typically fermented using sugar and fruit, or any other fermentable source inmates can get their hands on. It's often made in secret using plastic bags, bottles, or containers hidden inside cells.

Common Ingredients Used

Fruit – such as oranges, apples, raisins or fruit juice
Sugar – from tea, jam packets, sweets, or stolen supplies
Water – available from sinks or toilets in the cell
Bread or yeast – used to kickstart fermentation (when available)

How Is Hooch Made?

The process usually starts by mashing the fruit and mixing it with sugar and warm water. This mixture is then sealed tightly in a plastic container and hidden somewhere warm. Over several days, natural fermentation occurs as the sugars convert into alcohol.

The longer the hooch is left to ferment, the stronger it becomes. Some inmates create makeshift 'still' setups to speed up fermentation, using radiators or even body heat to warm the mixture. The process can take between 5 and 10 days depending on conditions.

Where Is It Hidden?

Due to frequent cell checks, hooch must be well-hidden. Inmates often stash it behind radiators, inside ceiling tiles, behind toilet panels, or even in air vents. Clever hiding and timing are key to avoiding detection by officers.

Dangers and Consequences

Drinking prison hooch is highly dangerous. It is unregulated, often contaminated, and has been linked to serious illness and even death. There’s also the risk of violent behaviour, which can lead to extended sentences or isolation if discovered.

For the prison system, hooch represents not just a health risk, but also a security concern. Fights, riots, and medical emergencies are more likely when hooch is circulating through a wing.

Why Do Inmates Make It?

Many inmates turn to hooch out of boredom, addiction, or a desire to escape their environment. Others may make it to trade with fellow prisoners or gain status within the prison’s unofficial economy. For some, it’s a link to the outside world and a small sense of normality.

How Is Hooch Detected?

Prison staff are trained to recognise the signs of brewing and intoxication. Tell-tale signs include swollen bags, fruity smells, discoloured bottles, or even yeast-like odours. Random cell searches and breath tests are used to monitor for alcohol consumption.

Legal and Disciplinary Actions

Being caught making or drinking hooch can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, internal adjudications, or extended sentences. For prisons, the goal is to clamp down on production without triggering further unrest.

Conclusion

While the making of hooch may seem like a creative survival tactic, it is fraught with risk. From severe health hazards to disciplinary repercussions, the hidden world of prison-brewed alcohol continues to challenge prison officers across the UK. Understanding how prison hooch is made sheds light on the resilience, desperation, and ingenuity that can define prison life.