The research is compiled in the book "Moonshine Markets," which examines research conducted by international scientists on illegal alcohol production and consumption in Brazil, India, Mexico, Tanzania, Zambia, and Russia.

The research centered on the various customs and rituals regarding moonshine, as well as the history, cultural significance, and legal and socioeconomic structure of alcohol production and consumption.

"The most surprising finding was that the quality of the beverages, certainly those we looked at, was much higher than we thought to be the case," said Marcus Grant, president of the International Center for Alcohol Policies, which published the book.

Researchers also found that commercially produced alcohol posed a higher risk than moonshine of causing alcohol poisoning.

"You hear and read about cases of alcohol poisoning, about people dying and going blind, but in fact the number of alcohol poisonings are quite small compared to the amount of moonshine produced," said Grant. "You would think the alcohol produced in those countries would be low quality, but in fact they're quite potable."

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