When I was in survival mode for a year I made hard cider cheaply to drink. Toward the end of that year, I distilled much of it on a "prison still" I put together on my stovetop. It passed the time.
I couldn't make cuts well with my prison still, but I did take a stab at cuts. I definitely tossed the first shot or so (small batches) and eliminated most methanol.
Anyway, I ended up with a few gallons of homemade shine. I aged it on oak chips and cubes. Still an idle hobby to pass the time, but I've learned a lot with all this. I have smelled and tasted heads, tails, and whiskey before and after aging.
Since the quality is mediocre at best, I blend it with storebought whisky. It ain't bad, I guess. I blend it with stuff like Evan Williams and I think it's better than anything like 10 high or other bottom shelf stuff. I'll probably be drinking on it for years.