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More than any other spirit, moonshine is misunderstood. Once an integral part of prohibition culture, moonshine was illegally produced in backwoods stills, and thus, unregulated and unpredictable. It was an exciting endeavor, but it was also a risky one.
The new crop of moonshines are created under far more auspicious circumstances, yielding a spirit that is rich with history, not lead. Today's moonshine maintains the devil-may-care allure of its illustrious past, but is entirely safe to drink, and yes, even delicious.
We spoke to Joe Baker, the founder of Ole Smoky Moonshine about the craft of making moonshine, starting Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery, and the myths associated with the infamous spirit.
Get the full scoop on the hooch here: 10 Things Every Guy Should Know About Moonshine.
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How long has moonshine been around, and why is it so popular in the South?
"Moonshine has been around for centuries and can be traced back to the Appalachian region of the United States. It has been the center of controversy throughout history, but became increasingly popular during Prohibition when moonshine stills in the Southeast supplied the rest of the country with the illegal spirit."
What is moonshine made from, and how do you make it?
"Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is made of 80% local East Tennessee corn and 20% family secret. We make our moonshine just like our great-grandfathers did more than a hundred years ago. We start by cooking the corn and other grains, turning the starches into fermentable sugar. Yeast is added to the mash and transferred to a fermenter."
"During the fermentation process, the yeast breaks down the natural sugars and turns them into alcohol. After three to four days, the mash is transferred into the pot still. As the mash is heated, the vapor travels into the thump keg and rises again. The vapor is condensed into a liquid, and the moonshine comes out at 150 proof. We then add purified mountain water to reach our 100 proof corn whisky product."
Is moonshine a whisky, vodka or grain alcohol?
"Moonshine is essentially an un-aged whisky, traditionally clear with a hint of corn. It is perfect for sipping or using as a substitute in cocktails. There are different varieties of moonshine depending on the distillation process and number of times the spirit runs through the still."
What’s the difference between legal and illegal moonshine?
"It’s simple. We pay our taxes. It’s the same recipe, but it keeps the revenuers from busting up our operation. Legalized in 2009, our moonshine was the first legal moonshine in Tennessee. Ole Smoky Original Moonshine is an uncut 100 proof ‘shine, in its authentic form."
How should you drink moonshine?
"We always drink it straight from the jar, but encourage you to get creative by mixin’ your own recipe. A Southern classic is our Front Porch Peach Tea, which is 2 parts Ole Smoky Peach Moonshine, 1 part sweet tea and 1 part Lemonade, with peach and mint for garnish."
Is NASCAR really built on running moonshine?
"Stock car racing began during Prohibition in the 1930s with runners bootlegging moonshine. They were known for outsmarting federal agents who were cracking down on unpaid taxes. They would soup up their cars to increase speed and handling on the twisty mountain roads. During this time, runners then held their own races to determine the fastest car which would give them bragging rights. In the late 1940s along with the help of some large influential drivers, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing or NASCAR was started."
Why is moonshine served in mason jars?
"Here in the South, we can everything. Green beans, squash relish, strawberry jam, and moonshine. You can drink straight from the jar, reseal it, transport it, and pass it. It’s a communal thing."
What’s the difference between moonshine and White Lightnin’?
"You may have heard it called hooch, ‘shine, mountain dew, corn liquor, moonshine whiskey, or white lightnin’. It’s the same product, just different Southern names."
Why has moonshine become so popular?
"Increasing consumer interest in the whiskey category is the driving force behind the rising popularity of moonshine. Availability also plays a role, as moonshone has become more accessible to the mainstream consumer through liquor stores, bars, and restaurants."
"There’s a lot of companies trying to do what we’re doing now because consumers are interested. But it's our strong American heritage, and the history of moonshine that keeps people coming back."
Does moonshine really make you go blind?
"This is a misconception that derived from moonshine distillers who, without government oversight, produced batches of moonshine in stills that were fitted with lead. Stories remain here in the Appalachian mountains, but our moonshine is made from local quality ingredients and distilled under the watchful eye of trained distillers. Shine responsibly."
