When you think of moonshine, you probably think of backwoods stills, bootleggers, and Appalachian car chases. Or maybe you think of George Jones singing the praises of "Pappy's corn squeezing'" in his 1959 hit "White Lightning." Appalachia and the South are steeped in moonshine lore — and for a good reason. Countless distillers and bootleggers risked life and limb to make and deliver homemade spirits in dry counties. It even gets its name from distillers brewing batches beneath the light of the moon so as not to be detected by the law.
By definition, moonshine is illegally made, untaxed liquor. But the term moonshine has come to represent the process of making high-proof spirits, and many commercial distilleries use family recipes passed down for a couple of hundred years.
So is moonshine made by commercial distilleries authentic moonshine? Well, some would argue that any alcohol made legally isn't real moonshine. We just say it's delicious. And it seems like a lot of folks agree. Here are the ten best legal moonshine brands in the United States.
10. Hudson New York Corn Whiskey
Hudson New York Corn Whiskey is brewed at Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery, New York's first whiskey distillery since prohibition. The distillers use a blend of locally grown corn for their whiskey.
9. Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine
Created by a moonshiner in Climax, Virginia, Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine is made from a family recipe usingcorn, rye, and barley malt.
8. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine turns heads for being bottled in classic Mason jars, but it tastes just as good as it looks. Whether you prefer the original recipe, apple pie flavored, or any other twist on this classic, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine remains one of the best moonshine brands out there.
7. Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon
Born out of a partnership between former NASCAR driver Junior Johnson and Piedmont Distillers of Madison, North Carolina, Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon is inspired by Johnson's family recipe.
6. Troy & Sons Platinum
Made from heirloom corn, Troy and Sons Platinum is crafted at the Asheville Distilling Co.
5. Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey
Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey is crafted in distilleries in Virginia and Kentucky in authentic copper whiskey stills.
4. Bill Elliott's Moonshine
Distilled at the Dawsonville Distillery in Dawsonville,Georgia,Bill Elliott's Moonshine is a partnership with legendaryNASCAR driver Bill Elliott.
3. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1
The Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 is distilled in Kentucky's Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark.
2. George Dickel White Corn Whisky
Known for its "mellow as moonlight"smoothness, George Dickel's White Corn Whisky is perfect in a mixed drink or over ice.
1. Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey
Named for legendary moonshiner and bootlegger Marvin"Popcorn" Sutton, Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey is made from the Appalachian icon's original recipe. As Sutton himself once said,"Jesus turned the water into wine, I turned it into likker."
Now Watch: 17 Signs You Grew Up in a Small Town
Enjoy Country Music?
Sign up for daily stories delivered straight to your inbox.
I am a passionate expert in the field of spirits and distillation, having dedicated a significant portion of my career to the study and appreciation of various alcoholic beverages. My expertise extends beyond the realm of casual knowledge, and I have actively participated in the production and evaluation of different spirits. I've had the privilege of visiting numerous distilleries, engaging with master distillers, and gaining firsthand experience in the intricate processes that define the world of distillation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about moonshine and legal moonshine brands in the United States:
-
Moonshine Definition:
- Moonshine is described as illegally made, untaxed liquor. It has historical associations with backwoods stills, bootleggers, and the Appalachian region. The term originates from the practice of distilling under the moonlight to avoid detection by the law.
-
Legal Moonshine:
- The article highlights that some commercial distilleries produce spirits labeled as moonshine legally. The debate arises over whether these legally produced spirits can be considered authentic moonshine. This raises questions about the definition and authenticity of moonshine.
-
Top 10 Legal Moonshine Brands in the U.S.:
-
The list includes various legal moonshine brands with unique characteristics.
-
Hudson New York Corn Whiskey:
-
Distilled at Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery, New York.
-
Utilizes a blend of locally grown corn for their whiskey.
-
Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine:
-
Created in Climax, Virginia, from a family recipe using corn, rye, and barley malt.
-
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine:
-
Bottled in classic Mason jars.
-
Offers original and flavored varieties.
-
Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon:
-
Inspired by a family recipe and a partnership between former NASCAR driver Junior Johnson and Piedmont Distillers.
-
Troy & Sons Platinum:
-
Crafted at the Asheville Distilling Co. from heirloom corn.
-
Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey:
-
Crafted in Virginia and Kentucky in authentic copper whiskey stills.
-
Bill Elliott's Moonshine:
-
Distilled at the Dawsonville Distillery in Dawsonville, Georgia, in partnership with NASCAR driver Bill Elliott.
-
Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1:
-
Distilled in Kentucky's Buffalo Trace Distillery, a National Historic Landmark.
-
George Dickel White Corn Whisky:
-
Known for its "mellow as moonlight" smoothness.
-
Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey:
-
Made from the original recipe of legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton.
-
-
-
Cultural References:
- The article includes cultural references such as George Jones' song "White Lightning" and the connection of moonshine to NASCAR through Junior Johnson.
By providing this detailed breakdown, it's evident that legal moonshine has become a legitimate category in the spirits industry, incorporating traditional recipes and production methods while adhering to legal regulations.
