Marvin ” Popcorn ” Sutton (October 5, 1946 – March 16, 2009) was a moonshiner and bootlegger from the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. He was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and grew up, lived, and died in the rural regions around Maggie Valley and the adjoining Cocke County, Tennessee. He was buried at Maggie Valley Cemetery. The author of a self-published autobiographical guide on moonshine production, as well as the producer of a home film documenting his moonshining activities, he became the focus of multiple documentaries, including one that won a Regional Emmy Award. As an alternative to reporting to federal jail after being convicted of felonies relating to moonshining and illegal handgun ownership, Sutton committed himself by carbon monoxide poisoning in March 2009, when he was 62 years old, rather than report. He has been commemorated by the creation of a new firm and accompanying whiskey brand in his honor.

Moonshining career and rise to fame

Sutton had a long and successful career in the production of moonshine and bootlegging. He claimed that moonshine production was a valid part of his legacy since he was of Scots-Irish descent and descended from a long line of moonshiners, which he stated was a legitimate part of his lineage. A furious attack on a defective popcorn vending machine with a pool cue earned Sutton the nickname “Popcorn” sometime in the 1960s or 1970s, according to legend. Prior to his rise to popularity, when he was nearly 60 years old, he had been in problems with the police on a number of occasions, but had managed to evade prison sentences each time. While charged with selling untaxed liquor in 1974, as well as with having controlled drugs and assault with a lethal weapon in 1981 and 1985, he was found guilty in all three cases but was merely sentenced to probation in each of those instances. A self-published autobiography and guide to moonshine manufacture, titled Me and My Likker, was then published by Sutton, who began selling copies of it from his junk store in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, the following year. The New York Times described it as “a meandering, vulgar, and frequently amusing narrative of his life in the profession” after reading it. Sutton later claimed that a lady named Ernestine Upchurch, with whom he had been living in the 1990s, had assisted him in the writing of the book. Around the same time, Sutton developed a home film with the same title, which was published on VHS tape and became popular. He was a small, thin dude who always wore his hat – it was sort of his claim to fame, the hat that he wore all the time – it was kind of his claim to fame. Aside from that, he was known for wearing overalls all the time. Even when he appeared in federal court, he wore bib overalls to protect his modesty. When you talked to him, he was a kind person, but every time you spoke with him, he would say something along the lines of “Ray, I’ve ran my last run of moonshine, I’m not going to do it anymore, I’m simply getting too old to be doing this stuff.” “Popcorn” Sutton was the subject of a radio story by radio reporter Ray Snader in 2009. Neal Hutcheson’s 2002 documentary Mountain Talk included him as one of several persons from southern Appalachia who were interviewed about the “mountain dialect” spoken in the region. This was his first feature film appearance (that was not self-published). Another Hutcheson film that would form the cornerstone of Sutton’s popularity was This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make, in which he played the role of Sutton’s father. Following its release in 2002, the film soon became a cult classic, garnering the attention of television producers in Boston and New York at the time of its production. The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office discovered 650 gallons of untaxed alcohol on Sutton’s farm near Parrottsville in 2007 after a fire broke out on his land. Sutton was convicted of the crime and sentenced to another term of probation by the county. Sutton was featured in the 2007 History Channel program Hillbilly: The Real Narrative, which tells the story of a real-life hillbilly. Additionally, the raw footage from the 2002 documentary was reworked for use in another Hutcheson documentary, The Last One, which was published in 2008 and aired on PBS in the United States. It was nominated for a Southeast Emmy Award in 2009. The moonshine was ready for sale when Sutton informed an undercover federal agent in March 2008 that he had 500 gallons in Tennessee and another 400 gallons in Maggie Valley, both of which he said he had ready to sell. This resulted in an ATF raid on his farm, which was headed by Jim Cavanaugh, who is most known for his role in the Waco siege. Sutton was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in January 2009 after pleading guilty to unlawful distillation of spirits and possession of a firearm (a.38-caliber revolver) as a felon. Sutton had represented himself in the case with the assistance of a public lawyer and had pled guilty. Sutton, who is 62 years old and has recently been diagnosed with cancer, petitioned U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer to allow him to serve his sentence under house arrest, and several petitions were filed by others requesting that his sentence be reduced or commuted, but none of these petitions were successful this time around. According to the court, at the time of the federal raid, Sutton was still on probation in Tennessee, and that placing a guy on probation again after being convicted five times of a variety of felonies would be contrary to the public’s interest. Additionally, Sutton’s on-screen appearances with weapons and demonstrations of how to brew illicit moonshine were cited by the author.

He said that he had contemplated a heavier sentence of 24 months, but that he had ultimately settled on 18 months after taking Sutton’s age and physical condition into consideration.

Death and memorial services

On March 16, 2009, Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, ostensibly in order to escape a federal prison sentence that was set to begin a few days later. His wife Pam, whom he had married around two years before his death, arrived home from doing errands and discovered her husband in the back of their property in Parrottsville, Tennessee, in his green Ford Fairmont (which was still running). “He named it his three-jug automobile because he traded three jugs of whiskey in exchange for it,” Mrs. Sutton explained. “He had the strength to die the way dad lived: according to his own wants and no one else’s,” his daughter said, adding that he had told her in advance that he preferred suicide to going to jail. “He died the way he lived: according to his own wishes and no one else’s,” she added. Sutton’s remains was first placed at a family gravesite in Mount Sterling, North Carolina, where he had grown up. Nonetheless, on October 24, 2009, it was moved to his home in Parrottsville, where he had a private memorial ceremony. It took a horse and carriage to transport his body to its last resting place. As country music star Hank Williams Jr. traveled in to offer his respects, the tribute for Sutton swelled in size and spectacle. In addition, a short memorial service was conducted for intimate friends and family members. Sutton’s burial was marked with a standard grave marker, which said “Marvin Popcorn Sutton / Ex-Moonshiner / October 5, 1946 / March 16, 2009” and was placed at the head of his grave. Furthermore, he had prepared a footstone ahead of time for his interment, which he had placed on his front porch for years while keeping his casket ready in his living room for the last several years. “Popcorn Said Fuck You,” says the epitaph carved into his footstone.

Tributes and popular culture

• Sky Sutton, Sutton’s long-estranged daughter, wrote a self-published book in 2009 titled Daddy Moonshine: The Story of Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton (ASIN B0027MNMC2)
• Singer-songwriter Hank Williams III sings a song about Sutton on his 2010 album Rebel Within titled “Moonshiner’s Life”
• Sutton’s long-estranged daughter Sky Sutton wrote a self-published book in 2009 titled
  It was later discovered that some of the previously filmed video of Sutton by Hutcheson had been utilized in the Discovery Channel television series Moonshiners, which aired in 2011–12.
  Sutton was the subject of a brief photographic book published in 2012, Popcorn Sutton: The Making and Marketing of a Hillbilly Hero, with text by Tom Wilson Jester and photographs by Don Dudenbostel (72 pages, Dudenbostel Photography, March 7, 2012, ISBN 978-0615585130)
• Sutton was the subject of a brief photographic book published in 2012.
  Another Hutcheson documentary about Sutton was released in 2014, titled A Hell of a Life
• Sucker Punch Pictures produces the documentary “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make,” which went on to win a regional Emmy
• And Sucker Punch Pictures produces the documentary “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make,” which went on to win a regional Emmy.

Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey

A bottle of the whiskey that bears the same name (c. 2013) A whiskey brand named after Sutton was launched by Hank Williams Jr. on November 9, 2010, in a collaboration with J M Concepts LLC and Sutton’s widow, Pam Sutton, to manufacture and market a whiskey brand named after Sutton, which was said to be in keeping with his legacy. In its marketing, it was stated that the whiskey was created on stills designed by Sutton, utilizing his secret family recipe and procedures that Sutton entrusted to former Supercross racer Jamey Grosser of J M Concepts. Stars from the country music industry were in attendance for the launch event, including Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser; Travis Tritt; Tanya Tucker; Zac Brown; Josh Thompson; Kentucky Headhunters; Little Big Town; Colt Ford; Montgomery Gentry; Jaron and the Long Road to Love; Lee Brice; and others. The Tennessee White Whiskey produced by Popcorn Sutton, according to news accounts, will be offered initially in Tennessee and across the Southeastern United States. A lawsuit was launched against the distiller of Popcorn Sutton’s whiskey on October 25, 2013, alleging that the newly redesigned bottle, with its square form, beveled shoulders, and white-on-black label, was too similar to Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc.’s. “The design is likely to lead customers and prospective purchasers of the product to believe incorrectly that it is a new Tennessee white whiskey product in the Jack Daniel’s brand,” according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit demanded that all currently available bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey be removed off the market and that all earnings from the sales of those bottles be paid to Jack Daniel’s. According to court documents, the case was resolved in 2014 for an unknown sum, and as of May 2016, the Sutton brand’s bottle design has undergone significant changes. Rather than a transparent, round bottle with a large logo, the brand now employs a smaller label. Popcorn Sutton Distilling established a new distillery in Newport, Tennessee, which serves as the county seat of Cocke County, Tennessee, in 2014. Vendome Copper and Brass, based in Louisville, Kentucky, created the copper stills used in the facility’s operation. Megan Kvamme is the founder and CEO of Popcorn Sutton Distilling. In March 2015, it was reported that John Lunn, who had been master distiller at George Dickel Tennessee whiskey since 2005, would be joining Popcorn Sutton Distilling as its new master distiller. Lunn had previously worked as master distiller of George Dickel Tennessee whiskey. Popcorn Sutton Distilling announced in July 2016 that Allisa Henley, a long-time employee and Master Distiller at George Dickel, would be joining John Lunn as a partner in the company. The Sazerac Company purchased the Popcorn Sutton Distillery in December 2016, after which it was closed. The transaction includes only the distillery and not the brands, which are held by Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC, which is located in Ohio and operates the distillery.

Lunn and Henley, as well as the rest of the distillery’s personnel, were hired by the Sazerac Company in the same year. As of the time of the announcement, it had not yet been determined whether the Popcorn Sutton brands would continue to be manufactured under contract by the distillery or not.

References

1. A b Carol Motsinger’s biography (November 10, 2014). “WNC Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton is the subject of a new film.” The Asheville Citizen-Times published this article. a b c d et al., 2016
2. Retrieved May 16, 2016
3. Roberston and Campbell are two of the most well-known names in the world of sports (February 20, 2012). “Yesterday’s Moonshiner is today’s Microdistiller,” as the saying goes. The New York Times is a newspaper published in New York City. Miller, Stephen
4. A b c d e Miller, Stephen
5. Retrieved May 15, 2016
6. (March 20, 2009). In the words of the author, “a legendary Tennessee moonshiner practiced his craft till the death.” As reported by the Wall Street Journal. On March 21, 2009, Mansfield, Duncan, and others, were able to be found (March 19, 2009). “Widow: Moonshiner committed suicide in order to avoid jail.” The San Francisco Chronicle published this article. According to the Associated Press. Stroud, Emily (March 21, 2009)
7. Retrieved March 21, 2009
8. (March 17, 2009). It was believed that his sentence would be lowered by the family of the famed moonshiner. WBIR-TV. on the 21st of March, 2009, you may find the following information: “A well-known moonshiner is sentenced to 18 months.” Times-News. According to the Associated Press. The 26th of January, 2009. Accessed on March 29, 2009
9. A b c Ford, D’Lyn, et al (July 1, 2009). “Golden Moment: Bulletin: NC State University” is the title of this article. The original version of this article was published on October 27, 2014. On May 16, 2016, I was able to get my hands on some information. It’s Me and My Likker (also available in pdf format)
10. Amazon.com. a b Sutton, Pamela L. (March 22, 2009)
11. A b Sutton, Pamela L. (September 10, 2010). “Affidavit of Pamela Sutton” is an official document (PDF). Satterfield, Jamie (May 16, 2016)
12. (December 13, 2010). Likker stories are the subject of a court battle: Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton’s widow and daughter are at odds over rights to the novel. This article was originally published in the Knoxville News Sentinel. Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. (May 5, 2014). “Memorandum Opinion” is an abbreviation for “memorandum opinion” (PDF). The Eastern District of Tennessee is a division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Murphy, Tim (May 16, 2016)
13. A b c Murphy, Tim (May 16, 2016)
14. (July 11, 2010). “Tales of the Last Moonshiner” is a collection of short stories. Mother Jones is a fictional character created by American journalist Mother Jones in the 1960s. May 16, 2016
15. Mountain Talk on the Internet Movie Database
16. This is the last one. Sucker Punch Pictures is a collection of short films about a group of people who are punched in the face. The original version of this article was published on November 24, 2014. This page was last modified on May 16, 2016. Landess, Tom
17. The Last One at IMDb
18. (June 1, 2009). Chronicles of the life and death of Marvin ‘Popcorn’ Sutton. “Archived copy” is a reference to a copy that was archived on November 3, 2011. The original version of this article was published on October 29, 2013. It was retrieved on October 26th, 2013. Morrison and Clarke are two authors who have contributed to CS1 by archiving a copy of their work as a title (link) (March 2009). ” ‘Popcorn’ Sutton passes away.” The Asheville Citizen-Times published this article. “Daughter thinks moonshiner’s suicide was likely caused by independence,” according to a report published on May 16, 2016. The 17th of March, 2009. Davis, Lauren (February 27, 2018)
19. Retrieved February 27, 2018
20. (March 18, 2009). “Popcorn’ Sutton’s estranged daughter recalls her father.” local8now.com. Matheny, Jim (April 2, 2015)
21. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015
22. (October 25, 2009). “Hundreds gather to pay tribute to a famed moonshiner”, according to WBIR-TV. Knoxville, Tennessee is a city in the United States. The Legendary JB Pays a Visit to Popcorn’s Grave – Moonshiners, Inc. Discovery in the United Kingdom. October 27, 2021
23. Retrieved on October 27, 2021
24. Brad Kaplan is the author of this work (January 6, 2012). “Popcorn says f*ck you,” the author writes. Creative Loafing is a blog that publishes original content. “Review: Hank III- Rebel Within”, which was published on May 16, 2016, can be found here. There will be no depression. The 6th of June, 2010. This page was last modified on January 31, 2019. It’s been a hellish existence. Sucker Punch Pictures is a collection of short films about a group of people who are punched in the face. The original version of this article was published on May 18, 2016. May 15, 2016
25. It’s been a hellish existence. Amazon.com. May 15, 2016
26. Six shocking facts about Popcorn Sutton and his moonshine are revealed in this article. 16th of May, 2021
27. Peter Cooper is credited with inventing the term “cooperative” (November 12, 2010). “Hank Williams, Jr. Contributes to the Preservation of Popcorn Sutton’s Moonshine Legacy.” The Tennessean is a newspaper published in Nashville, Tennessee. The original version of this article was published on July 7, 2012
28. Jason Sanford is the author of this work (November 13, 2010). “With Hank Williams Jr.’s stamp of approval, Popcorn Sutton’s whiskey has earned its legitimacy.” In the Asheville Citizen-Times, there is an article by Vernell Hackett (November 11, 2010). “Hank Williams, Jr. Enters the Moonshine Business.” “Hank Williams, Jr. Enters the Moonshine Business.” ‘The Boot’
29. ‘The Shoe’ Bruce Schreiner is the author of this work (October 25, 2013). “Jack Daniel’s is engaged in a legal battle with a minor distiller.” a b c Schelzig, Eric, ” Dickel master distiller leaving to head Popcorn Sutton “, Yahoo News via Associated Press, March 16, 2015
30. A b c Schelzig, Eric, ” Dickel master distiller leaving to head Popcorn Sutton “, Yahoo News via Associated Press, March 16, 2015
31. A b c Schelzig, Eric, ” Dickel master distiller leaving to head Popcorn Sutton “, Yahoo News via Associated Press, March 16, 2015 Popcorn Sutton whiskey’s official website
32. A b c “Sazerac Expanding Into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase”
33. A b c “Sazerac Expanding Into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase”. The 22nd of December, 2016. This page was last modified on April 11, 2018. “Hank Tip a Hat – and a Glass – to Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey,” according to a press release. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011, via the Wayback Machine Cary Ann Fuller’s birthday is November 10th, 2010. (July 18, 2016). In the words of Alisa Henley, “another Dickel Distiller, leaves for Popcorn Sutton.” The Whiskey Wash is a wash made with whiskey. Obtainable on July 9, 2018

External links

• A b c Carol Motsinger, Carol (November 10, 2014). WNC Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton is the focus of a new film. Citizen-Times of Asheville, N.C. This page was last modified on May 16, 2016. Campbell and Roberston (February 20, 2012). A Moonshiner yesterday, a Microdistiller today, as the saying goes. New York Times (New York, New York, United States of America) Accessed on May 15, 2016
• A b c d e Miller, Stephen (Stephen) (March 20, 2009). According to legend, a legendary Tennessee moonshiner practiced his craft till the end of his days. As reported by The Wall Street Journal. On March 21, 2009, Mansfield, Duncan published an article in which he stated that (March 19, 2009). In the words of the widow, “Moonshiner took his own life in order to avoid incarceration.” This article was published in the San Francisco Chronicle on April 15, 2007. This article was provided by the Associated Press on its website. Emily Stroud’s article from March 21, 2009 was retrieved (March 17, 2009). It was believed that his punishment would be lowered by the family of a famed moonshiner. WBIR-TV. This page was last modified on March 21, 2009. An 18-month sentence for a well-known moonshiner. Times-News. The Associated Press reports on this story. on the 26th of January in the year 2009 On March 29, 2009, D’Lyn Ford and others obtained the following information: (July 1, 2009). Bulletin: North Carolina State University. “Golden Moment: NC State University Bulletin.” It was archived on October 27, 2014, from the original. May 16, 2016 – retrieved on the 16th of this month. Me and My Likker (also available in pdf format)
• Amazon.com. Sutton, Pamela L., et al., eds., retrieved March 22, 2009
• (September 10, 2010). An affidavit of Pamela Sutton is an official document that proves someone is who they claim they are (PDF). Jamie Satterfield’s article from May 16, 2016 was retrieved (December 13, 2010). Likker stories are the subject of a court battle: Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton’s widow and daughter are at odds over ownership of the novel. News Sentinel of Knoxville. On May 16, 2016, Pamela L. Reeves, Pamela L. Reeves and Pamela L. Reeves and Pamela L. Reeves and Pamela L. Reeves and Pamela L. Reeves and Pamela L. (May 5, 2014). “Memorandum Opinion” is a legal term that means “memorandum opinion” (PDF). The Eastern District of Tennessee is a division of the United States District Court. on May 16, 2016
• A b c Murphy, Tim (Timothy) (July 11, 2010). “The Last Moonshiner” is a collection of short stories. Mother Jones is a fictional character created by American journalist Mother Jones in the 1960s and 1970s. on the 16th of May, 2016
• Retrieved from Mountain Talk on IMDb
• Mountain Talk on Wikipedia It’s the Last. ‘Sucker Punch’ is a collection of short films about a group of people who get punched in the face by fate. On November 24, 2014, the original version of this article was made available online for viewing. This page was last modified on May 16, 2016. Landess, Tom
• The Last One (IMDb)
• (June 1, 2009). Chronology of the life and death of Marvin ‘Popcorn’ Sutton In an earlier version of this article, it was stated that a “Archived copy” had been created. On October 29, 2013, the original version of this article was published online. As of October 26, 2013, the information was available. Morrison and Clarke have a CS1 entry for archived copy as title (link) (March 2009). The death of “Popcorn” Sutton. Citizen-Times of Asheville, N.C. On May 16, 2016, the following article appeared: “Daughter thinks moonshiner’s suicide was most likely caused by independence.” The 17th of March, 2009 Davis, Lauren (February 27, 2018)
• Retrieved on February 27, 2018. (March 18, 2009). Popcorn Sutton is remembered fondly by his estranged daughter. local8now.com. Matheny, Jim (April 2, 2015)
• Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. (October 25, 2009). WBIR-TV reports that “hundreds of people came out to celebrate the memories of a renowned moonshiner.” Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
• | Moonshiners.com | Legendary JB Pays a Visit to Popcorn’s Grave Exploration in the United Kingdom (Denmark). on the 27th of October in the year 2021 ‘Brad Kaplan’ (January 6, 2012). It’s “f*ck you” according to popcorn. Creative Loafing is a blog that publishes original and creative content. “Review: Hank III- Rebel Within” was published on May 16, 2016. There will be no depression! on the 6th of June in the year of 2010 Obtainable on January 31, 2019
• Life has been hellish. ‘Sucker Punch’ is a collection of short films about a group of people who get punched in the face by fate. On May 18, 2016, a copy of the original article was made available for download. on the 15th of May, 2016
• Retrieved from Life has been hellish. Amazon.com. on the 15th of May, 2016
• Retrieved from “Popcorn Sutton and his moonshine: 6 Surprising Facts About Them” on the 16th of May in the year 2021 Peter Cooper is credited with inventing the term “cooperation” (November 12, 2010). “Popcorn Sutton’s Moonshine Legacy is carried on by Hank Williams, Jr.” The Tennessean is a newspaper published in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It was originally published on July 7, 2012, however it has since been archived. Jacqueline Sanford is a writer who lives in the United States (November 13, 2010). ‘With Hank Williams Jr.’s seal of approval, Popcorn Sutton’s whiskey is now real.’ For more information, go to Asheville Citizen-Times (November 11, 2010). In “Hank Williams, Jr. Goes into the Moonshine Business,” the author describes how his father got into the moonshine business. It is referred to as the “Boot” Bruce Schreiner is a writer who lives in the United Kingdom (October 25, 2013). In a legal battle with a tiny distiller, “Jack Daniel’s is waging a war.” On May 16, 2016, Yahoo! News published an article by Eric Schelzig titled “Dickel master distiller leaving to head Popcorn Sutton.” The article was published by Yahoo! News on March 16, 2015 and can be found at: http://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/2015/03/16/dickel-master-distiller-leaving-to-head-Popcorn-Sutton-dickel-master-distiller-leaving-to-head-Popcorn-S “Sazerac Expanding Into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase”
• “Sazerac Expanding Into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase”
• “Sazerac Expanding Into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase” 22nd of December, 2016, in the United States. on the 11th of April, 2018
• Retrieved from
• Hendricks’ press release, “Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey: A Tip of the Hat and a Glass”, can be found here. At the Wayback Machine, this article was first published on July 18, 2011. Cary Ann Fuller’s birthday is November 10, 2010. (July 18, 2016). In the words of Alisa Henley, “another Dickel Distiller, Leaves for Popcorn Sutton.” There’s something about the Whiskey Wash that makes me feel like a kid again. As of July 9, 2018, you can get your hands on it.

The New York Times’ Shawn Poynter contributed to this report. PARROTTSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The city of Parrottsville in Tennessee is preparing to host a music festival. This is the story of a man named Marvin Sutton and how he demonstrated that the journey from criminality to commodities might be shorter than it appears. Mr. Sutton, also known as Popcorn, was a moonshiner from the time he was a child until his death in 2009 at the age of 62. He was not the last, as he frequently claimed, but he was unquestionably the most well-known moonshiner to operate out of Cocke County, which had long held a claim to being the nation’s moonshine capital. It’s possible that it will happen again. Microdistilleries have been authorized in Cocke County since last Thursday, marking the first time in the state. Furthermore, a distillery dedicated to Mr. Sutton’s formula is located at the beginning of the line. Cocke County, Tennessee, has been known as a moonshine mecca for as long as anybody can remember. It is nestled in the rocky embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains. For most families, surviving in a harsh environment with little chances was a question of life and death. However, for a few ambitious individuals, manufacturing and transporting untaxed and unlicensed whiskey became a lucrative, risky, and inevitably glorified business. Image The New York Times’ Shawn Poynter contributed to this report. Making moonshine eventually gave way to marijuana cultivation, and by the 1960s, the county had earned a reputation as a haven for chop shops, cockfighting gangs, prostitutes, and corrupt government officials. Most of the lawless elements have been apprehended over the course of several generations. However, the county’s tarnished reputation continues to persist. In addition, it irritates. “They’re having to live down the reputation they built up a long time ago,” said Al Schmutzer Jr., who served as the district attorney for this area for 32 years before retiring. As a result, Popcorn Sutton has left a confusing legacy. Mr. Sutton was born in North Carolina and learned to distill in Cocke County, where he was regarded as a charming rogue and a creator of powerful but fine-tasting corn whiskey. Mr. Sutton passed away in 2013. There were so many children born to him that no one knows how many he fathered in all. He lived in a crowded hut on the side of a mountain in the woods, where he also built his stills and handed firearms to the new sheriffs. But it was in the realm of marketing that he had possibly his greatest skill, as well as his most conspicuous divergence from the traditional moonshining paradigm. “He’s quite out of the ordinary,” said Duay O’Neil, who writes a monthly piece about the history of Newport County for The Newport Plain Talk. “His performance as a moonshiner was exactly what the world was expecting. He wore the role and spoke the language of the profession.” Mr. Sutton’s beard and profanity were both overflowing with enthusiasm. “And he produced a quality product,” Mr. O’Neil said, “which I can attest to from personal experience.” Mr. Sutton’s autobiography, “Me and My Likker,” was released in 1999 and is a meandering, vulgar, and frequently humorous chronicle of his life in the profession. His appearance in the documentary “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make” (later recut as “The Last One”), which he sold out of the back of a junk shop in North Carolina, followed shortly after. Because of its popularity, it was the subject of press articles, celebrity appearances, and a high-profile involvement in a History Channel program in 2007. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. The New York Times’ Shawn Poynter reports on the subject. Mr. Sutton even went so far as to print business cards at one time. The actor’s close friend, Mark Ramsey, recalled telling him, “‘Old guy, you can’t be a movie star and brew booze at the same time.'” Anything was him who told me that you couldn’t sell it if no one knew where you obtained it. “I’m not sure if he was making a valid argument or not.” Mr. Sutton, who had run-ins with the police approximately once a decade prior, was detained by federal agents in March 2008 after proposing to sell roughly 1,000 gallons of moonshine to an undercover agent. Mr. Sutton has a history of running into trouble with the law. Despite his guilty plea, Mr. Sutton was sentenced to 18 months in jail by a federal judge who was clearly dissatisfied with Mr. Sutton’s penchant for publicizing his crimes. His pals, to whom he had made a pact that he would not go to prison, were taken aback by the news. While under house arrest, Mr. Sutton made the acquaintance of Jamey Grosser, a 29-year-old former motocross racer who had come to Tennessee with the intention of establishing a legitimate distillery. Mr. Sutton sold Mr. Grosser the recipe for his whiskey, and the two men came to an agreement on a joint venture. Finally, on the morning of March 16, 2009, four days before he was to be turned into authorities for reporting to jail, Mr. Sutton stepped into his green Ford Fairlane, which was parked in his yard, and, after running a pipe from the exhaust through the back seat, he committed suicide. The Popcorn Sutton business was still far from being done when I arrived. In an episode of the Discovery Channel’s moonshiners series, he was cast as the main character. One of Mr. Sutton’s daughters, a physician in Alaska, has filed a lawsuit against his widow, alleging that she has misappropriated the rights to his book. Another daughter created her own book, “Daddy Moonshine,” which is available on Amazon. He married Pam Sutton in 2007, and together they have created Popcorn Sutton T-shirts, key chains, and women’ undergarments. In spite of the fact that outsiders regularly arrive at the house for tours, she claimed, “he would welcome the attention but he would say he didn’t want any.” Credit: Shawn Poynter for The New York Times for this image. A few months after Mr. Sutton’s death, a state statute allowing for the operation of microdistilleries was signed into effect. Mr. Grosser, who now had a new partner in the form of Hank Williams Jr., established a distillery in Nashville, which began production of Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey last autumn and is now producing 800 cases per month. Mr. Grosser has long dreamed of establishing a distillery in Cocke County, potentially in conjunction with a museum as a side project. His conversation with county authorities revealed that they were seeing Mr. Sutton’s legacy, in an interesting twist, as a potentially lucrative source of tax income in a county that was experiencing economic difficulties at the time. Cocke County, on the other hand, was one of few counties that continued to be exempt from the microdistillery regulation. The county board had a vote on whether or not to participate, and the members unanimously chose to reject participation. Norman Smith, a member of the board of directors, stated that he opposed drinking on moral grounds, but also expressed concern that doing so would merely serve to perpetuate obstinate and unfair prejudices. “Our school system is receiving national recognition,” he stated. “And you’ve got the mental idea of: ‘They’re capable of making moonshine.'” That is all they are capable of.” Proponents responded with a straightforward counterargument. “We’ve had such a horrible image for so long,” Mr. Ramsey explained, “why not turn it around and make some money off of it?” he added. After a fresh vote was held in October, the vast majority of the board members chose to opt in, causing the legislature to include Cocke County in the microdistillery legislation. After all these years, Mr. Sutton’s whiskey is finally legal in the United States, from the point of manufacturing to the point of consumption. Mr. Ramsey said that this would be to Mr. Sutton’s taste because he intended to leave his wife in a nice situation. Mr. Ramsey, on the other hand, believes that Mr. Sutton would have preferred to continue doing things the old-fashioned way.

That appears to be supported by his farewell address to the public. The only thing written on the footstone of his tomb is a four-word sentence. “Popcorn Said —” begins the piece, and the remainder is inappropriate for publication.

When local Cocke County officials discovered Sutton in possession of over 650 gallons of illicit moonshine in 2007, they arrested him and placed him on supervised probation.

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Who owns Popcorn Sutton distillery?

• The Sazerac Company has acquired Popcorn Sutton Distilling from the Sutton family.
• Tennessee whiskey will be produced by the firm beginning in early 2017.

Is Popcorn Sutton still alive?

Popcorn Sutton / Is he still alive or has he passed away?

Where did Popcorn Sutton make moonshine?

Popcorn Sutton Distilling established a new distillery in Newport, Tennessee, which serves as the county seat of Cocke County, Tennessee, in 2014. Vendome Copper and Brass, based in Louisville, Kentucky, created the copper stills used in the facility’s operation. Megan Kvamme is the founder and CEO of Popcorn Sutton Distilling.

What car did Popcorn Sutton?

• Popcorn Sutton’s Ford Model T is a classic American automobile.

Where is Popcorn Sutton buried?

Name	Marvin “ Popcorn ” Sutton
Burial	24 Oct 2009	Popcorn Sutton Family Cemetery, Parrottsville, Cocke County, Tennessee
Buried	Mt. Sterling, North Carolina
Person ID	I328132	Smoky Mountain Ancestral Quest
Last Modified	2 May 2013

What does Popcorn Sutton look like?

Sutton, who was given the moniker ” Popcorn” after destroying a 10-cent popcorn machine at a pub with a pool stick while he was in his 20s, resembled a living parody of a mountain moonshiner in his appearance. He had a long gray beard, worn overalls, a checkered shirt, and a feathered hat on his head, and he looked great.

How old was Popcorn Sutton?

Popcorn Sutton’s age of death is unknown.

Why was Popcorn Sutton going to jail?

1. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Marvin ” Popcorn ” Sutton, a nationally recognized moonshiner, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for unlawfully manufacturing spirits and having a pistol while a convicted felon.

How did Popcorn Sutton?

Marvin ” Popcorn ” Sutton, 62, was discovered dead in a vehicle near his home in Parrotsville, Tenn., from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. He was scheduled to begin serving an 18-month jail term for running a large-scale moonshine business only days before his death. His proclivity for distilling moonshine has never been a secret to anybody who knows Popcorn.

How long did Popcorn Sutton make moonshine?

Popcorn Sutton’s moonshine was produced over a period of time. Despite several convictions dating back to 1974, including one for assault with a lethal weapon, Popcorn continued to work in the entertainment industry until 2009. As a result of being apprehended with a large quantity of shine and an

How old is Digger manes on moonshiners?

• He reminds me a little of my father, who is 56 years old.
• Manes takes me on a tour of his business next door, The Back Alley Grainery, where he offers brewing and winemaking equipment, which is hilarious given the location.

What happened to Josh from moonshiners?

Unfortunately, on March 16, 2018, while riding a vintage motorcycle on a Florida race track, one of the tires on which he was traveling blew up, resulting in his death. The reality star suffered multiple serious injuries as a consequence of the event, which caused his bike to crash into a wall.

Is cutie pie Still Alive 2020?

Cutie Pie, sadly, passed away on June 19, 2020, according to reports.

What is Tickle worth?

What is the market value of Tickle Moonshiner? Tickle Moonshiner’s net worth is estimated to be: Tickle Moonshiner is an American moonshiner and reality television star who has a net worth of $300,000 and has been on several reality television shows.

Tickle Moonshiner is a Virginian who was born in Southwest Virginia and is well-known for making “moonshine,” an illegal, home-brewed alcoholic beverage.

Did Mark and Digger from moonshiners go legal?

1. Yes, it is unlawful to manufacture moonshine in the state of Tennessee.
2. Digger learnt the trade from the late famed moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, and he continues to work as a moonshiner to this day.
3. “It’s real,” Mark said in a 2017 interview with WHSV TV.

Do they really make moonshine on moonshiners?

Unquestionably authentic film of moonshine being created by famed bootlegger “Popcorn” Sutton may be found in the show’s opening credits. However, this material was not used in the production of the program. In reality, Sutton tragically committed herself in 2009, two years before the first episode of Moonshiners aired.

Is Josh a real moonshiner?

After a vintage motorbike burst a tire and smashed into a wall at a Florida race track on March 16, Josh Owens, the hero of Discovery Channel’s docudrama series ” Moonshiners,” claimed he is still in agony. His left side is “very much immobilized,” he explained, and he continues to experience excruciating discomfort.

What is Mark and Digger net worth?

1. Mark and Digger are believed to have a combined net worth of $300,000 apiece.
2. The majority of Mark and Digger’s revenue comes from their reality program, but they have also built a distillery together, which they name Sugarlands Distilling Co.

How much is Jim Tom Worth?

His estimated net worth is $200 thousand dollars. Jim Tom Hedrick net worth: Jim Tom Hedrick is a moonshiner and reality television personality with an estimated net worth of $200 thousand dollars. When Jim Tom Hedrick was 15 years old, he began working as a moonshiner for Marvin Hedrick in Graham County, North Carolina. Jim Tom Hedrick was born in Graham County, North Carolina, and raised in Graham County.

Who owns Sugarland moonshine?

“The growth we have witnessed over the past two years has been tremendous,” said Ned Vickers, the company’s owner and CEO. In addition to expanding our distribution westward and developing new, high-quality spirits, we fully expect this trend to continue. Sugarlands Distilling Co. has been open since November.

How much is Josh on moonshiners worth?

1. Josh Owens is a reality television personality who is most known for his role on the Discovery Channel’s television show Moonshiners.
2. Josh Owens’ projected net worth is $1 million as of 2021, according to Forbes.

Is the show moonshiners real or staged?

Moonshiners is a television series created by Magilla Entertainment, a New York-based production firm. In addition to being responsible for many famous reality television series presently dominating the airwaves, they’re also responsible for a large number of misleading ” scripted reality ” shows.

John Lunn left George Dickel for Popcorn Sutton, and he will continue to work at the distillery while it is under the control of Sazerac. Sazerac, the business that owns Buffalo Trace and Pappy Van Winkle, among many other brands, has announced that it has bought the Newport, Tennessee distillery where Popcorn Sutton’s Whiskey is produced for an unknown sum. Popcorn Sutton’s Whiskey is produced at the Newport distillery. However, although the Popcorn Sutton brand was not included in the purchase, there was space for barrel storage. All personnel, including Master Distiller John Lunn and Master Blender Allisa Henley, who both joined the distillery from the George Dickel distillery — Lunn in March 2015 and Henley just a few months ago — will remain their positions. The acquisition allows Sazerac to enter the Tennessee whiskey industry, which is currently dominated by Jack Daniel’s and contains a few other considerably lesser brands, most notably Dickel, among others. Specifically, Sazerac plans to adapt the distillery’s pot stills so that the Lincoln County process may be used. According to state law, the Lincoln County process is the filtering of fresh whiskey through charcoal prior to barreling, and it is the signature of Tennessee whiskey. By the beginning of 2017, the upgraded stills should be able to produce authentic Tennessee whiskey. “The idea is to develop a range of whiskeys and launch them only when they have been completely matured,” explains company spokesperson Amy Preske. “There will be no shortcuts made.” A new name for the distillery is anticipated to be given by Sazerac in the near future. Popcorn Sutton’s Whiskey is a corn whiskey that has not been matured, and as such cannot be classified as Tennessee whiskey (although it is whiskey that is made in Tennessee).

There is currently no information available on what will happen to that brand, but we will provide updates as soon as they become available.

It appears that we have just received the final ten cases (120 bottles) of the old Popcorn Sutton packaging from the manufacturer. The current packaging is the “Moonshine” jar, which is a new design. Make sure to stock up on the limited-edition “Black Bottle” before it is all gone! Suttons with Popcorn Tennessee White Whiskey in a “Black Bottle” from Tennessee. $24.99 for a 750mL bottle proof (original 93 proof) Suttons with Popcorn The “Mason Jar” of Tennessee White Whiskey. $14.99/750ml (88 proof) 88 proof Popcorn Sutton, the famed Moonshine distiller, has passed away. “Popcorn” Sutton (October 5, 1946 – March 16, 2009) was an American Appalachian moonshiner who was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and raised in the Appalachian Mountains. He developed and self-published an autobiographical guide on moonshine manufacturing, as well as a home film documenting his moonshining activities. He was also the subject of a documentary that earned a Regional Emmy Award for excellence in regional television programming. His death in 2009 was an act of defiance against his need to surrender to Federal jail after being convicted of crimes relating to moonshine manufacture… After announcing his cooperation with J M Concepts LLC and Sutton’s widow Pam Sutton on November 9, 2010, Hank Williams, Jr. went on to say that he would manufacture and market a brand of whiskey named after Sutton, which he said will continue Sutton’s legacy. The whiskey, dubbed “Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey,” was touted as having been manufactured on stills developed by Sutton, utilizing his secret family recipe and procedures that Sutton entrusted to former Supercross champion Jamey Grosser of J M Concepts. At the launch event, country music stars such as Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser were in attendance as well as Tanya Tucker and Zac Brown. Other performers included Kentucky Headhunters, Little Big Town, Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Lee Brice, and Lee Ann Womack. The Tennessee White Whiskey produced by Popcorn Sutton, according to news accounts, will be offered initially in Tennessee and across the Southeastern United States. Vendome Copper and Brass, based in Louisville, Kentucky, produced the copper stills used in the making of the film. — According to Wikipedia Popcorn Suttons Tennessee White Whiskey is a Tennessee white whiskey produced by Suttons Distillery. $24.99 for a 750mL bottle Marvin, the Tennessee Whiskey Legend, In addition to residing in Cocke County, Tennessee, and distilling his whiskey there, “Popcorn” Sutton claimed North Carolina as his home as well. Everyone in the South and beyond knew that popcorn made the tastiest darn “likker” anyone had ever tasted, and this was true across the country. As a result, Popcorn lived his life on his own terms, doing and saying whatever the heck he pleased, and he was always one step ahead of the game. On March 16, 2009, while facing up to 18 months in federal jail for creating moonshine (and failing to pay taxes on his whiskey), he made the decision to commit suicide rather than face the prospect of going to prison. Popcorn had faith in his whiskey and the traditions for which he had lived and died, and he held on to them. Even as he faced an approaching jail term, he was able to ensure that his life’s work would be carried on by passing on his whiskey-making heritage to me, which I am now carrying on. In his final days, Popcorn recognized that he was the last authentic moonshiner, and before his death, he shared his family’s secret formulas with me, “The Grocery Boy,” as well as the history and craft that made his whiskey world-renowned.

In honor of the legacy of a whiskey-making icon and my mentor, I’m happy to present you America’s Rebel Spirit, created just the way Popcorn intended it to be enjoyed by you. The master distiller, Jamey Grosser, was Popcorn’s apprentice, friend, and colleague.

In and around Cocke County, Tennessee, there is a legend about a little boy named Popcorn Sutton that almost everyone has heard of. Regardless of whether or not they consider him a hero or a criminal, his name is connected with one of the county’s most cherished claims to fame: authentic mountain moonshine made in the mountains of Kentucky. Popcorn Sutton was a well-known moonshiner who was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and hailed from a long family of bootleggers. He regarded moonshining to be his rite of passage and felt it to be his birthright. While Sutton made a living from this illegal trade, it wasn’t until he was around 60 years old that he gained national attention, thanks to his appearances in several documentaries, including ” This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make ” (which you can watch below), and his conviction for crimes such as moonshining and illegal firearm possession. Since his death, his reputation has only grown, thanks to the establishment of a new whiskey firm in his honor, as well as multiple appearances on Discovery Channel’s famous show “Moonshiners.” More information may be found at Legend or lawbreaker: The true story of Popcorn Sutton. But how well do you truly know the story of Popcorn Sutton and his adventures? Here are six intriguing facts about his life that may or may not come as a surprise.

1. How did Popcorn Sutton get his nickname?

• Popcorn “Marvin Sutton” is Sutton’s full legal name.
• He earned the moniker “Popcorn” because he assaulted a malfunctioning popcorn vending machine with a pool stick while drinking at a neighborhood tavern in a fit of rage.

2. What did Popcorn Sutton do in 1983? Did Sutton to go jail?

This is one of the most common searches on the internet for information about Sutton. Although he was arrested in 1983, the real question is about his numerous encounters with the police during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, as well as the early part of the twenty-first century. During the course of his illustrious career, Sutton was the subject of a number of criminal charges and convictions for offenses involving moonshine. The Newport Plain Talk, Cocke County’s local newspaper, first reported the following arrests and convictions, which are reproduced here with permission. When the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms investigated him in 1974, he was arrested and charged with a number of offences. A five-year prison term was handed down to Sutton in 1981 after he was found guilty and sentenced in the Haywood County Superior Court in North Carolina for felony possession of a prohibited narcotic in 1981. The next year, in 1985, he was convicted for the second time of felony assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to murder, for which he was sentenced to another three years in prison. (This is most likely the incident that prompted the internet’s search for the year 1983.) When local Cocke County officials discovered Sutton in possession of over 650 gallons of illicit moonshine in 2007, they arrested him and placed him on supervised probation. A Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission undercover agent discovered 500 gallons of moonshine being housed and produced by Sutton in 2008, while he was still on probation from the previous charge. This discovery led to yet another conviction on a variety of charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, illegal production of liquor, tax evasion, and transportation of an illegal substance.

A term of 18 months in federal prison was imposed as a result of the 2008 conviction – which brings us to our next Sutton factoid.

3. Is Popcorn Sutton still alive? Did Sutton kill himself?

Popcorn Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning just days before his federal prison sentence was set to begin in 2009. In an attempt to possibly cement his legendary status for all time, Popcorn Sutton committed suicide just days before his federal prison sentence was set to begin in 2009. Sutton was discovered dead in his parked green Ford Fairmont with the engine still running when he was 62 years old. During a conversation with his wife, Pam Sutton, whom he had married only two years earlier, he admitted to her that he had once told her that he would rather commit suicide than go to prison. Popcorn Sutton is a renowned figure in the world of pop culture (photo courtesy of Sucker Punch Pictures)

4. Did Popcorn Sutton have cancer?

If Sutton’s jail term appears lenient in view of his numerous offenses, this may be due in part to his advanced age and deteriorating health. Sutton had been diagnosed with cancer months before his conviction, which provided the judge with an additional reason to be lenient with him.

5. Where is Popcorn Sutton buried?

1. Popcorn Sutton was really buried twice, as only a legend would be able to do.
2. In his early years, he was buried in a remote spot in western North Carolina, close to the graves of his father and mother.
3. The reasons for his exhumation and reburial have varied, but the majority of historians believe it was either owing to vandalism at the previous grave or a family feud with his widow.
4. In any case, his wife Pam staged a major public memorial ceremony a few months later, which Hank Williams Jr.
5. was reportedly invited to attend.
6. Upon exhumation, Sutton’s body was carried to his home in Parrotsville, Tenn.
7. , where he continues to live with his family.
8. A headstone at his grave reads, “Popcorn said f*** you.
9. ” It is located near his grave.

6. Did Popcorn have a wife and and a daughter?

Popcorn Sutton married Pam Sutton in 2007, barely two years before his death. Popcorn Sutton is survived by his wife. Sky Sutton was the name of Sutton’s daughter, who was born to him. Her relationship with her father, on the other hand, was strained. In an interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, she stated that she and her father only spoke on the phone infrequently and that she had not seen him in several years before his death. Sky Sutton is now a published author, historian, and genealogy, among other things. — Note from the editor: We would like to express our gratitude to Sucker Punch Pictures for granting us permission to use their wonderful photographs of Popcorn Sutton and his still for this post. This article is also available as a web story, which you can see by clicking here. Disclaimer: While we make every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information, please keep in mind that the attractions and pricing mentioned in this article may vary depending on the season and are subject to change.

The opinions stated here are solely those of the author and not those of any of the businesses mentioned, and have not been approved or sponsored by any of these organisations. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected].

John Wheeler