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- Buy in Stores Online You can purchase this flask at the distillery gift shop. You will find the original Hatfield McCoy Moonshine sold at many liquor stores in West Virginia, including those in Walmart and Sam’s Club. For folks from outside the region, consider using Woods Wholesale Wine online store.
Contents
- 1 Does West Virginia sell moonshine?
- 2 Is moonshine legal in West Virginia?
- 3 What proof is West Virginia moonshine?
- 4 What states can you buy moonshine?
- 5 How many gallons of moonshine is legal?
- 6 Is it legal to make wine in WV?
- 7 What states can you distill alcohol?
- 8 Is making moonshine illegal?
- 9 Can you make moonshine in Virginia?
- 10 Is Everclear moonshine?
- 11 Here Are The 8 Best Places To Get Moonshine In West Virginia
- 12 These 4 places serve West Virginia’s best moonshine
- 13 WV Distillery Directory •
- 13.1 Black Draft Distillery¹
- 13.2 Bootleg Distilling¹
- 13.3 The Bullock Distillery ³
- 13.4 Cacapon Distilling Company ¹
- 13.5 Country Roads Distillery ²
- 13.6 Devil’s Due Distillery³
- 13.7 Dry Run Spirits¹
- 13.8 Elkhorn Mountain Distillery ¹
- 13.9 Flying Buck Distillery ¹
- 13.10 Forks of Cheat Distillery¹
- 13.11 HatfieldMcCoy Moonshine ²
- 13.12 Isaiah Morgan Distillery¹
- 13.13 MannCave Distillery ²
- 13.14 Mountain State Distillery²
- 13.15 Mountain State Spirits ²
- 13.16 New Heritage Distilling ²
- 13.17 RADA Distillery at Flying Squirrel Ranch¹
- 13.18 Smooth Ambler Spirits ²
- 13.19 Still Hollow Spirits¹
- 13.20 The Sweeter Side of the Feud ²+³
- 13.21 Swilled Dog Spirits ¹
- 13.22 Wicked Spirits Distillery ¹
- 13.23 History of WV Distillery Regulation
- 14 Pinchgut Hollow Distillery
- 15 HILLS AND HOLLOWS: Raising a Pint to West Virginia’s Moonshine Heritage
- 16 TAXATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- 17 THE HATFIELDS AND MOONSHINE
- 18 MOONSHINE TODAY
- 19 MOONSHINE SURVIVES
- 20 THE LAST SIP
- 21 State alcohol laws for West Virginia
- 22 About Our Distillery
- 23 Stories in the Shine — THE BITTER SOUTHERNER
- 24 Distilleries
Does West Virginia sell moonshine?
The making of illegal or moonshine whiskey has a long history in West Virginia and elsewhere. Moonshine is illegal because producers do not abide by state or federal laws regarding the licensure, manufacture, sale, and taxation of distilled spirits.
Is moonshine legal in West Virginia?
Yes, but you must submit a Liquor Vendor Form to the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration to get a permit. To obtain this permit, there is an annual fee.
What proof is West Virginia moonshine?
Moonshine—illegally distilled corn whiskey. One of the biggest legends of the West Virginia mountaineers and their lifestyle was the moonshiner. As with any legend there is always a grain of truth, and the grain in this story is 190 proof.
What states can you buy moonshine?
In 2010, legal moonshine stills opened in some parts of the south, including South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. These produced legal moonshine for sale and distribution. The product became quite popular for its representation of cultural history.
How many gallons of moonshine is legal?
According to federal law, It is legal to own a still larger than 1 gallon so long as it is not being used to distill alcohol or it is permitted to be used for distilling fuel alcohol or spirits.
Is it legal to make wine in WV?
West Virginia presently has no statute or exception recognizing the home production of beer. Such an exception exists for the home production of wine.
What states can you distill alcohol?
In contrast to Florida, some state’s home distilling laws allow “legal” moonshining, even though it’s considered illegal federally. Those states include Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Rhode Island.
Is making moonshine illegal?
While most states prohibit home moonshining, state laws sometimes conflict with federal law. But federal law trumps state law, and to the feds, distilling at home for personal consumption is illegal, period.
Can you make moonshine in Virginia?
Yes, it is legal to own a still in Virginia, but not for the purpose of manufacturing alcohol. If you wish to produce alcohol, you require a distilling license. 4.1 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT (Code of Virginia) states that the manufacturing of alcohol unless a license is acquired is illegal.
Is Everclear moonshine?
Both Everclear and Moonshine are unaged spirits; however, Everclear is made from grain and Moonshine from corn. Everclear is a brand name of a neutral-tasting, very potent grain alcohol. Moonshine is a general term used to describe illegally produced corn whiskey.
Here Are The 8 Best Places To Get Moonshine In West Virginia
July 4, 2017 in West VirginiaNature | Comments Off on Moonshine is a genuine flavor of West Virginia heritage, and no visit to the state would be complete without trying some. unlawful or “moonshine” whiskey has a long history in West Virginia, and refers to alcoholic beverages that are created in secret to circumvent high taxes or outright prohibitions. Illegal or “moonshine” whiskey is typically whiskey or rum with a very high alcohol level. When the phrase “moonshine” was first used in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, it was used as a verb to refer to occupations or activities that were completed late at night.
The moonshine variants available today are far removed from the rot-gut hooch made in the hills under the cover of night with recipes passed down through generations.
- Come to West Virginia and visit one or more of these eight mountain state distilleries to sample this spirit, learn about generations of history and fine-tuning, and perhaps even purchase a jar or two to take home with you.
But remember to drink responsibly at all times!
1.
- Appalachian Distillery was founded by two former West Virginia coal miners who came from a long line of moonshine producers in their families.
Stop by to view a manufacturing technique based on the methods used by the old-timers, and pick up a bottle or two while you’re there.
Martinsburg’s Black Draft is a great place to start.
- Located in the eastern tip of the state, this distillery specializes in high-quality, genuine moonshine.
It’s certainly worth the trip to take advantage of the free tour and observe how the distillery operates.
Located at 1140 Kelly Island Road in Martinsburg, West Virginia 254053.
- Bloomery Plantation Distillery is a distillery located in Bloomery, Florida.
Their concoctions are described on their website as “An artful combination of wickedness and virtue.” Bloomery’s SweetShines are available in a range of flavors, ranging from the award-winning Black Walnut and Pumpkin Spice to the distinctive Ginger Shine and Chocolate Raspberry.
Every step of the process, from growing and zesting the lemons to cutting the ginger, choosing the raspberries, producing the syrups, and designing the labels, is done entirely by hand.
- Forks of Cheat Distillery, which specializes in genuine, small-batch Appalachian spirits, has addressed the spirits business with the same level of attention to detail and quality that they have applied to their now-famous vineyard.
They also offer a variety of additional high-end spirits available for tasting at their location.
In addition to using 100 percent West Virginia-grown maize, HatfieldMcCoy Moonshine uses a 150-year-old family recipe that is distilled in copper kettles in tiny batches.
- Peach, Blackberry Cobbler, and Apple Pie are all available in addition to the regular’shine.
297 Isaiah Morgan Distillery is located in Kirkwood Winery in Gilbert, West Virginia.
Winery Lane is located at 45 Winery Lane.
- Summersville, WV7.
Their Coal Black Cherry moonshine is packaged and branded in a way that pays homage to the coal miners of West Virginia.
If you happen to be in this section of the state, make a point of stopping in and supporting a local business.
- Fairmont’s Pinchgut Hollow Distillery is located at Heston Farm.
They also produce moonshine-style whiskeys in a variety of flavors, including Apple Pie, Honey Peach, Corn, and Buckwheat, as well as premium and novelty whiskeys, such as Ramp Shine and Rhubarb, among other things.
Pinchgut’s products are available for tasting at their tasting facility on the grounds of Heston Farm.
- Visitors may take part in Heston Farm’s activities, which include live music, comedy evenings, and other events, as well as take a tour of the property and reserve space for a wedding or business event.
Make it a point to indulge in a glass of moonshine the next time you’re in the mountains of North Carolina.
Please tell us!
These 4 places serve West Virginia’s best moonshine
- West Virginia is credited as being one of the original homesteads of moonshine.
- Moonshine, sometimes known as mountain dew or white lightening, is a high-proof distilled whiskey that was formerly produced illegally and without official approval, but has now been legalized and made available to the general public.
- Please visit these actual West Virginia distilleries if you are interested in purchasing some pure West Virginia moonshine:
1. Appalachian Distillery
The Appalachian Distillery is located in the town of Ripley. Their moonshine, which is manufactured from local grains and packaged in certified arsenic-free U.S. bottles, is available in 11 distinct flavors to suit your taste. Visitors to this distillery who are 21 years or older are given a complimentary moonshine taste. Tours are also available for purchase, but are provided free of charge to individuals who purchase products at the store.
2. Black Draft Distillery
Located in the city of Martinsburg A total of three distinct varieties of moonshine are produced at Black Draft Distillery. Glen and Tara Price, the company’s founders, made it their purpose to make their alcoholic beverages entirely from natural ingredients. They use locally produced, non-GMO maize to make their First Harvest Moonshine, which gives consumers an authentic flavor of West Virginia. There are other varieties to choose from, including Rise and Shine coffee moonshine, which is created with Black Dog Coffee, which is roasted in West Virginia, and White Julep moonshine, which is the ideal accompaniment to any summer drink.
3. HatfieldMcCoy Moonshine Distillery
- Martinsburg is the location.
- A total of three types of moonshine are produced at Black Draft Distillery.
- For Glen and Tara Price, it was important to them that their alcohols were created entirely of natural ingredients in order to maintain the integrity of their brand.
- This moonshine is manufactured with locally grown, non-GMO maize, giving users an authentic taste of West Virginia while sipping on it.
- Other varieties include Rise and Shine coffee moonshine, which is created with Black Dog Coffee, a West Virginia roaster, and White Julep moonshine, which is a refreshing accent to any summer drink and is prepared with Black Dog Coffee.
4. Isaiah Morgan Distillery
At this distillery, moonshine is referred to by a different name. Isaiah Morgan’s Southern Moon corn liquor, which is located in Summersville, West Virginia, was the first of its sort to be offered for purchase on-site. The firm got the license for the nation’s tiniest still in 2002, but tourists were unable to purchase alcohol from the establishment on-site until recently. It was because of this that Rodney Facemire formed a partnership with government and corporate leaders to realize his vision of mini-distilleries, which resulted in the creation of a new industry for the state.
WV Distillery Directory •
This distillery calls its moonshine by a different name. Isaiah Morgan’s Southern Moon corn liquor, which is located in Summersville, West Virginia, was the first of its kind to be sold on-site. The firm got the license for the nation’s tiniest still in 2002, but tourists were unable to purchase alcohol from the establishment on-site until recently.
Rodney Facemire’s concept of mini-distilleries was realized via collaboration with government and corporate leaders, resulting in the creation of a new sector for the state.
Black Draft Distillery¹
- Kelly Island Road, Martinsburg, WV Beautiful facility on a tiny, family farm in rural Berkeley County, only a few miles outside Martinsburg.
- 1140 Kelly Island Road, Martinsburg, WVA Their product is made entirely of non-GMO corn that is sourced locally.
- Primary Products: Unaged corn whiskey (moonshine), bourbon, and other distilled spirits Primary Brands/Labels: Black Draft Straight Bourbon, Black Draft Vodka, First Harvest Moonshine, Coffee, Black Draft Straight Bourbon Moonshine Tours are available.
Bottle sales are permitted.
Bootleg Distilling¹
A magnificent facility on a small family farm in rural Berkeley County, WV, just a few miles outside of Martinsburg may be found at 1140 Kelly Island Road near Martinsburg, WV. Locally farmed maize is used in the production of their product. Primary Products: Unaged corn whiskey (moonshine), bourbon, and other alcoholic beverages Primarily used brands/labels include: Black Draft Straight Bourbon, Black Draft Vodka, First Harvest Moonshine, and Coffee & Creamer. Moonshine YES, there are tours available!
- The purchase of bottles is permitted.
Established in 2013, the websiteBrilliant Stream Article Link:12 was created.
The Bullock Distillery ³
A magnificent site on a small family farm in rural Berkeley County, only a few miles outside of Martinsburg, is located at 1140 Kelly Island Road. Their product is made entirely of non-GMO maize that is farmed locally. Products of primary production include unaged corn whiskey (moonshine) and bourbon. Primary Brands/Labels: Black Draft Straight Bourbon, Black Draft Vodka, First Harvest Moonshine, Coffee Moonshine Tours are available: Yes. Call ahead for availability during peak season. Bottle Sales: Yes, they do exist.
- WebsiteBrilliant Stream Article Link:12Date of establishment: 2013
Cacapon Distilling Company ¹
Yellow Springs, West Virginia It is only now that its state license has been authorized that it can get started. There are no other information at this time. Primary Products: To Be Determined Primary Brands/Labels: To Be Determined Tours are not available. Bottle Sales: NoSampling: NoBottle SalesStore: No Call (202) 701-4709 for further information. License expires in 2021.
Country Roads Distillery ²
Yellow Springs is a town in the West Virginia state of Yellow Springs. Since its state license has been issued, the company is just getting started. There are currently no more information. Basic Components: TBD TBA are the primary brands and labels. Tours: There are no tours available at the moment. Bottle sales are not included in the sampling. (202) 701-4709 for further information. A license will be granted in 2021
Devil’s Due Distillery³
Yellow Springs, West Virginia (WV) It is only now that its state license has been obtained that it may begin operations.
There are no other information at this time. Primary Products: to be determined TBA are the primary brands/labels. Tours: There are none. Bottle Sales: NoSampling: NoBottle Sales: No Call (202) 701-4709 to make an appointment. Licensed until: 2021
Dry Run Spirits¹
- The Loafers Glory Resort and Event Center, located at 3576 Dry Run Road in Franklin, West Virginia, is a new start-up distillery in rural Pendleton County.
- Now that the distillery is completely permitted, it is possible that distillation will begin.
- At this time, there is no more information available.
- Primary Products: TBAPrimary Brands/Labels: TBABottle SalesStore: No Primary Brands/Labels: TBABottle SalesStore: No Call (304) 358-7034 for more information.
- Licensed:2020
Elkhorn Mountain Distillery ¹
Jenkins Run Road is at 2141 Jenkins Run Road. Moorefield, West Virginia This tiny distillery specializes in small-batch copper pot distilled spirits made from 100 percent natural maize and pure sugars, which are then bottled. Hardy County is located in a small mountain valley with a few small towns. Unaged corn whiskey is the primary product. Elkhorn Mountain Moonshine is one of the primary brands/labels. Tours are not available. Bottle Sales: NoSampling: NoBottle Sampling: NoStore: No It may be purchased in liquor stores in the surrounding area.
Flying Buck Distillery ¹
Jenkins Run Road, address 2141 West Virginia’s Moorefield is a little town with a lot of history. This tiny distillery specializes in small-batch copper pot distilled spirits made with 100 percent natural maize and pure sugars, which are available for purchase online. In Hardy County, a small mountain valley serves as the setting for this historic landmark. Corn whiskey that has not been matured is the primary product. Elkhorn Mountain Moonshine is the primary brand/label used. Tours: There are no tours available at the moment.
- It may be found in liquor stores in the surrounding area of the city.
Forks of Cheat Distillery¹
Jenkins Run Road, address 2141 Jenkins Run Road Moorefield, West Virginia (WV) It is the specialty of this little distillery to produce small-batch copper pot distilled spirits from 100 percent natural maize and pure sugars. Hardy County is tucked away in a little mountain valley. The primary products are unaged corn whiskey and unaged rye whiskey. Elkhorn Mountain Moonshine is the primary brand/label. Tours: There are none. Bottle Sales: NoSampling: NoBottle Sales: NoStore: No It may be found in liquor stores in the surrounding area.
HatfieldMcCoy Moonshine ²
297 James Avenue is the address. Gilbert, West Virginia It is just one alcohol that is produced in this Mingo County distillery, and it is made according to a formula supplied by the proprietor, who is a direct descendent of Devil Anse Hatfield. The coalfields of southern West Virginia are now a significant tourist attraction. The primary products are unaged corn whiskey and unaged rye whiskey. Primary Brands/Labels: The Devil’s Brew (also known as “The Devil’s Brew”).
Moonshine, sometimes known as “The Devil’s Fire” (cinnamon) Moonshine Tours are available: Yes.
- Availability of Bottle SalesStore: Yes Call (304) 664-2821 for more information.
Isaiah Morgan Distillery¹
Summersville, West Virginia 45 Winery Lane Summersville, West Virginia This distillery, which is located in the Kirkwood Winery, produces small-batch corn whiskies, grappa, and other spirits. Moonshine, rye, grappa, and bourbon are among the primary products. Isaiah Morgan is the primary brand or label. Small Batch Bourbon and Southern Moon Corn are two of my favorite things. Tours of the distilleries: Yes Yes, there will be sampling. Availability of Bottle SalesStore: Yes Toll-free number: 1 888 4WV-WINE Website The building first opened its doors in 2002.
MannCave Distillery ²
451 Summersville Vineyards Road Summersville, WVL Locally owned and operated, this distillery produces small-batch corn whiskies, grappa, and other alcoholic beverages on the grounds of the Kirkwood Winery. Moonshine, rye, grappa, and bourbon are among the primary products made. Isaiah Morgan are the primary brands/labels. Moon Corn from the South, made with small batch bourbon Tours of the distilleries are available. Testing: Yes, there will be some sampling. Availability of Bottle SalesStores: 1 888 4 WV WINE (toll free)Website 2002 was the year when the facility opened.
Mountain State Distillery²
- East Charleston, WV is located at 800 Kanawha Boulevard.
- It is the first distillery to be established within the city limits of Charleston, and it makes whiskey in tiny batches.
- Blended whiskey, flavored whiskey, and unaged grainsugar whiskey are the primary products.
- Southern Blend and White Lightning are the primary brands/labels.
- Tours are available: Yes.
- Yes, there will be sampling.
- Availability of Bottle SalesStore: Yes Call (304) 989-0000 for more information.
- Website was first made available in 2019.
Mountain State Spirits ²
Valley Way, Bridgeport, West Virginia This newer distillery operation in north central West Virginia, located just north of Benedum Airport, is creating unusual cordials as well as oak barrel-aged spirits such as rye and bourbon. Bourbon cordials with flavorings, whiskey are the primary products. Walnut Maple are the primary brands and labels. Ratafia with Bourbon and Hazelnut Honey Ratafia de Bourbon Tours are not available at this time. At this time, there will be no sampling. Bottle SalesStore: There isn’t one.
Call (304) 629-6168 for more information.
New Heritage Distilling ²
- Davis, West Virginia 737 William Avenue, Suite 1 The apple brandies produced by this new West Virginia distillery are available in a range of styles and tastes.
- Primary Products are as follows: apple brandy with a flavoring agent Viktor Bob’s Apple Jack, Oaked Apple Brandy, Maple Syrup flavored Brandy, and Maple Syrup Moonshine are some of the primary brands and labels produced by Viktor Bob’s.
- Tours can be arranged by calling beforehand.
- Yes, there will be sampling.
- Bottle SalesStore: Yes, there is one.
Facebook Date of first use: September 2020
RADA Distillery at Flying Squirrel Ranch¹
Davis, West Virginia 737 William Ave., Suite 1 The apple brandies produced by this new West Virginia distillery are available in a number of styles and taste profiles. Primary Products include: abrasives, adhesives, and sealants. apple brandy with a distinct taste Viktor Bob’s Apple Jack, Oaked Apple Brandy, Maple Syrup flavored Brandy, and Maple Syrup Moonshine are some of the primary brands and labels produced by Viktor Bob’s Distillery.
Tours can be arranged by contacting the company in advance.
- Buying and selling of bottlesStore: Yes, that is possible.
Facebook When will it be open?
Smooth Ambler Spirits ²
737 William Avenue, Suite 1 Davis, West Virginia The apple brandies produced by this new West Virginia distillery come in a range of styles and tastes. Primary Products include: apple brandy with a flavoring infusion VicBob’s Apple Jack, VicBob’s Oaked Apple Brandy, VicBob’s Maple Syrup flavored Brandy, and Maple Syrup Moonshine are the primary brands and labels. Tours are available by appointment only. Yes, there is sampling. Bottle Sales: Yes, there is a bottle sales store. Call (304) 259-5191 to make an appointment.
Still Hollow Spirits¹
- Stink Run Road is located at 128 Stink Run Road.
- Harman, West Virginia is a small distillery in the highlands of Randolph County that specializes in maize whiskey.
- Despite the fact that the address indicates Harman, the location is in Job, West Virginia.
- Among the primary products are: un-aged sour mash corn whiskey as well as gin, bourbon and malt whiskey as well as flavored moonshines with mint, ginseng and cranberry flavorings.
- Still Hollow Corn Whiskey and Still Hollow Moonshine are the primary brands and labels.
Call ahead to schedule a sampling.
a website and a Facebook page Date of first use: 2017
The Sweeter Side of the Feud ²+³
- Rutland’s Stink Run Road is located at 128.
- Located in the highlands of Randolph County, Harman, WV, is a small distillery that makes corn whiskey.
- Despite the fact that the address states Harman, the location is in Job, West Virginia (WV).
- Among the primary products are: un-aged sour mash corn whiskey as well as gin, bourbon and malt whiskey as well as flavored moonshines with mint, ginseng and cranberry.
- Still Hollow Corn Whiskey and Still Hollow Moonshine are the primary brands/labels produced by Still Hollow.
Call ahead for sampling.
URL of the websiteFacebook profile 2017 was the year that the facility first opened.
Swilled Dog Spirits ¹
- 128 Stink Run Road is a road in the city of Stink.
- Harman, West Virginia is a small distillery in the Randolph County highlands that specializes in maize whiskey.
- Despite the fact that the address states Harman, the location is Job, West Virginia.
- Among the primary products are: un-aged sour mash corn whiskey as well as gin, bourbon and malt whiskey as well as flavored moonshines with mint, ginseng and cranberry flavoring.
- Still Hollow Corn Whiskey and Still Hollow Moonshine are the primary brands/labels.
Call ahead to schedule a sampling session.
Contact information: (304) 227-4692 a website or a Facebook page 2017 was the year that it was first opened.
Wicked Spirits Distillery ¹
- A tiny family farm in Ritchie County houses the distillery at 4342 Bunnells Run Road near Harrisville, West Virginia.
- Products are offered at a variety of liquor outlets in West Virginia.
- Vodka and flavored corn whiskey are the primary products.
- Primary Brands/Labels: Endless Wall Vodka;
- HemiShine 69 Flavored Whiskey;
- HemiShine 69 Flavored Whiskey (ginger, cinnamon, honey, blackberry) Tours:No.
- Bottle Sales: NoSampling: NoBottle Sales: No It may be purchased in liquor stores in the surrounding area.
There is no website.
1 Brilliant Stream of Consciousness Article Link: 20161A was the day on which the door was opened.
- The cost of a license is $50 per year.
The cost of the license is $1,500 per year.
The yearly output is limited to 10,000 gallons, and raw agricultural goods must be acquired from West Virginia farms and producers for 75% of the total input in raw agricultural products.
- NOTICE: This directory, which was collected for BrilliantStream.
- com from a variety of sources, is thought to be accurate as of the day it was first published.
Because the vast majority of these distilleries are small, locally owned enterprises, any information published on this website is subject to change at any moment without prior notification.
History of WV Distillery Regulation
The state of West Virginia has been available to licensed distilleries since Prohibition was repealed in 1933, but just one distillery was ever allowed prior to 1998. In 1998, the state passed a new Mini-Distillery Law, which made the licensing and operation of distilleries less expensive and onerous than it had previously been. The West Virginia Distilling Company, located in Granville, was the first permitted distillery in West Virginia in the modern period, opening its doors in 1999. In 2017, West Virginia Distillation ceased operations and sold its distilling equipment to the Bullock family of Charleston, West Virginia.
- In order to keep up with the state’s ongoing modernization of its distillery rules, tiny distilleries were permitted to open tasting facilities where free samples may be distributed.
As more and more small distilleries took advantage of the possibility to run a retail outlet, the state experienced an increase in their number.
As a result of its winemaking roots, Forks of Cheat also produced grappa and brandy, in addition to corn whiskey.
- The increasing nationwide popularity of legal moonshine products towards the end of the 2000s decade resulted in the establishment of many small distilleries over the next decade.
Smooth Ambler Spirits, the most well-known distillery in the state, specializes in the manufacturing of quality bourbon.
Pinchgut Hollow Distillery
All of our whiskeys are produced on-site using traditional techniques. In order to achieve the highest possible quality, they are matured in oak barrels and carefully created by our distillers. The major companies have high-quality recipes, but we’re already familiar with them since they’re well-known. The new generation of craft distillers create spirits that are unlike anything else available on the market. We make a special buckwheat formula that is based on old-fashioned recipes that were passed down to me by my relatives and modified via collaboration with Bill Owens, the President of the American Distilling Company.
- It is not just because of the buckwheat that they are distinctive, but also because the majority of distilleries employ partially cooked grains that are intended for use in beer establishments.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with those procedures, our recipes are centered on the use of raw, unprocessed agricultural grains as the primary ingredient.
We distill our moonshine and whiskey on a traditional copper still, which necessitates a high level of skill and knowledge.
- The fact that we employ little, old-fashioned, hand-operated equipment allows them to be more in touch with the real transformation of the spirit from raw material into something a person would like to consume.
Craft distillers have complete control over every stage of the process, including the option to bottle just the ideal heart of the still’s output, which is rare in the industry.
These whiskies are in no way comparable to moonshine, which is manufactured mostly from sugar and is produced at a low cost.
- Tradition has it that the artisan distiller’s method of producing dates back to the time of George Washington and even before;
- this is the method of whiskey production that is being utilized today in Scotland and Ireland.
The Pinchgut Hollow Distillery first opened its doors in May of 2011.
Using recipes that have been passed down through generations of the family, we brew old-fashioned whiskey.
- Using bespoke design, we’ve created a very one-of-a-kind pig bottle that retains the basic characteristics of the original bottles while adding features that satisfy current bottling and marketing requirements, such as the ability to turn the pig upside down.
The phone number is +1.3043669463.
HILLS AND HOLLOWS: Raising a Pint to West Virginia’s Moonshine Heritage
The moon rises above the sugar maples, locusts, elms, and sycamores of West Virginia as it flows through the cool stream (pronounced crick) and bounces off the copper twisting tubes of a still in the deep woods along the cool creek (pronounced crick). That was the start of a Mountaineer moonshiner’s workday. It is time to go to work! Moonshine mythology has been a part of West Virginia’s history for a very long time. Moonshine has played an important role in the history of the state, both in its legal and, well, criminal variations.
- Many people recently commemorated the history of moonshine on National Moonshine Day, which took place last month.
Their customized vehicles zoom down back roads at great speeds, and they have played a role in the development of NASCAR and some of the sport’s initial drivers.
Despite the fact that they were unlawful, they were real events.
TAXATION AND DEVELOPMENT
- According to a letter written on Dec.
- 19, 1620, by a new colonist by the name of George Thorpe to a business associate in England, the colonist was doing well – despite rumours to the contrary.
- Thorpe makes reference of “soe delicious drinke of Indian corne” in his letter to the editor.
- The production of whiskey in the colony, and arguably in the whole United States, was a custom for settlers in the British Isles for centuries prior, according to certain historians.
- It was in 1791 that the nascent nation’s congress levied its first tariffs on stills and whiskey, which were later repealed.
President George Washington personally organized and led a huge militia in order to bring the battle to a close.
In preparation for their march to crush the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania, George Washington inspects the men in Fort Cumberland, Maryland, before they leave for the field.
- Unfortunately, this whiskey was made by six enslaved distillers.
During the following years, the whiskey tax was repealed and would not be applied again until 1862, with the exception of a three-year period during the Civil War.
As far back as anybody could remember, moonshiners were known to do their “business” by the light of the moon — hence the name.
- According to the Register, “They (the moonshiners) awaken punctually at 7, as if summoned by a whistle.
- ” They have breakfast and are at work by 9 a.
- m.
“A large number of moonshiners’ offspring have never seen the light of day.
There is less risk if everyone is awake at night beneath the moon, while the rest of the world is asleep.” The life of a West Virginia moonshiner was no different.
- Many more arrests and reports of whiskey stills being “busted” may be found in the many other stories published during this period.
The event in Hinton, West Virginia, was covered by the Calhoun Chronicle on Nov.
After draining one of her “crocks” to its very last drop, Ida Reynolds flung it out the window with reckless abandon.
- Cleet W.
The diamond jar (crock) was transformed into his crown.
It was discovered that she had been provided the firearm by a police officer.
THE HATFIELDS AND MOONSHINE
- The Hatfields of the Hatfield and McCoy rivalry, one of West Virginia’s most famed families, had a lengthy history with moonshine, dating back to the late 1800s.
- Several enormous stills and hundreds of gallons of moonshine whiskey and beer were burned in Buchanan County, Virginia, according to an article in the Wheeling Intelligencer on Sept.
- 3, 1914 — which is only about 15 miles from Hatfield “country” in southern West Virginia.
- The stills burned were rumored to have belonged to Old “Cap” Hatfield, according to the reports.
Hatfield, according to The Intelligencer, “…is alleged to have retreated to the mountains,” according to the newspaper.
The teenage Hatfields were described as “otherwise peaceful residents” in the Oct.
- They retaliated by shooting the man who had shot them, killing him as well.
It was reported in the same publication that the conflict had escalated over an arrangement for the distribution of alcoholic beverages, which might have included beer and liquor.
The commitment to their mother was made by a large number of people.
- Not long before this sad episode, “Devil Anse” himself had been baptized in Island Brook, the same creek that must be crossed in order to access the Hatfield Family Cemeteries.
MOONSHINE TODAY
Individuals are prohibited from making distilled spirits at their residence under federal legislation. The manufacturing of these spirits at any distilled spirits factory that is not tax and trade bureau certified can result in significant government fines and penalties. Since the 1970s, arrests have continued to be made around the country. There are medical dangers as well as legal risks to take into consideration. Because of the high concentration of alcohol in moonshine when it is consumed unsupervised, it has been linked to medical complications.
Many distilleries in West Virginia and other states have gained permission to lawfully make spirits that are classified as moonshine in recent years, including a considerable number of distilleries in Kentucky.
- The West Virginia Department of Tourism recommends a number of distilleries around the state that now sell the legal form of moonshine, according to the department.
These distilleries have contributed to the growth of new tourism.
MOONSHINE SURVIVES
Moonshine has persisted for a very long time throughout history. Today, the legal profession, like other companies, is confronted with the obstacles posed by the COVID-19 epidemic. Some distilleries, on the other hand, are figuring out how to adapt. It is located on a 200-acre farm in Chalkhill, Pennsylvania, approximately 85 miles from Wheeling and along historic U.S. 40. Ridge Runner Distillery produces whiskey. Wheeling is home to Ridge Runner Distillery’s owner Christian Klay and head distiller Andrew Hotlosz, who are both born and raised there.
- “At first, it was a frightening experience;
- we had no idea how a firm that was mostly reliant on tourism would perform in the event of a pandemic.
- ” As a result of Pennsylvania’s decision to shutdown its State Wine and Spirits outlets, we saw an inflow of new consumers to the point where we had to close for a week in order to catch up with inventory.
- ” Because to the continued growth of COVID-19 cases, Hotlosz stated that “we are preparing for the possibility of another wave of closures.
- ” Our inventory orders have more than doubled, and we’ve crammed everything we can into our facility.
- ” Many distilleries, like Ridge Runner, were embarking on a new enterprise, which would be beneficial to many in this uncertain economic climate.
“At some time, we understood that we had the potential to make a significant contribution to the hand sanitizer problem.” So we started creating it right away, even taking some of our finished spirits and transforming them into hand sanitizer for the folks who were in desperate need,” Hotlosz explained.
According to a Facebook post on Ridge Runner’s page, the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency picked up 55 gallons of the distillery’s hand sanitizers in April to deliver to “ambulances, firemen, police officers, and other emergency responders.” When FEMA called to seek sanitizer, the enormity of the problem had already begun to dawn on us because to the influx of calls and messages from hospitals, nursing homes, police stations, and other institutions.
- Although making a donation to FEMA wasn’t completely insane on our part, it was a wonderful feeling to be able to assist in any way.
During this period, Hotlosz noted that it has been a collaborative effort.
Their sibling firm, Christian W.
THE LAST SIP
- Moonshine is an important element of the mythology and history of West Virginia.
- The preconceptions of long-bearded Mountaineers drinking from crock jugs of booze, as can be seen, are not the only thing at stake here, as can be seen.
- Tradition, struggle, and victory are all part of the tale of the legal profession today, which if treated right, has the potential to be a source of significant economic opportunity.
- If you’re in the middle of a terrible scenario, you can even utilize it to aid other people.
Despite the fact that our illicit history is likely to be viewed as a humiliating element of our history, it is still an essential component of our history.
So raise a legal glass in celebration and honor!
- He has worked at a variety of venues and events throughout the tri-state area.
Kyle formerly worked in the events sector in Pittsburgh before relocating to the Wheeling region in 2011.
He graduated from West Liberty University in 2013 and began working as a contributing writer for Weelunk the following year.
State alcohol laws for West Virginia
- It is a part of the tradition and history of West Virginia to drink moonshine.
- According to the information available, however, the stereotypes of long-bearded Mountaineers drinking from crock jugs of whiskey are not entirely accurate, as can be observed.
- Tradition, struggle, and victory are all part of the tale of the legal profession today, which if treated appropriately, has the potential to be a source of income for many.
- In the middle of a terrible scenario, it may even be utilized to assist others in a beneficial manner.
However, while the unlawful past of our country is likely to be viewed as a humiliating chapter in our history, it is nonetheless an essential chapter in our history.
And now for the honorable raising of a legal glass!
- Kyle previously worked in the events sector in Pittsburgh before relocating to the Wheeling region.
A 2013 alumnus of West Liberty University, he began posting to Weelunk in 2020 after becoming a contributing writer for the site.
Each state and even counties havetheir own lawsthat may supersede federal laws.
It is your obligation to be aware of the laws that apply in your jurisdiction.
About Our Distillery
- Some people are familiar with the wonderful moonshine produced in the mountain hollows of West Virginia.
- Others are not so familiar with it.
- Historically, West Virginia farmers have produced whiskey from their crops and sold it for revenue in the main metropolis since before the Whiskey Rebellion and prohibition of alcoholic beverages were instituted.
- The infeasibility of transporting grain from the hollows to the city for sale, plus the fact that West Virginia is not recognized for its large croplands, meant that converting the produce into whiskey was a feasible way for small farmers to make cash revenue.
The fact that he owned and ran one of the largest distilleries in the country at the time is a coincidence.
Despite this persecution, the moonshining tradition has survived and thrived in the highlands, and the wisdom of the locals continues to make excellent spirits.
- The mix of ancient procedures, heritage grains, and mountain spring water distinguishes our spirits from the rest of the pack.
We make every effort to utilise our land and resources as effectively as possible while still contributing to the local agricultural economy.
Bloody Butcher corn is farmed on the premises with the assistance of the entire family.
- In addition to the classic whiskeys, we will develop limited-edition products utilizing current, in-season crops to complement the regular offerings.
The result will be energizing mixing and sipping spirits.
Stories in the Shine — THE BITTER SOUTHERNER
At the time I originally started down this rabbit-hole, the main topic that piqued my attention was: Can there be such a thing as legal moonshine? It was a question I didn’t know whether I’d ever be able to find an answer to, or if there even was an answer. It didn’t appear to me that there could be any by definition. In practice, though, it is possible simply because there is already something to be found. Kevin R. Kosar writes in Moonshines: A Global History that since Ole Smoky virtually invented the moonshine business in 2009 in eastern Tennessee, hundreds of legal moonshine producers have popped up all over the world.
- International distribution, three branded and tourable distilleries, and “more than 20 innovative flavors made from the traditional family recipe” are all part of Ole Smoky’s current offering.
It was considered unwise to speak when you were younger because of the ramifications of doing so.
Ole Smoky’s “pure” shine is barely 80 proof, which would probably be more objectionable to old-school shiners than the high amount of sugar in the drink.
- All of these brands have some connection to the tradition of making it “like they used to.
- ” That is not uncommon in the booze industry, which has long distorted the truth.
Isn’t this a complete contradiction in terms?
With the idea of legal cooperation, I envisioned the old timers scoffing, as if they had lost their wildness and were being robbed of it.
- “Well,” he responded slowly, pausing to consider my question carefully “We have a strong storytelling tradition in our organization.
That is moonshine, by the way.
With beer and wine, you don’t get quite the same effect.
- That’s a big part of the appeal.
Twenty-dollar jars dug up from the backyard are no longer sufficient to cover the expenses.
To become bigger, you have to sell more, and in order to sell more you have to be on the radar.
- To put it another way, the advantages of being legal outweigh the disadvantages of losing your credibility.
Instead of trying to get away from the law, he has a say in how it is applied.
“They’ve been extremely supportive of distilleries in our state – long before other states followed their lead.” You get the impression that they want this to assist showcase a piece of our culture.” In addition, he has just developed a virus-age invention.
- Shortly after he began, he received a call from the IRS, who asked him to supply 300 gallons of hand sanitizer each month for six months under contract.
He and Taylor used to just do 50 gallons of spirits each month, and the increased demand forced them to establish a warehouse down the street to keep up with the demand.
Smith said he was happy to provide jobs for more than 30 unemployed residents in the area.
- Due of Price’s adherence to the law, he is considered something of an outlier in some regions of West Virginia.
Moonshine, he believes, may be attracted to people because of this concept as well.
Additionally, they like the memories.
- “It was manufactured in violation of the law, and therefore.
- .
- .
(And who also happen to have a very good shine on their shoes.) Burns seems to agree with this statement.
Because of the circumstances, moonshiners haven’t been able to do so up until now.” The traditions continue on – in the taste of genuine shine distilled first and foremost for pride rather than profit, in the warm glow created by hours of laborious effort.
- “The individual got it from their uncle, who got it from his cousin, who got it from his friend – it’s exactly like that.
- ” “It only goes to demonstrate how much love goes into making a bottle of wine.
- ” “You’re tasting the earth, the distiller himself, and his labour,” says the distiller.
Distilleries
Corn is a crucial component in West Virginia whiskey. Whiskey distilleries in West Virginia are responsible for some of the top whiskeys produced in the eastern United States. Since the early 1800s, Pennsylvania has been renowned for its great spirits, most notably its rye whiskey, which was produced in the Monongahela Valley and the taxing of which sparked the Whiskey Rebellion in the 1790s. From 1920 to 1933, distillers in West Virginia and adjacent mountain states were famed for their often violent defense of whiskey production during Ban, as well as their resistance to taxes and state and local prohibition of alcoholic beverages at all times.
Some regions of West Virginia continue to create homemade whiskey, known as “moonshine,” which is distilled illegally in some areas, however the vast majority of whiskey is now produced in legal distilleries that offer tours and tastings.
Distilleries in West Virginia
- Kentucky whiskey is mostly made from corn.
- W.
- Va.
- distilleries create some of the greatest whiskeys produced anywhere in the eastern United States.
- Since the early 1800s, Pennsylvania has been renowned for its great spirits, particularly rye whiskey, which was first produced in the Monongahela Valley and whose taxation resulted in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s.
- Distillers in West Virginia and neighboring mountain states were infamous for their often violent defense of the production of whiskey during Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, as well as their resistance to taxation and state and local prohibition of alcoholic beverages at any time during that period.
Even today, homemade whiskey, sometimes known as “moonshine,” is still being created illegally in some regions of West Virginia, but the vast majority of whiskey is now produced in licensed distilleries that offer tours and tastings to the general public.