953 nut 59,541 #1 Posted June 5 Moonshine, once a fiery (and illegal) homemade liquor, has now gone legit. Still, the drink conjures up colorful early 20th century memories of Prohibition, fast cars, and makeshift stills in the Appalachian woods. So, when it’s time to celebrate National Moonshine Day on the first Thursday in June (June 5 this year), you can indulge guilt-free. The drink achieved legendary status upon the passage of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) in 1919. At that point, Americans who wanted to drink alcohol had to turn to the black market of the day, which belonged to the moonshiners and bootleggers. They distilled the moonshine and then delivered it, making criminals of everyone involved. Today large distilleries sell moonshine, looking to rekindle nostalgic memories of the illicit drink. But the days of cheap, questionable brews with deadly contaminants are thankfully over. The origin of NASCAR is filled with stories of bootleggers hauling moonshine in their souped-up cars, running from authorities. As the need for bootleggers waned, the drivers needed a way to show off their fast cars. They eventually began racing each other on local back roads, and then on dirt ovals. NASCAR was born. Historians note North Carolina's tradition of auto racing developed in the garages of bootleggers, particularly on the roads between North Wilkesboro and Charlotte. Today’s NASCAR doesn’t much resemble the early days of back roads and bootleggers, but the whiskey doesn’t much resemble moonshine’s risk of blindness either. The video below is about an hour long but is worth the watch, it is about a local legend here in western North Carolina. 2 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,567 #3 Posted June 5 Achto's niece always brings the newfangled flavored 'shines to tractor camp for passing around at the fire. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,336 #4 Posted June 5 Still a fair amount of people making and selling illegal shine. Uncle Sam don't get his cut, then it's not a legal spirit. Ever Clear, available at 190 proof is probably one of the oldest legal unfinished grain alcohol's "Shine". They have been in business since the 1920's. Being friends with a local distillery owners, I on occasion stop in and by a little potato vodka straight out of the still. This definitely a sippin' spirit, they distill to 198 proof. A good stiff swig or a gulp will take the breath right out of you. Old Smokey has become a popular shine. With their wide arrange of flavors they have done a good job marketing their product. Our local Eureka Moon Apple Cobbler is a favorite of mine. Can't let @Ed Kennell celebrate this day alone. Cheers buddy. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,711 #5 Posted June 6 I had to chuckle a little about NASCAR add campaign a few years back for one of their anniversary celebrations that morphed old 50's footage of cars into the current year's cars with a voice over about how wholesome the family activity and entertainment NASCAR has always been. I'm pretty sure the 50's vintage footage had at least one driver that got into trouble for moonshine. In Michigan, it is legal to distill a small amount of moonshine for personal use. Trouble happens when you make too much or sell some. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,541 #6 Posted June 6 11 hours ago, 8ntruck said: one driver that got into trouble for moonshine. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan granted a full and unconditional pardon to stock car racing legend, Junior Johnson, for his 1956 conviction for moonshining. This pardon restored his right to vote, which was affected by his conviction. Johnson's moonshining conviction stemmed from being caught at his father's illegal still in 1956. He served 11 months in prison. The pardon was granted on December 26, 1985 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
