’Shine. Hooch. Mountain dew. White lightning . No matter what you call it, moonshine is Appalachia’s most iconic spirit, with mentions of it conjuring images + tales of stills hidden deep in the woods, fast cars, and bootleggers. And because it’s not just any old Thursday — but National Moonshine Day — we’re highlighting WNC’s rich moonshine heritage with 2 new ways to celebrate — plus where you can nab some to sip on.
Two moonshiners work at their still. I Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections.
Want to explore the topic in a concentrated way? Delve into The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton , a new biography of WNC’s own Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton (1946-2009) — arguably the most famous moonshiner of all. Released in April of this year and penned by award-winning filmmaker Neal Hutcheson , the book examines the true story of the notorious liquor king through extensive personal interviews, exclusive photos, first-hand recollections, and historical context.
For a broader look at the history of the illicit mountain elixir, check out “The Spirits Still Move Them,” a new documentary by Hendersonville’s Center for Cultural Preservation . Through interviews with almost 3 dozen moonshiners + their families in WNC, East Tennessee, and South Carolina, award-winning director and producer David Weintraub paints a more complete picture of moonshine in the mountains — one that includes the countless women, African Americans, and Native Americans that participated in the business.
Check the film out locally June 17 at 7 p.m. at The Orange Peel , June 18 at 8 p.m. at North River Farms in Mills River, and June 20 at 8 p.m. at Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville.
And if you want to swill some legal stuff, check out Asheville Distilling Company
— which uses white heirloom Crooked Creek corn grown in nearby Marion, NC for its ’shine — and Howling Moon Distillery
which utilizes a 150-year-old recipe for its original and flavored hooch.