What Makes Moon Shine

Moonshine History

Moonshine History uncovers the hidden world of illicit alcohol production, exploring its evolution from simple backyard stills to complex, organized criminal enterprises. It examines the critical role moonshine played during Prohibition, fueling organized crime and sparking a cultural mythology of rebellious spirits. The book highlights how moonshining emerged as a form of resistance against taxation, particularly in the Southern United States, where distilling was a traditional craft. The book progresses chronologically, starting with the origins of moonshining and its early technological developments. It then delves into the Prohibition era, detailing the rise of organized crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement. Finally, it examines the lasting legacy of moonshining on popular culture. By combining historical analysis with cultural insights, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of moonshining's impact on American identity and the ongoing debates surrounding alcohol regulation.

Moonshine Nation

Moonshine is corn whiskey, traditionally made in improvised stills throughout the Appalachian South. While quality varied from one producer to another, the whiskey had one thing in common: It was illegal because the distiller refused to pay taxes to the US government. Many moonshiners were descendants of Scots-Irish immigrants who had fought in the original Whiskey Rebellion in the early 1790s. They brought their knowledge of distilling with them to America along with a profound sense of independence and a refusal to submit to government authority. Today many Southern states have relaxed their laws and now allow the legal production of moonshine—provided that taxes are paid. Yet many modern moonshiners retain deep links to their bootlegging heritage. Moonshine Nation is the story of moonshine’s history and origins alongside profiles of modern moonshiners—and a collection of drink recipes from each.

MOONSHINE