’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. 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 for its ’shine — and Howling Moon Distillery which utilizes a 150-year-old recipe for its original and flavored hooch.
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Find more of the week’s local events in our June PlanAhead. #AVLTODAY
Talk about twice as nice — Sat., June 5 marks both National Trails Day and Land Trust Day. Celebrate both with some retail therapy at Mast General Store (Asheville and Waynesville locations) or Second Gear WNC, where a percentage of sales will support local land and water conservation efforts.
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Assuming you don't sip on the homemade stuff like some of us, where do you go for moonshine, Asheville? Is there somewhere we left off? Reply to this email and let us know.
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