Get Ready for National Moonshine Week, June 1-7
Ole Smoky Distillery is well known for being the first operating moonshine distillery in Tennessee after the legalization of moonshine there in 2009, as well as the driving force in changing perceptions of the spirit.
This year’s launch of their National Moonshine Week celebration (June 1 – 7) features a series of activations and events designed to continue spreading the word about this versatile but often misunderstood beverage.
National Moonshine Week has been created to increase awareness for the spirit across the country. By scanning a QR code on collateral in retail stores, bars and restaurants, people visit a dedicated National Moonshine Week microsite where they can enter a sweepstakes with a grand prize VIP trip to the Smoky Mountains and find delicious cocktail recipe ideas.
The roots of moonshine stretch back to pre-Prohibition times when the ancestors of Ole Smoky’s founders made ‘shine for a century before being able to sell it publicly. “Traditionally, moonshine has been a catch-all term for any illegal alcohol, and particularly unaged spirits,” says Stephanie Moraine, Ole Smoky Marketing Director. “Moonshining was extremely popular during the Prohibition Era because it could be produced and sold quickly without spending months in barrels.” During this time, the backwoods of Tennessee became a hotbed of moonshine production. However, it still took more than seven decades after Prohibition ended for moonshine to be legal in the Volunteer State.
The opening of the Ole Smoky’s first distillery location, affectionately known as The Holler, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg was truly a game-changer for the category. In less than fifteen years, Ole Smoky has been able to establish itself as the key player for all things moonshine, as well as in creating flavored whiskeys, premium straight bourbon whiskey, and a line of RTDs. And The Holler is the most visited distillery in the country.
Today, the core collection of Ole Smoky moonshines now features more than thirty flavors beyond the Original, ranging from Strawberry to Mountain Java to Hot & Spicy Moonshine Pickles and more. But moonshine also makes for a versatile ingredient in a range of cocktails.
As we bask in warm summer days and nights, a great way to enjoy Ole Smoky Moonshine is by mixing it with lemonade. “Crafted for those craving a twist on tradition, our lemonades are not only easy to make but irresistibly refreshing,” says Moraine. She suggests playing with different moonshines and your favorite lemonade. White Lightnin’ Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine and Hunch Punch Moonshine are all good options. Just use two ounces of moonshine and three ounces of lemonade.
National Moonshine Week also shines a spotlight on an important charity partner, Friends of the Smokies, an organization that raises money to help preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During the week, Ole Smoky is donating a portion of their Moonshine Lemonade cocktail sales sold at participating bars and restaurants around the country. They will also have table tents to help promote this cause and raise additional funds. Delicious cocktails and a great cause, how can you go wrong?
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