Learn how moonshine is made, how to taste and serve it, and how Virginia distillers are elevating this historically rebellious spirit.
Moonshine has a long and colorful history in Virginia. Originally made in small, hidden stills to avoid taxes and regulations, it was a cornerstone of rural life and ingenuity. Today, moonshine has transformed from illicit production to craft-distilled innovation, preserving its bold character while embracing legal, high-quality production.
Virginia distillers honor the tradition by using corn and other local grains, often experimenting with flavors, barrel finishes, and small-batch techniques to create a spirit that is authentic, clean, and distinctly Virginian.
Moonshine production shares similarities with other spirits, but its simplicity and purity are key.
The grains are cooked in hot water to break down starches. Enzymes convert those starches into sugars the yeast can consume. The result is a thick, sweet mash.
Yeast is added to the cooled mash. The yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide over several days. The mash becomes a low-alcohol “wash” ready for distillation.
The wash is heated in a still to separate alcohol from water and solids. Alcohol vapors rise, condense, and are collected as high-proof spirit. Distillers cut heads and tails to keep only the clean, flavorful heart.
Flavors like fruit, spices, or honey may be added after distillation. Infusions create flavored moonshine varieties popular in modern craft distilling.
Water is added to adjust the spirit to the desired proof. The moonshine is then bottled clear and unaged, capturing its raw, fresh character.
Moonshine is incredibly versatile — enjoy it neat, chilled, or as the foundation for creative cocktails.
Unaged or lightly flavored moonshine is best sipped at room temperature to appreciate its raw corn or grain character.
Ice softens the alcohol, making moonshine approachable while highlighting subtle sweetness.
Moonshine pairs well with both classic and inventive mixers:
Moonshine tasting engages multiple senses. Follow these steps to evaluate like a connoisseur:
Most moonshines are clear, but some flavored or barrel-aged expressions may have a pale hue.
Bring the glass to your nose. Notice corn, grain, fruit, or spice notes. Even unaged moonshine has distinct aromas.
Take small sips and let the spirit coat your palate. Moonshine can be bold — tasting slowly reveals subtle sweetness, spice, or warmth.
Detect raw grain, corn sweetness, vanilla, smoke, or fruit infusions. Small-batch production often results in nuanced and unique profiles.
Moonshine’s finish can be clean, warming, or slightly sweet, depending on the ingredients and proof.
Moonshine’s bold flavors and high proof make it a versatile pairing spirit:
