For many, the term moonshine invokes images of a smoky underground speakeasy or rolling barrels of questionable alcohol along cobblestones in the dead of night, but these outdated images could not be further from the modern spirit. From its beginnings as an prohibition-era favourite, to its current popularity, the history of moonshine is a fascinating one, so read on to discover how this once forbidden drink has become a popular beverage enjoyed by many.
The Prohibition Era
The United States started imposing heavy taxations on alcohol shortly after the American Revolution and, in the 1920s, the production, distribution and consumption of alcohol was banned entirely. This period became known as the prohibition era, and caused a nationwide surge in the production of illicit alcohol. Moonshine quickly became a popular choice due to its affordability and accessibility, as well as its potency. As a concentrated form of alcohol, with much higher alcohol content than other illegal liquor options. This also made the bottles easier to transport across the country and hide from the authorities, as smugglers could carry more alcohol per bottle if it was in a concentrated form.
Moonshiners used whatever they could get their hands on to make the drink and began distilling the spirit in hidden locations. As the popularity of moonshine grew throughout the 1920s, many small setups in basements became large operations, intended to cater to the illegal alcohol needs of America. The government routinely tried to enforce prohibition by raiding and shutting down illegal distilleries, but moonshine continued to be a staple of the underground alcohol trade.
The End of Prohibition
Despite the severe legal penalties, people continued to consume moonshine, and it remained a popular choice throughout prohibition. Prohibition itself led to mixed results: while tight legal restrictions did succeed in creating a decline in alcohol consumption, it did not end its consumption. Prohibition became more and more unpopular every year, and the government eventually realised that prohibition was not having the effect that they had hoped for and had become a public policy failure. Prohibition was eventually ended in 1933 with the passing of the 21st Amendment and the manufacture, transportation and distribution of alcohol became legal across America after a 16 year ban.
Whilst this did not immediately eliminate the underground alcohol trade, the 21st Amendment did lead to the decline of the popularity of moonshine. People had access to more traditional forms of alcohol, and the high alcohol content of unregulated moonshine was seen as a risk, rather than the promise of an affordable good time. However, it remained popular in rural areas and, as high liquor taxes continued into the 1930s, moonshine remained in steady demand before slipping into relative obscurity.
21st Century
Moonshine has come a long way from its origins as an illegal and harsh prohibition favourite. The drink has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 21st century and is openly welcomed in other venues as an exciting alternative to other spirits.
This explosion of popularity can be attributed to the craft distilling movement. Moonshine production is now seen as a creative, traditional process that honours 20th century American culture and has allowed creative distilleries to produce modern twists on classic spirits. As moonshine continues to grow in popularity, the demand for more unique and innovative flavours continues to increase, continuing moonshine's story into the 21st century.
The Future of Moonshine
Almost 100 years on and The Sweet Potato Spirit Company has taken the best of these age old methods and added their own ingenious twists to create a range of artisan spirits packed with flavour but super smooth with no harsh burn. A modern day Gold medal winning twist on the moonshine expanding into a range of liqueurs with bold versatile flavours to satisfy even the most discerning drinker no matter the occasion. Explore all that this unique spirit has to offer by visiting The Sweet Potato Spirit Company for a wide range of moonshine flavours.
