Moonshine has been made in the United States since colonial times, and its history is linked to government control of alcohol production.
COLONIAL TIMES:
- Farmers distilled surplus corn into whiskey to preserve their crops and make extra money.
- The government taxed whiskey production, which led to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.
PROHIBITION:
- Moonshine was nicknamed “Mountain Dew” during Prohibition.
- Moonshine runners would modify cars to deliver moonshine faster.
- Many moonshine runners became interested in stock car racing after Prohibition ended.
ORIGINS:
- The word “moonshine” comes from British slang for smuggled goods.
- Moonshine was first made in Pennsylvania and other areas of Appalachia, where grain was a major crop.
- Scots-Irish settlers brought their distillation methods to Southern Appalachia.
MOONSHINE TODAY:
- Moonshine can contain 40–80% alcohol, making it one of the most alcoholic drinks.
- Moonshine is considered illicit alcohol.
