No trip to West Virginia would be complete without sampling a true taste of state history: moonshine. The making of illegal or “moonshine” whiskey has a long history in West Virginia and refers to alcohol (usually whiskey or rum with a very high alcohol content), that is made in secret to avoid high taxes or outright bans. The term “moonshine” comes from Britain, where it originally was a verb – “moonshining” – referring to jobs or activities done late at night. Because the illegal still operators had to conduct their business out of the sight of legal authorities, these backwoods brewmasters became known as moonshiners, and the alcohol they produced, moonshine.
But far from the rot-gut hooch distilled in the hills under cover of darkness with recipes handed down for generations, today’s moonshine varieties are crafted with care, legally distilled and available to sample and for purchase from the companies listed below. Come to WV and take a trip to one or more of these eight mountain state distilleries to sample this spirit, experience generations of history and fine-tuning, and possibly purchase a jar or two to take home. There may be no better way to spend a day in the mountains of West Virginia. But always, sip responsibly!
Appalachian Distillery was started by two former West Virginia coal miners with a family history of moonshine production. This distillery located in Ripley, WV offers 10 different moonshine flavors, including Caramel Apple, Strawberry Lemonade and plain Straight Moon. Stop by and see a production style based on how the old-timers did it, and pick up a bottle or two while you’re there.
Black Draft Distillery was named in honor of the owners’ much-loved draft horse, Biscuit. This distillery in the eastern panhandle of the state offers high quality, authentic moonshine. Their First Harvest Moonshine is made from local, non-GMO corn and Berkeley Springs water. It’s definitely worth a trip for a free tour to see the distillery’s inner workings. Tastings by appointment on Fridays and Saturdays.
1140 Kelly Island Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25405
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3. Bloomery Plantation Distillery, Charles Town
Bloomery Plantation Distillery
Bloomery Plantation Distillery’s SweetShines offers a twist on the usual mason jar swig by taking a moonshine base but then expanding on it to create a variety of flavors. Their website calls their concoctions "An artisanal blend of vice and virtue." From their awarding-winning Black Walnut and Pumpkin Spice to their unique Ginger Shine and Chocolate Raspberry, Bloomery’s SweetShines can be sipped alone or used to mix a variety of cocktails, the recipes for which can be found on their website. Their entire process is done by hand, from growing and zesting the lemons to chopping the ginger, picking the raspberries, making the syrups and creating the labels.
Specializing in authentic, small-batch Appalachian spirits, Forks of Cheat Distillery has approached the spirits market with the same attention to detail and quality as with their now-famous winery. Their moonshines include Peach and Apple Pie Moonshine, made with West Virginia apples. They also have other high-end spirits available for sampling at their facility.
Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine’s small-batch, 150 year old family recipe includes 100 percent WV-grown corn and is distilled in copper kettles. They claim theirs is the very first authentic mountain moonshine ever legally produced by the Hatfields and the McCoys. They offer regular ‘shine as well as Peach, Blackberry Cobbler and Apple Pie. If you stop in for a tour, they’ll show you how it’s done, right down to hand-bottling and hand-labeling.
Guests at the Isaiah Morgan Distillery at Kirkwood Winery can take a tour of the distillery to get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of making moonshine and sample the distillery’s Southern Moon, along with other whiskey, grappa and bourbon products.
Mountain Mama Moonshine was the first legal moonshine distillery in Logan County, WV. Their Coal Black Cherry moonshine is specially bottled and labeled in tribute to local WV coal miners. Mountain Mama Moonshine provides tours and tastings at their Man, WV facility as well as an opportunity to explore their gift shop for specialty items. If you find yourself in this part of the state, stop in and help support a local company.
126 Carsey Dr, Man, WV
8. Pinchgut Hollow Distillery at Heston Farm, Fairmont
One of the only makers of buckwheat whiskey in the country, Pinchgut Hollow Distillery makes moonshine-style whiskeys in a variety of flavors - Apple Pie, Honey Peach, Corn and Buckwheat -- in addition to their premium and novelty whiskeys, like Ramp Shine and Rhubarb. The owner, Mickey Heston, gives most of the distillery tours himself. Visitors to Heston Farm can get a taste of Pinchgut’s goods in their tasting room. The distillery is part of well-established 200-acre Heston Farm, with the excellent Foxfire Restaurant. Visitors can participate in Heston Farm’s activities, including live music, comedy nights and more, enjoy a tour or even reserve space to host a wedding or corporate event.
1602 Tulip Lane, Fairmont WV
Make it a point the next time you’re in the mountain state to enjoy a bit of moonshine. Did we miss your favorite? Tell us!
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