Moonshine: A Cultural History Of America'S Infamous Liquor

Nothing but clear, 100proof American history.Hooch. White lightning. White whiskey. Mountain dew. Moonshine goes by many names. So what is it, really? Technically speaking, 'moonshine' refers to untaxed liquor made in an unlicensed still. In the United States, its typically corn thats used to make the clear, unaged beverage, and its the mountain people of the American South who are most closely associated with the image of making and selling backwoods booze at nightby the light of the moonto avoid detection by law enforcement.In this book, writer Jaime Joyce explores Americas centuriesold relationship with moonshine. From the countrys early adoption of Scottish and Irish homedistilling techniques and traditions to the Whiskey Rebellion of the late 1700s to a comparison of the moonshine industry pre and postProhibition and a look at modernday craft distilling, Joyce examines the historical context that gave rise to moonshining in America and explores its continued appeal. Even more fascinating than the popularity of the liquor itself is moonshines widespread effect on U.S. pop culture: moonshine runners were NASCARs first marquee drivers; white whiskey was the unspoken star of countless Hollywood film and television productions; and numerous songs inspired by making shine have come from such musicians as Dolly Parton, Steve Earle, Metallica, Ween, and others. While we cant condone making your own illegal liquor, reading Moonshine will give you a new perspective on the profound implications that underground moonshine making has had on life in America.