Moonshine gets its name from the clandestine nature in which it was produced. Back in the early days of America, particularly after the American Revolution, the government started implementing taxes on liquors and spirits as a means to generate revenue. However, not everyone was keen on paying these taxes, leading to the birth of the moonshining industry.
Moonshiners were individuals who operated illegal stills to produce their own spirits, often in remote rural areas. To avoid detection from authorities, these early moonshiners would work their stills at night, under the light of the moon. This covert operation allowed them to evade law enforcement and continue producing their spirits without paying any taxes.
The term “moonshine” quickly became associated with this type of illegal, homemade liquor because of the moonlit nights under which it was produced. Moonshiners took advantage of the darkness provided by the night, relying on the moon's soft glow to light their operations.
The name “moonshine” also carries a certain romanticism and sense of rebellion. The idea of people working secretly under the cover of darkness, crafting their own spirits outside the confines of government regulations, has a certain allure. It evokes images of hidden stills nestled deep in the woods, with the moon as the only witness to their activities.
Furthermore, the term “moonshine” has become synonymous with homemade or illicitly produced spirits, regardless of whether they are made at night or not. It has become a catch-all term for any alcohol produced outside the legal system, often associated with small-scale, artisanal production methods.
Personally, as a sommelier and brewer, I find the history and cultural significance of moonshine fascinating. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of individuals who sought to create their own spirits, even in the face of government regulations. Moonshine represents a tradition of self-sufficiency and a desire to preserve local craft and traditions.
Moonshine is called so because it was traditionally produced at night under the moonlight to avoid detection by authorities. The name has since become synonymous with homemade, illicitly produced spirits, capturing a sense of rebellion and the romanticism of crafting one's own beverages.