Drinking moonshine at noon is not something I typically do, but I certainly won’t pass up the opportunity if it presents itself. And about a month ago, that’s exactly what happened.
I was working a trade show when I noticed an interesting booth across the way. Actually, to be quite honest, I noticed some interesting people across the way. And by “interesting”, I mean that they just didn’t look like what you would expect to see at a trade show. Unless, of course, they were in costume. But that wasn’t the case.
Those older fellas in overalls and caps? I soon learned that they were real, honest to goodness, moonshiners. And the moonshine they were sampling in that booth? It was probably the best I’ve ever had. Reminder: I’m from a small town in Kentucky- I’ve had my share of moonshine!
As I’ve learned more about Short Mountain Distillery in the weeks since, the more fascinated I am with the brand and the family behind it. The owners, the Kaufman brothers, are great grandsons of Jesse Shwayder, the founder of Samsonite Luggage! And those fellas in overalls at the trade show? They are the real ex-shiners who, for many years, made moonshine illegally in the backwoods of Cannon County and have now been hired by Short Mountain to do it legally!
When you have a chance, take a minute to read the full story of the family and how the brand came to be, and watch the short video below that aired on Fox News a few months ago.
Another cool little tidbit: Great grandfather Shwayder always attributed his company’s success to the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He so strongly believed in this, that he started a tradition of handing out marbles engraved with the Golden Rule to all of his employees.
When you pick up Short Mountain Shine, be sure to closely inspect the collectible coin found on every bottle. The Kaufman brothers have honored their great grandfather by carrying on his tradition, inscribing the philosophy on those coins.
While I love the story behind the brand, we know that really, in the long run, it all comes down to taste. Even though I’m no expert on moonshine, I knew the moment I took a sip that it was different than any I’d had before.
Turns out, there’s a reason for that. Because it’s made up of 70% sugar and 30% corn, it is much smoother (and, in my opinion, better tasting) than traditional moonshines that typically have a higher corn content. But you don’t have to just take my word for it….
Head on over to the Short Mountain Still House in Cannon County for free tastings and tours of the farm every Tuesday- Saturday!
Short Mountain Distillery
GPS: 8280 Short Mountain Rd.
119 Mountain Spirits Lane
Woodbury, TN 37190
Or, maybe, just maybe, you’d like to join me for Short Mountain’s official launch happening next Tuesday night at City House?!?
With bluegrass music, cocktails by City House’s mixologist extraordinaire Stephanie Melidis, and a whole hog from Peg Leg Porker, this invitation only event is sure to be one heck of a party.
Notice I said “invitation only event”. These launch parties are usually only for industry folks, but the nice guys over at Drink Music City are letting me give away two (2) pairs of tickets to my readers!
~Contest Closed~
Congrats to the Winners!
#24 Amanda
#49 NashvilleRN
To enter, all you have to do is this:
Mandatory
1. Leave a comment telling me why you need/want to go to this party and drink some ‘shine.
For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Win an invite to the exclusive launch party of Short Mountain Shine from @betheats! http://bit.ly/S0LfYL”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.
3. Like Eat.Drink.Smile. and Short Mountain Distillery on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so.
Contest ends on Saturday, July 14th at Noon CDT. Once the winners are chosen, I’ll contact them via email and post it here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose others, so be sure to check your email!
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keith miles — July 11, 2012 @ 8:14 am
Pork? Bluegrass? Moonshine? Doesn’t that have my name written all over it?
Christina — July 11, 2012 @ 8:14 am
I would love to go to this party! Not only have I not had my fair share of ‘shine since moving to Nashville, I haven’t even been to City House yet!
keith miles — July 11, 2012 @ 8:15 am
OK. And now I’ve done the other two items.
Christina — July 11, 2012 @ 8:15 am
Tweeted – my handle is @christina615
Rachel Rabalais — July 11, 2012 @ 8:20 am
I think I should win because I grew up in Cannon County and I bet I am the only one of your readers who actually knows where Short Mountain is!
Allyn — July 11, 2012 @ 8:43 am
I need to go to introduce my nonsouthern husband to world of moonshine!
Elizabeth — July 11, 2012 @ 9:06 am
I appreciate that you worded this as “Leave a comment telling me why you need/want to go to this party and drink some ‘shine.” I think “need” is the most appropriate verb to use:
It’s been a heck of a month at work (ha – that slave driver Keith Miles above!) – and I think an evening of sipping moonshine, tasting pork and listening to bluegrass with a close girlfriend at (my favorite restaurant) City House is just the medicine I need!
Elizabeth — July 11, 2012 @ 9:06 am
Tweeted :) http://www.twitter.com/elizabethelmore
Elizabeth — July 11, 2012 @ 9:06 am
Liked y’all on Facebook, too. People are going to wonder why I’m all about the moonshine and it’s not even 10 a.m. yet!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? — July 11, 2012 @ 9:14 am
Hello! “Short” Mountain has my name written all over it! My cousins and I have been chatting on Facebook about seriously having a family field trip to the distillery. I love the overalls. My grandpa wore those and it reminds me of him. I wonder if he drank moonshine?! This sounds like a fantastic event!
Beth replied: — July 11th, 2012 @ 4:24 pm
They reminded me of my grandad and my great uncles, and pretty much over half the old men in my hometown!! So cute ;-)
alexandra @ sweet betweens [blog] — July 11, 2012 @ 9:49 am
I’ve only had moonshine once before [apple pie-style, made by a co-workers brother. yum!] and I’ve been itching to get my tastebuds around some more. This’d be great!
alexandra @ sweet betweens [blog] — July 11, 2012 @ 9:50 am
tweeted! [@sweetbetweens]
alexandra @ sweet betweens [blog] — July 11, 2012 @ 9:52 am
also already liked you on Facebook, and now like Short Mountain, too!
amanda — July 11, 2012 @ 10:30 am
from one mama to another, i know you know i need a night out. a night out with moonshine sounds just about right.
ricejen — July 11, 2012 @ 11:51 am
I need to win so I can try a good moonshine! The illegal stuff from my younger years scared me of the stuff ;-) and I know hubs would love it…would be a great early bday gift for him. Plus any time City House is an option I always wanna go!
ricejen — July 11, 2012 @ 11:52 am
….and I tweeted!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? — July 11, 2012 @ 12:04 pm
I like you both on Facebook!
amanda — July 11, 2012 @ 1:13 pm
i like you both on FB.
Landin E. King — July 11, 2012 @ 1:21 pm
This year while home for Christmas I crossed a small, and somewhat strange, right of passage with my family. During two separate Christmas celebrations, both my mother and father’s father took me aside whispering they had a private gift for me. Mom’s dad gave me a mason jar with a clear liquid and dad’s dad gave me a mason jar with an apple colored liquid. Without openly saying what either of these liquids were– I am now quite the fan of moonshine. That being said, I would lovvvvvve to join the crew at City House for a ‘shine tasting.
Landin E. King — July 11, 2012 @ 1:22 pm
Why did my work logo come up on this comment?! My thoughts are in no way related to The Andrews Agency!
Beth replied: — July 11th, 2012 @ 1:49 pm
weird, I don’t know! it must be that the email account you used has that photo attached to it in some way?
Allison — July 11, 2012 @ 1:39 pm
I’m from Montana. I’ve never had moonshine! I’ve heard from fellow nashvillians that the taste keeps them away from drinking your typical moonshine. Would love to try a ‘good’ version!
Jessy — July 11, 2012 @ 2:07 pm
My hometown isn’t too far from Cannon County, so I’ve had the “real” stuff once or twice… but would love to try the legal variety! Especially after seeing how they actually raise the corn themselves and plow the fields the old-fashioned way — with mules. With all that hard work, I bet the finished product tastes great!
Beth replied: — July 11th, 2012 @ 4:22 pm
I know, isn’t that awesome!? Such care goes into it. No wonder it’s so tasty!
Jessy — July 11, 2012 @ 2:08 pm
And of course I already like you and Short Mountain Distillery on Facebook. :)
amanda — July 11, 2012 @ 2:17 pm
i tweeted!
https://twitter.com/loveandnachos/status/223133933313855489
Alison Groves — July 11, 2012 @ 2:20 pm
Why do I need to go to this party and drink some ‘shine? Who DOESN’T need to go to this party and drink some ‘shine?
Ira M — July 11, 2012 @ 2:31 pm
Great story, it proves that in America you can still make it with hard work and living by the “Golden Rule” Best to all those boys.
Beth replied: — July 11th, 2012 @ 4:22 pm
I know, isn’t it wonderful? I love it.
val — July 11, 2012 @ 3:11 pm
Would love to have an excuse to enjoy some quality ‘shine AND check out City House for the first time! What can I say? I don’t get out much, but this sounds perfect!!!
Brent — July 11, 2012 @ 4:19 pm
My dad was born in a hollow (holler) in Gassaway (just on the other side of Short Mountain). It’d be like a coming home party.
Beth replied: — July 11th, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
Some of my family lived in an area called Shotgun Holler. Never gave that a second thought growing up… didn’t sound strange at all!
Brent — July 11, 2012 @ 4:19 pm
already like You and SMD on FB
Chris H — July 11, 2012 @ 4:37 pm
After years of growing up in East Tennessee and drinking “less than legal” moonshine, trying some lawful made stuff would be nice. Thanks for the chance to win.
p.s. tweeted, liked, and liked.
Chris H — July 11, 2012 @ 4:39 pm
https://twitter.com/Chris_Harbin/status/223168603116150786
Chris H — July 11, 2012 @ 4:39 pm
Liked and liked on FB.
Diana — July 11, 2012 @ 4:42 pm
Tonight I’m abandoning my spirit-savvy husband this weekend for a sisters trip to Chicago via Megabus. We get back Sunday. This would be a perfect way to say thanks for always letting me have girl time!
Diana — July 11, 2012 @ 4:46 pm
I like EDS and SMD on FB!
Brooke Bloom — July 11, 2012 @ 4:50 pm
I would never pass up a chance to eat at City House and I would LOVE to say I beat Keith Miles in something. hehe.
Brooke Bloom — July 11, 2012 @ 4:51 pm
Tweeted
Diana — July 11, 2012 @ 4:51 pm
Tweeted it! https://twitter.com/dianascaevola/status/223172334440288256
Brooke Bloom — July 11, 2012 @ 4:51 pm
And Facebooked :)
Candy Vaughn — July 11, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
I need to go to try City House & SMD shine! I’ve only had the illegal stuff so this has to be better.
P.S. I’m another reader that grew up not far from Short Mtn. DeKalb Co. girl here!
Candy Vaughn — July 11, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
I already like you on FB & just liked SMD.
Candy Vaughn — July 11, 2012 @ 5:38 pm
Tweeted!
ErinsFoodFiles — July 11, 2012 @ 6:23 pm
Umm… I need to win this. Elliott can officially take a bottle now. And I know that you know that means two things. #1 Momma can drink. #2 Momma can leave the house.
BOOM. I deserve to win.
ErinsFoodFiles — July 11, 2012 @ 6:23 pm
TWEET
NashvilleRN — July 11, 2012 @ 6:52 pm
First, who wouldn’t want to go! Second, after writing three papers this week and running a conference I’ve been organizing for months….I’m gonna need a drink! :)
Pick me Pick me! :)
NashvilleRN — July 11, 2012 @ 6:52 pm
Tweeted the following Win an invite to the exclusive launch party of Short Mountain Shine from @betheats! http://bit.ly/S0LfYL from @nashvillern
NashvilleRN — July 11, 2012 @ 6:54 pm
You and the distillery liked on facebook :)
Rob Martin — July 11, 2012 @ 7:50 pm
Fine drink, fine swine, fine people…who could ask for anything more?
Dan Schlacter — July 11, 2012 @ 8:48 pm
I don’t have a Moonshine Guy. There. I’ve said it. Are you happy? Beth, you don’t know what it’s like being a man in Tennessee who doesn’t have a Moonshine Guy. The cookouts. The tailgates. The boils. The roasts. The dinner parties. Never being able to be the guy that comes through because of his Moonshine Guy. Help me end the embarrassment. Help me end the shame. Help me have something to contribute to the conversation when the guy with the Moonshine Guy starts running his mouth.
PS-I tweeted (@danschlacter) and liked and liked. The rest is up to you.
Dawn P — July 12, 2012 @ 7:16 am
I would love to go to the launch party! I actually went to the distillery the first weekend it was open to the public. My husband is from Cannon County and the community was very excited about this project. Good drinks and food! What else could you want?
ErinsFoodFiles — July 12, 2012 @ 8:39 am
I like both on Facebook!
Corisa — July 12, 2012 @ 9:16 am
I’d love to win these tickets for my dad ! He has recently been making his own alcohol and he talks about Moonshine all the time ! He’d love this gift !
David Wingo — July 12, 2012 @ 9:38 am
As a native Middle Tennesseean, whole hog, shine, and bluegrass course through my veins. My mother’s family has been making moonshine in Readyville (Cannon County) for generations. I would love to be there for the launch of this great new distillery. Cheers!
David Wingo — July 12, 2012 @ 9:42 am
Tweeted! @wingnutz1
Brent — July 12, 2012 @ 12:42 pm
I just purchased a bottle today on my lunch break. Does that get me another entry?
Beth replied: — July 12th, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
haha, good try Brent ;-)
Michelle — July 12, 2012 @ 4:43 pm
Who wouldn’t want to get dressed up to drink moonshine!
Michelle — July 12, 2012 @ 4:45 pm
I sent the tweet
Michelle — July 12, 2012 @ 4:51 pm
I like both facebook pages
Janice — July 12, 2012 @ 6:58 pm
I’ve had moonshine but your description tells me this one is definitely different. I want and need to try it.
Janice — July 12, 2012 @ 7:01 pm
I have already liked eat, drink, smile on facebook and now I have liked short mountain distillery on facebook
Danielle — July 13, 2012 @ 9:45 am
LOVE this, and want to go. Moonshine is the only drink that both the boyfriend and I agree on… and I turned 30 yesterday… So I need a drink.
Lauren — July 13, 2012 @ 10:11 am
I tried moonshine for the first time a couple weeks ago and now I think I’m ready to try some that might be a little more smooth :) – I can’t think of a better way to spend the evening than at City House, enjoying some Short Mountain shine and listening to music!
Lauren — July 13, 2012 @ 10:12 am
I also liked both FB pages!
Emmely — July 13, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
After a week at home with child, rainy weather, and no planned activities I could probably stand a little moonshine and adult conversation! Plus, it sure would be fun to see you :)
Emmely — July 13, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
liked you both on facebook!
TheFoodGospelAccordingToRuth — July 13, 2012 @ 4:18 pm
Because I am single, 30, and have been born and raised in Nashville so I am dying to meet new people…oh and I love moonshine!
Nicole — July 13, 2012 @ 7:55 pm
I would love to say I need to go to this party but it more of a want:) sounds fun and I have never been to City House. My husband is a huge Moonshine found would love to try it out. Thanks!
Nicole — July 13, 2012 @ 7:56 pm
I did the tweet too
Mark V — July 14, 2012 @ 8:53 am
Shine and swine? Reminds me of seasons two and three of “Justified”. And, anyone familiar with that show knows the combination can make for a real good time.
Brady — July 14, 2012 @ 10:37 am
Can’t beat a night at the city house with moon shine! Being from the north, moon shine has always been foreign to me but I’ve recently started testing the waters. I can’t wait to try this product!
Brittany Wegusen — July 14, 2012 @ 10:37 am
I would love to get a chance to see what the mixologists do with the moonshine. Their creativity always amazes me! Moonshine! Moonshine! We all want moonshine!
Brady — July 14, 2012 @ 10:37 am
Followed both of you are Facebook.
Brittany Wegusen — July 14, 2012 @ 10:38 am
I tweeted about the contest!
Brady — July 14, 2012 @ 10:39 am
Tweeted as well!
Leah | So, How's It Taste? — July 14, 2012 @ 11:55 am
I tweeted!