Short Mountain Moonshine Launch

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
8280 Short Mountain Rd.
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!