Moonshine has a fascinating history that stretches back to the early days of the United States. During the colonial era, many people living in rural areas began to make their own liquor in secret away from the prying eyes of the authorities. This homemade liquor became a staple of the rural lifestyle and has remained a popular drink to this day.
The origins of moonshine can be traced back to the early days of the American colonies, where alcohol was a common drink for many people at all hours of the day. However, as the government began to regulate the production and sale of alcohol, many people found themselves unable to afford the high prices of legally produced liquor.
As a result, many people turned to making their own liquor, using ingredients that were readily available in their local area. This often meant using grains such as corn, rye or barley, which could be easily grown on farms. The process of making moonshine was a simple one, involving the fermentation of the grains, followed by distillation to extract the alcohol.
However, the production of this bootlegged liquor was illegal, and those caught making or selling it could face serious consequences. As a result, many moonshiners worked in secret, using hidden stills located deep in the woods or in other remote areas. The production of moonshine became an important part of the rural economy, with many families relying on the income generated from its sale.
Despite the risks involved, production of moonshine continued to grow in popularity, particularly during times of economic hardship. During the Prohibition era of the 1920s, when the sale and production of alcohol was banned throughout the United States, the homemade liquor became an even more important source of income for many families.
Today, the production and sale of moonshine remains illegal in many parts of the country, although it is still a popular drink in some areas. Many people continue to make their own using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.
Here is a list of states where the production and/or sale of it is illegal:
