Legal Moonshine
Can moonshine be legal? Doesn’t the term “moonshine” inherently mean that the hooch is illegal? Well, it seems that there’s now a place in Virginia where you can buy legal moonshine. Miller’s Belmont Farm Distillery sells homemade whiskey “from a shed out behind the barn”. It recently became licensed to sell Virginia Lightning and Copper Fox at their gift shop.
How’d they finagle a license? Well, they realized that they could probably be treated just like a winery, as they grow their own corn like how wineries grow their own grapes. As a result, it’s a “value-added farm”.
A fifth of Virginia Lightning goes for $12.55, and a pint of Copper Fox goes for $17.90. I think it’s time for a trip to Virginia!
July 10th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
I’ve never had the opportunity to try real moonshine, but it’s on my “list of things to do before I die.”
I know a few beer homebrewers, but no one who makes their own hard stuff. I’ve always been curious, so maybe someday…
Keep up the great work, Mike. I love the site, and I check in daily- it’s my #1 source for late-breaking booze news!
July 13th, 2006 at 11:11 am
I live like 10 miles from the distillery. Want me to go check it out for you?
July 13th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Oh, like that’d be a real chore.
If you’re willing to pick up an extra bottle of Virginia Lightning and ship it, though, I’d send you a check or PayPal you for the total cost. Let me know.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:41 am
FYI they sell this on their website now, if you’re hurtin’ for some moonshine!