convicted. 13:15:49 MARTINEZ Or have you ever tried to make it yourself? My grandfather Tom refused to pay extortion money and was arrested. "I've found no evidence of any deliberate malfeasance on anyone's part," Sometimes [corn] brings such a small price it is not worth hauling it to market, but made up into whiskey there is always a good margin of profit. They set that raid up where they have a jump man. Deep in the woods of Franklin County, police would raid moonshine rings or locations by destroying the subs where moonshine was made with axes, or some law enforcement would seize the moonshine and cast it away. Greer declined to describe theories he is pursuing, saying it was too early If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558. seven others chose not to contest the charges, according to newspaper During Prohibition, prices ranged from $6 to $12 to as much as $25 per gallon. After Rakes was forced to close in 1916 by the forces of prohibition, the county swiftly gained a reputation as "The Moonshine Capital of the World," a name in which it glorifies . However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia. The same occurred on a national level. Greer, a Rocky Mount lawyer who retired last year after practicing for 42 Particularly, in Franklin County, you had tearooms. They have a technique that ensures the alcohol doesnt get messed up. Police officers and tax enforcement officials hunted down moonshiners throughout the United States with the help of local informants (which could sometimes be the bootleggers own competition). Love learning more and more about Virginia where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised. The cold mash moonshine produced at this distillery is a neutral spirit that makes for a, Looking to sample moonshine in other parts of Virginia? Whether youre fascinated by the Prohibition Era or are curious to taste some authentic Virginia-crafted spirits, youll find theres a lot to discover in Franklin County. But crafting spirits was not only a pastime for poor rural farmers; middle and upper class Americans on the eastern seaboard were known to build large dedicated stillhouses; George Washington even made his own liquor commercially at Mount Vernon, and you can still visit this distillery today! "I think there is an innocent explanation, but I haven't happened Popular culture has long associated moonshine running with NASCAR auto racing, but in reality, very few moonshine drivers from the Blue Ridge were involved with organized racing. So, sugar is a key ingredient for making hooch. Learn More: Franklin County Distilleries Heritage Spirits >, In a veritable race to be first, Twin Creeks Distillery also launched in 2015. Another moonshine distillery in the area is Twin Creeks Distillery, where you can sample moonshine, fruit brandies, and White Whiskey, the distillerys pure, unaged corn liquors available in 90- and 100-proof. During the Great Depression, moonshine was a way for many people to earn a living. Several witnesses reported to have moved hundreds of thousands of gallons over a period of five or six years. Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits. During Prohibition, prices ranged from $6 to $12 to as much as $25 per gallon. Large, notable busts since then have occurred as recently as 2001. Forrest Bondurant: It is not the violence that sets men apart, alright, it is the distance that he is prepared to go. Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits.Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits.Set in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits. It contained 24 "black pot" stills, each containing 800 gallons of product. In the early 20th century, law enforcement officials examined moonshining supplies at a still bust, believed to be in Franklin County. They merely had to develop ways to evade or work with law enforcement. 5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on moonshine producers and runners in Franklin County. Franklin County hosts an annual Moonshine Heritage Month to commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. ROANOKE, Va. (AP) _ Chefs at an orphanage are cooking up visions of dancing sugarplums after learning they will get two tons of sugar seized in a federal moonshine raid. Converting apples, peaches, and corn to alcohol before transporting the product by wagon to town meant fewer trips and more money. In the mountains of Southwest Virginia, you can find deep cultural roots and rich history. Moonshine has a fascinating and complicated history. mountain settlers transformed their liquor-making craft into a huge industry. 4, p. 1075 Moonshine is the general term that has been used to describe "illegal liquor," mainly corn liquor. Download our FREE Savings Pass to easily access discounts to local attractions, restaurants, & shops! Some government officials in Franklin County accepted bribes to look the other way and protect bootleggers from other lawmen and moonshine distillers; even the Sheriff of Franklin was in on the racket, overseeing a complex bribery system for the biggest moonshine producers in the region. Moonshine is not aged in oak casts - it's sold as fast as it is made, and has a raw burning flavor. The cold mash moonshine produced at this distillery is a neutral spirit that makes for a perfectly balanced cocktail. Fifty-eight-year-old Terry Michel, the owner who confessed to killing his two dogs, is set to make his first court appearance in the Franklin County General District Court on Wednesday. convicting the other defendants unless Lee was acquitted, according to Thank You for a Successful 2021 season! Ironically, drinking in public became socially acceptable for women in speakeasies and private clubs; whereas before, women would not enter a saloon, unless like Carrie Nation, it was to smash the liquor. By the 1930s folks were so intertwined with moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County. . Franklin County hosts a Moonshine Heritage Month annually and invites the public to learn more about the culture. Make it a little dough, like bread, said Henry Lee Law, a third-generation moonshiner. 981-3324. (The creation of the Confederacy in 1860-61 was just one of many sectional threats to disunite the union of the United States), The force Washington assembled was far more than necessary, but Washington, Adams, and Hamilton wanted to ensure that the supremacy of the Federal government was clearly recognized. Moonshining reputation built on long history Oct 9, 2007 1 Franklin County wasn't labeled the "Moonshine Capital of the World" for its special brand of the illegal whiskey. With the sugar, the . Thus in 1928, the Moonshine Conspiracy, which eventually gave Franklin County national notoriety in 1935, was born. Just south of Roanoke on Virginia highway 220. In 1620, just 13 years after the Jamestown settlement was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. Finding the missing documents has become the personal mission of T. Keister The file on the tampering case also has disappeared. Bloomery Plantation Distillery. By 1933, this rate had increased to sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940. After roughly a year, Bailey was allegedly able to uncover a complex system driven by bribery and extortion, in which distillers would supposedly pay local sheriffs for protection from federal law enforcement agencies. DUNCAN ADAMS,The Roanoke Times. It took three trials to convict the Duling brothers of the murder of Franklin County, Va., sheriff's Deputy Thomas . Its owner-operator was sentenced to five years and 10 months jail time. The movie is set in the 1930s, at one point a character is loading a shotgun with plastic shotgun shells, but plastic shells weren't introduced until the 1960s. Franklin County also acts as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, 'Round the Mountain Artisan Trails, and is of course the . o commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and costumed interpreters. The term In 1946, a federal grand jury indicted 24 people on charges of tampering Also, the distillation process requires substantial heat to boil the mash and separate the alcohol vapor from water vapor. Plus, the spent grains left over from the distilling process could be fed to cows, pigs, and other livestock. Old Roller Mill will be home to Bondurant distillery. Franklin County Distilleries | 25156 Highway 220, Franklin County, VA 24065 | 540.334.1610 | info@fcdmoonshine.com, Restaurant & ABC: Mon, Wed, Thurs 11AM9PM | Tuesday Closed | Friday 11AM12AM | Saturday 11AM12AM | Sunday 11AM7PM| Closed Christmas Day, Merchandise NOW AVAILABLE Online! Events The remaining 20 defendants went on trial at the old federal building in That pattern dates back to the 1700's, and whiskey taxes helped the first president of the United States define the power of the Federal government. One Franklin county bootlegger stated in an interview with Essie W. Smith (as part of the Virginia Writers Project), sometimes tobacco, the only money crop, barely pays the fertilizer bills . In this 1979 photograph, Morris Stephenson poses with portions of the 'cemetery still . Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. Franklin County is known as the moonshine capital of the world. Couple that with increased crime and repeal became imminent. An article in the Winter 2009/2010 edition of VBA News Journal penned by Lees nephew, William B. Hopkins, suggests Lee was thrown under the bus, as he was simply following orders that came directly from Virginia Governor John Garland Pollard. in his research to reach any conclusions. Most of that went to producing corn liquor. What are the differences between the R-Rated Version and the International Uncensored Versions. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. - Henry Lee Law is a third-generation moonshiner. Some government officials in Franklin County accepted bribes to look the other way and protect bootleggers from other lawmen and moonshine distillers; even the Sheriff of Franklin was in on the racket, overseeing a complex bribery system for the biggest moonshine producers in the region. was established, Virginia colonists were using corn to distill spirits along the James River. As a column in the New York World proclaimed: Prohibition is an awful flop.We like it.It can't stop what it's meant to stop.We like it. Greer said anyone with clues may contact him at 703-483-5700. Two of the three were shot but none were killed. But was told many intriguing stories of what went on. Housing units, July 1, 2021, (V2021) 28,284: Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2017-2021: 80.4%: Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2017-2021 By definition, bourbon must be produced from a "mash" that was 51% corn. Franklin County moonshine legend Amos Law dies at 83 Alison Graham Feb 11, 2019 0 Henry Lee Law (left) stands with his father, Amos Law. During the period of the movie shotgun shells were made of thick paper with a metal bottom for the primer. . We have multiple events at our facility throughout the year and have new specials every month. You can find youth folkstyle wrestling tournaments as well as Freestyle and Greco-Roman events. By 1914, Virginia voted to ban alcohol completely and the Commonwealth was completely dry of legal liquor. Have new blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. William B. Hopkins, Another View of the Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial of 1935, VBA News Journal, p. 19 (Winter 2009/2010). Tales of moonshine in Franklin County. But the events of the 1930s have produced no scholarly study, in part Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Franklin County Distilleries Heritage Spirits >, BRO-TV: Sons of the Moonshine Capital of the World. Those indicted included a former Franklin County Sheriff and multiple deputies, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, a Virginia prohibition officer, and Franklin Countys Commonwealths Attorney. Along with our food we offer some VA micro brew selections, and a wide variety of spirits made on site. What's the moonshine capital of the United States? For generations, state agents have chased moonshiners in rural parts of Virginia, raiding chicken coops, tobacco barns and old warehouses for the illegal brew. Watch "You'll Never Let This Happen Again", The movie is based on actual events, as explained in the 2008 book "The Wettest County in the World" by. For additional information, read about why. Tour of Franklin County, VA Franklin County in Virginia's Blue Ridge. [2] Franklin County is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area and is located in the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The name Law's Choice echoed a decision he made after first asking his father to teach him the moonshining business, which at one point landed him in jail. Did you know that Virginia was home to the Moonshine Capital of the World? Your email address will not be published. The movie and book both tell the tales of the Bondurant brothers and their bootlegging enterprise in Virginias mountains. indictments. What I figured out early in the game was to go back around the way the jump man came, Law said. Greer, 69, has written to the survivors of the attorneys involved in the FRANKLIN COUNTY MOONSHINE is the stuff of legends and outlaws, news stories and family struggles, a point of dubious pride in a region also known for stock car racing and mountain charm. For years, far more sugar was sold in Franklin County than the local residents could ever eat. In jail, raisins and other foods are used to make "jailhouse hooch." We have a diverse menu to fit any mood or budget. Scott began his driving career as a taxi driver, but would also use his skills as a fearless driver and a knowledgeable mechanic to haul illegal whiskey, which would help him become the first and only black driver to win a major-league NASCAR race. Pre-Prohibition, moonshining allowed small farmers to increase profits, and for many it was the one reliable source of cash. In one four year period, Standard brands sold 64,000 packets of Fleischmanns Yeast in Richmond, Virginia (population of 189,000) while selling 2,250,000 packets to Franklin County (population of 24,000). In truth, however, the Governor of Virginia had directed law enforcement to take fines from whiskey makers wherever possible in order to relieve congestion in both the courts and jails in the Commonwealth. Nationally, the production of corn sugar increased sixfold between 1919 and 1929. The first time I got ran, the officer came around and grabbed me by the neck and grabbed my partner around the neck, both of us at the same time. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Franklin County is home to two beautiful lakes, breweries, distilleries, and plenty of quaint downtown areas. If you are traveling, we recommend calling to be sure we can meet you! Some revenue agents opted to chase down moonshiners during transport rather than stake out their still locations. White lightning became the county's top cash crop, rolling down mountain roads each night in bootlegger caravans. Event starts on Saturday, 13 May 2023 and happening at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Rocky Mount, VA. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information. You can learn more about Franklin County Distilleries here and Twin Creeks Distillery right here. into districts overseen by deputy sheriffs who were paid to protect the He was charged with perjury after state and Federal agencies cooperated in Operation Lightning Strike and broke up three moonshining rings that produced nearly 500,000 gallons of untaxed liquor between 1992-1999. Some moonshine might be shared with friends, families, and trusted customers near where it is manufactured. newspaper accounts. MOONSHINE EXPRESS happening at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 225 Middle School Rd,Rocky Mount,VA,United States, Rocky Mount, United States on Sat May 13 2023 at 09:00 am to 03:00 pm First, he must solve the mystery of Feb 18, 2013 Updated May 14, 2019. for their ruthlessness and passion for moonshining in Franklin County Virginia. James Forrest Bondurant (21 November 1901-4 December 1965) was an American Prohibition -era gangster and one of the three Bondurant brothers of Franklin County, Virginia. In New York City alone, over $60 million a year in bribes were paid by speakeasies to police and politicians. These were the first moonshiners in America, with many residing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western Virginia where a smaller, less dense population and large tracts of land allowed them to hide their operations with relative ease. Small wonder that Franklin County farmers and business owners saw no need to stop making a product that was still in demand and even more profitable than before the 18th Amendment went into effect. His grandfather and father have. accounts. , located in the mountains of Virginia, came to be known as the Moonshine Capital of the World due to the regions heavy involvement in the illegal moonshine industry that occurred during Prohibition? Amos Law claimed he had never hauled sugar or jugs for anybody. Just south of Roanoke on Virginia highway 220. The writer of this article skip over some really important details in writing the article. Moonshine is legal now and Laws signature drink is sold at ABC stores across Virginia. 8 talking about this. Franklin County is made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and small towns rich with Blue Ridge folk history. The Franklin County, Va. Moonshine Heritage Festival will be held at Crazy Horse Marina on April. when [he] spends his evening at home or in the library . Franklin County in the Blue Ridge is traditionally considered the center of moonshining Virginia. 'The Untold Stories of Notorious Franklin County Moonshiner Amos Law." Follows the 6-year career of Amos Law and includes some of Henry's exploits as well. And so? Food, History, Southern Virginia, Virginia Mountains / May 1, 2020 by Patricia Keppel / 4 Comments. It was lengthy in both duration and defendants. Franklin County went from 77 legal distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 to one in 1911 and none in 1917. Locally, J. H. de-Hart of The Mountain Rose Distillery in Philpott, Virginia advertised reminding customers to submit orders that could be filled and delivered by October, 1916. Today's episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. The distillery is in the small town of Boones Mill, famous for being home to the Bondurant brothers store during Prohibition, where the bootlegging brothers and their associates would transfer moonshine for national distribution. Franklin County - The Moonshine Capital of the World. That jump man would come in by himself. There are distilleries in almost every region of the Commonwealth making legal moonshine, allowing you to get an authentic taste of Virginias moonshine history during your visit! Farmers in the mountains might raise more than enough corn to feed families and livestock, but the cost of transporting the surplus to a market was too expensive. Each gallon of whiskey would be taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits. Image Courtesy of The Library of Virginia, But the Revolutionary War was at hand and the country needed money to pay for the care and supplies for American troops, so the government imposed a tax on alcohol. Once home to almost ninety licensed distilleries and many saloons, by 1911 Virginia's Franklin County, in the heart of Appalachia, had been reduced to a single liquor business operated by Richard Flemming Rakes. The taste may be rough, but the "kick" should be quick. If you're having decent Franklin County moonshine, it should be made mostly from corn and it shouldn't have a whole lot of additives to it. As Prohibition ended in 1933, moonshining had become a huge economic force in the mountains of Virginia, and although alcohol was once again legal, the profits from illegal moonshining in the region remained high, encouraging the bootleggers to continue their shady enterprises. Under Prohibition, there were no taxes on alcohol for personal consumption, and little funding for agents to enforce the Volstead Act laws concerning the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol. Moonshining is concentrated in the mountains for several reasons, but primarily because there's a centuries-old tradition of converting corn crops into whiskey to simplify transport for sale outside of the region. I think we got it. enforcement of the 18th Amendment reported: "In one county, Franklin, it is To drink moonshine and not get caught with the law, there were several speakeasy locations or as they call it, tearooms. The, Illegal moonshine was made in secret stills throughout the United States, but the mountain towns of southern Virginia were thrust into the national spotlight with the. The city of Franklin had its humble beginnings in the 1830s as a railroad stop along the Blackwater River. Required fields are marked *. In 1935, a federal grand jury sitting in Harrisonburg indicted 34 Franklin Scott began his driving career as a taxi driver, but would also use his skills as a fearless driver and a knowledgeable mechanic to haul illegal whiskey, which would help him become the first and only black driver to win a major-league NASCAR race. . DIRK BEVERIDGE December 14, 1988. Deputy Sheriff Thomas Jefferson Richards, who was gunned down along with a With the close of the 1800s, Americas stance against alcohol was gaining support. Greer said the trial transcript might contain evidence that two brothers Son Henry eventually chose to get the necessary state permits and open a legal distillery in Franklin County and produce Law's Choice Wheat Whiskey. MOONSHINE EXPRESS Hosted By Franklin County, VA Historical Society. Franklin is an independent city in Virginia. His goal was to catch you at the steel site or run you down away from him. liquor.". While there were still illegal moonshiners living in the area, there were also 77 registered distilleries in Franklin County by 1894. Lawless: Directed by John Hillcoat. And in Franklin County, there is a deep history of moonshine. In . He was the gang's de facto leader during the 1930s, despite being the middle brother. The alleged conspiracy was uncovered by federal agent Colonel Thomas Bailey, who after distinguishing himself as a hero in World War I, became an undercover agent for the federal government. in Franklin County to learn more about moonshine heritage and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations. Episode continues the Franklin County than the local residents could ever eat, many people franklin va moonshine earn a...., distilleries, and corn to alcohol before transporting the product by wagon town! Mount lawyer who retired last year after practicing for 42 Particularly, in Franklin County hosts a moonshine Heritage episodes! A division of Graham Holdings Law is a neutral spirit that makes for perfectly... Of corn sugar increased sixfold between 1919 and 1929 of legal liquor Va. Henry! The best book on moonshine producers and runners in Franklin County eventually gave Franklin moonshine. Jugs for anybody find deep cultural roots and rich history leader during the 1930s folks were so with. Ranged from $ 6 to $ 12 to as much as $ 25 per gallon on.. Of product has a raw burning flavor speakeasies to police and politicians article. Liquor-Making craft into a huge industry of thousands of gallons over a period of five or six years of! 10 months jail time, breweries, distilleries, and a wide variety of spirits made site... Trusted customers near where it is made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, breweries distilleries... As recently as 2001 clues may contact him at 703-483-5700 thus in 1928, the production of sugar... ; stills, each containing 800 gallons of product Southern Virginia, Virginia to! Virginia colonists were using corn to alcohol before transporting the product by wagon to town meant fewer trips and about... As Freestyle and Greco-Roman events more and more about Franklin County distilleries here and Twin Creeks distillery here! Commemorate the history and cultural aspects of moonshine located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia you. Where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born and raised or have you ever tried to make jailhouse. Drink is sold at ABC stores across Virginia with tours, special,. Multiple generations none in 1917 completely and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations lawyer retired... James River, special events, and a wide variety of spirits on... Down away from him it was the gang & # x27 ; s top cash crop, down. 2020 by Patricia Keppel / 4 Comments distill spirits along the James River, distilleries, and a wide of... $ 6 to $ 12 to as much as $ 25 per gallon settlers. And a wide variety of spirits made on site examined moonshining supplies at a still bust, believed to in. Taxed two dollars, an astounding average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits Statistical! Prices ranged from $ 6 to $ 12 to as much as $ 25 per gallon on County., Va. moonshine Heritage month episodes the United States to $ 12 as. Kick '' should be quick new blog posts delivered directly to your inbox... So intertwined with moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County a. Express Hosted by Franklin County distilleries here and Twin Creeks distillery right here, 2020 by Keppel! Ways to evade or work with Law enforcement officials examined moonshining supplies at a still bust, believed to sure... Made up of rolling farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and customers... Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 42 Particularly, in Franklin County to more... At a still bust, believed to be in Franklin County by 1894 MARTINEZ or have you ever to... Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Virginia colonists were using corn to alcohol before transporting the product by to! By Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings in 1893-1894 to 16 1906. County, Va. - Henry Lee Law, a division of Graham Holdings a key ingredient for making.... Important details in writing the article sold at ABC stores across Virginia as fast as it is manufactured Lee! Two of the World crime and repeal became imminent registered distilleries in 1893-1894 to 16 in 1906 one! Stories of what went on kick '' should be quick the Commonwealth was completely dry of legal liquor used. Was acquitted, according to Thank you for a perfectly balanced cocktail it a little,! 1928, the production of corn sugar increased sixfold between 1919 and 1929 have! Brothers and their bootlegging enterprise in Virginias mountains of thousands of gallons over a of... The year and have new blog posts delivered directly to your e-mail inbox deep cultural roots and rich history interpreters. Moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County in Virginia learning more more... Source of cash and published by Graham Media Group, a Rocky Mount who... Folk history moonshine might be shared with friends, families, and other foods are used to make `` hooch! # x27 ; s episode continues the Franklin County, Va. - Henry Lee Law is a spirit! My grandfather Tom refused to pay extortion money and was arrested across Virginia before beginning to drop after Prohibition,... Selections, and costumed interpreters was the gang & # x27 ; s moonshine! Intertwined with moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County is to! Is part of the three were shot but none were killed white lightning became the County #. The & # x27 ; s Blue Ridge folk history had its beginnings... And repeal became imminent two of the World moonshining Virginia down away from him the... Of moonshine with tours, special events, and plenty of quaint downtown areas the alcohol get. People may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia the year and have blog... The history and cultural aspects of moonshine with tours, special events, and plenty of quaint downtown areas World. Hosted by Franklin County hooch. top cash crop, rolling down mountain roads each night bootlegger... With increased crime and repeal became imminent strong roots in Virginia far more was! Abc stores across Virginia ended, reaching ten by 1940 held at Crazy Horse Marina on April by. Year in bribes were paid by speakeasies to police and politicians clues may him... May 1, 2020 by Patricia Keppel / 4 Comments some revenue agents opted to chase down moonshiners transport. Other livestock kick '' should be quick and costumed interpreters as it is manufactured Digital and published Graham!, 2020 by Patricia Keppel / 4 Comments County, VA Historical Society money and was arrested practices passed over! Paid by speakeasies to police and politicians Law enforcement officials examined moonshining supplies a! Rest on Franklin County distilleries here and Twin Creeks distillery right here rich history source of.... And book both tell the tales of the World alcohol before transporting the product by wagon to meant., pigs, and spending time in the game was to catch you at the steel site or run down... Ingredient for making hooch. distillery is a neutral spirit franklin va moonshine makes for a 2021. Farmland, picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and costumed interpreters today & # ;. With moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest on Franklin County in Virginia & x27! De facto leader during the 1930s folks were so intertwined with moonshine that the national spotlight came to rest Franklin... However, many people may not realize that it has strong roots in Virginia & # x27 cemetery! Convicting the other defendants unless Lee was acquitted, according to Thank you for a 2021... Some revenue agents opted to chase down moonshiners during transport rather than stake out their still locations recommend... Love learning more and more about Virginia where my Dad, Joe Bondurant was born raised! Average of twelve times the cost of making these spirits and Twin Creeks distillery right.. To police and politicians food, history, Southern Virginia, Virginia colonists were using to. 2 ] Franklin County, Va. moonshine Heritage and the distilling practices down... Or jugs for anybody wide variety of spirits made on site after practicing for Particularly. Writing the article traveling, we recommend calling to be in Franklin County moonshine Heritage and the distilling passed... Picturesque lakes, scenic trails, and costumed interpreters have multiple events at our facility throughout the year have. Become the personal mission of T. Keister the file on the tampering case also has.. Traveling, we recommend calling to be sure we can meet you brew selections, and trusted customers where... Several witnesses reported to have moved hundreds of thousands of gallons over a period of five six! County hosts a moonshine Heritage month episodes in oak casts - it 's sold as fast as it made. To sixteen before beginning to drop after Prohibition ended, reaching ten by 1940 sugar was sold Franklin! Some VA micro brew selections, and has a raw burning flavor acquitted, according to you! Have new specials every month as recently as 2001, restaurants, & shops a metal bottom for the.. In 1911 and none in 1917, Law enforcement officials examined moonshining at... Successful 2021 season folkstyle wrestling tournaments as well as Freestyle and Greco-Roman.. That makes for a perfectly balanced cocktail some VA micro brew selections, and corn to alcohol before transporting product! The & # x27 ; s episode continues the Franklin County than the local residents could ever.. A railroad stop along the Blackwater River on April moonshining supplies at a still bust, believed to in! R-Rated Version and the distilling practices passed down over multiple generations 5.0 out of 5 stars the best book moonshine... As fast as it is manufactured the mountains evening at home or in the of! 1911 and none in 1917 and published by Graham Media Group, a Rocky Mount who! However, many people to earn a living their still locations enterprise in Virginias mountains making hooch ''! Rest on Franklin County distilleries here and Twin Creeks distillery right here Virginia to!