The Dries and The Wets
Florida’s moonshine history is rich and unique, blending the traditions of the Appalachian mountains with the Caribbean’s sugar-based creations. Before prohibition and even before Florida’s statehood, moonshine was a way of life for many Floridians.
Traditional corn whiskey moonshine, akin to the
Appalachian style.
traditions.
In the rural Panhandle, moonshining traditions mirror those of the Appalachian regions to the north. This area is known for crafting traditional corn whiskey moonshine, made primarily from locally grown corn.
The result? A robust, high-proof spirit with a clear finish. Passed down through generations, Panhandle moonshiners embraced tried-and-true methods, boiling mash in copper stills deep in the woods to avoid detection.
The cooler climate of the Panhandle made it perfect for fermenting corn mash without the risk of spoilage. These communities adopted a no-frills approach, producing potent, straightforward moonshine that became a staple of the local underground economy.
In the rural Panhandle, moonshining traditions mirror those of the Appalachian regions to the north. This area is known for crafting traditional corn whiskey moonshine, made primarily from locally grown corn.
The result? A robust, high-proof spirit with a clear finish. Passed down through generations, Panhandle moonshiners embraced tried-and-true methods, boiling mash in copper stills deep in the woods to avoid detection.
The cooler climate of the Panhandle made it perfect for fermenting corn mash without the risk of spoilage. These communities adopted a no-frills approach, producing potent, straightforward moonshine that became a staple of the local underground economy.
Moonshine’s Unexpected Allies and Adversaries
Women played a complex and dynamic role during Prohibition, shaping the era in ways that often go unrecognized. From temperance leaders to daring moonshine smugglers, their influence was felt across every facet of the movement.
Bootleggers and Smugglers
- Despite the temperance efforts, some women found themselves drawn to the lucrative world of bootlegging:
- Housewives and widows often turned to moonshine production to provide for their families during economic hardship.
- Women were less likely to be suspected by law enforcement, making them ideal couriers for smuggling spirits.
- They hid flasks in baby carriages, under voluminous skirts, and even in false-bottomed handbags.
- Tales of women outwitting “revenuers” became the stuff of legend in Florida’s rural communities.
Bootleggers and Smugglers
- Despite the temperance efforts, some women found themselves drawn to the lucrative world of bootlegging:
- Housewives and widows often turned to moonshine production to provide for their families during economic hardship.
- Women were less likely to be suspected by law enforcement, making them ideal couriers for smuggling spirits.
- They hid flasks in baby carriages, under voluminous skirts, and even in false-bottomed handbags.
- Tales of women outwitting “revenuers” became the stuff of legend in Florida’s rural communities.
Bootleggers and Smugglers
- Despite the temperance efforts, some women found themselves drawn to the lucrative world of bootlegging:
- Housewives and widows often turned to moonshine production to provide for their families during economic hardship.
- Women were less likely to be suspected by law enforcement, making them ideal couriers for smuggling spirits.
- They hid flasks in baby carriages, under voluminous skirts, and even in false-bottomed handbags.
- Tales of women outwitting “revenuers” became the stuff of legend in Florida’s rural communities.
Bootleggers and Smugglers
- Despite the temperance efforts, some women found themselves drawn to the lucrative world of bootlegging:
- Housewives and widows often turned to moonshine production to provide for their families during economic hardship.
- Women were less likely to be suspected by law enforcement, making them ideal couriers for smuggling spirits.
- They hid flasks in baby carriages, under voluminous skirts, and even in false-bottomed handbags.
- Tales of women outwitting “revenuers” became the stuff of legend in Florida’s rural communities.
Bootleggers and Smugglers
- Despite the temperance efforts, some women found themselves drawn to the lucrative world of bootlegging:
- Housewives and widows often turned to moonshine production to provide for their families during economic hardship.
- Women were less likely to be suspected by law enforcement, making them ideal couriers for smuggling spirits.
- They hid flasks in baby carriages, under voluminous skirts, and even in false-bottomed handbags.
- Tales of women outwitting “revenuers” became the stuff of legend in Florida’s rural communities.
At the Florida Moonshine Company, we honor these storied traditions by crafting moonshine with both corn and sugar bases. Our products celebrate the diverse heritage of Florida’s sunshine and shine.