White Lightenin'

What better way to follow up a post about Mountain Dew but with its dilutee, Moonshine.

As I type this, the Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College, in Franklin County, Va. (self proclaimed "Moonshine Capitol of the U.S of A"), has an exhibit on the history of moonshine and its roots in foothills of Southside Virginia. Unfortunately, the website is not up to date with its exhibits but this gallery just opened the first part of May and will run for a while so check back often if you aren't able to make it to Ferrum in person.

As for my own personal moonshine / mountain dew story, we have to hop in the way back machine and set the dial for the summer of 1998. That is when Neal, Tori, Olivia and myself ventured to the Mill Creek Cabin (Smyth County, Virginia). To cut to the action, the four of us were enjoying our grilled animal and potatoes when we hear a mountain man howl down the holler from us. Naturally, we howl back. After a few back and forth shouts we hear a car coming up the road toward us. Car doors slam and three folks hop out of the car, one holding an empty gallon jug, the other a few plastic bags and the third held a half gallon bottle of Jim Beam in each hand, only it was filled with a clear liquid. No, this wasn't JB Crystal. After introductions, Neal knew one of the dudes from high school so all was cool.

These folks decided to share a recipe with us that brings the history of Mountain Dew and 'shine full circle to today's world. As we watched with anticipation, this skinny ragged dude poured an exact pint of shine, a package of Kool-Aid (pick your favorite flavor), one 1/4 of sugar and filled the rest of the empty gallon jug with what else but Mountain Dew. After two batches, split between 7 people, we were howling at the moon! Somehow, I ended up with a bruise of a 6x6 post across my chest that evening, apparently from trying to catch myself after I had fallen from the porch. But that was our only problem, none of us had any morning complications from the Dew as it was as clean brewed as a mountain spring.

Most people that have never had white lightenin' have a negative connotation of the beverage, probably formed from stereotypes seen on television. For those that have participated in the ritual of passing a jar around, they will tell you that there is no better bonding experience, even if just for the evening, as what will transpire after taking part in a mountain communion.