Moonshine has deep roots in the Appalachian region, dating back to the early days of European settlement. In the isolated terrain of the mountains, settlers found themselves far from the reach of government control and taxation, leading them to distill their own spirits as a means of survival.

By the 19th century, moonshining had become an integral part of Appalachian culture, with families passing down recipes and techniques from one generation to the next. The abundance of corn, coupled with the lack of economic opportunities, made moonshining an attractive option for many residents of the region, providing a source of income in an otherwise harsh and unforgiving landscape.

Prohibition and the Golden Age of Moonshine

The 1920s brought about a seismic shift in the world of moonshining with the onset of Prohibition. The nationwide ban on the sale and production of alcohol created a lucrative black market for bootleggers, who seized the opportunity to meet the demand for illegal spirits. Nowhere was this more evident than in North Carolina, where the rugged terrain and dense forests provided the perfect cover for moonshiners looking to evade law enforcement.

During Prohibition, moonshine production in North Carolina reached unprecedented levels, with makeshift distilleries popping up in every corner of the state. From the mountains of the west to the flatlands of the east, moonshiners worked tirelessly to keep up with demand, using every trick in the book to outsmart the authorities.

The Cat and Mouse Game with Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies, however, were determined to end the illegal trade. Prohibition agents, known as “revenuers,” waged a relentless war against moonshiners, raiding stills, destroying equipment, and arresting anyone caught in the act. But for every still that was shut down, two more seemed to spring up in its place as moonshiners adapted to their pursuers’ ever-changing tactics.

The cat-and-mouse game between moonshiners and law enforcement reached its peak during Prohibition, with both sides employing increasingly creative methods to gain the upper hand. Moonshiners often employed lookouts to watch for approaching agents, while some went to great lengths to camouflage their stills, hiding them in caves, hollow trees, or underground bunkers.

The End of Prohibition and the Legacy of Moonshine

In 1933, Prohibition was finally repealed, ending the golden age of moonshine in North Carolina. With the return of legal alcohol, many moonshiners abandoned their illicit operations in favor of legitimate work. In contrast, others continued to operate underground, keeping the tradition alive despite ever-increasing regulation.

Moonshiner’s and Bootleggers is a story of rebellion, craftiness, and a tradition born out of necessity. It’s a tale woven with the exploits of legendary figures like Junior Johnson, Popcorn Sutton, and Amos Owens.

The Legacy of Junior Johnson

Junior Johnson’s name resonated through the valleys of North Carolina. Born in 1931 in Wilkes County, Johnson grew up in the heart of moonshine country. It was here that he learned the art of running moonshine from his father, who, like many others in the region, relied on the illicit trade to make ends meet during the tough times of the Great Depression.

As a young man, Johnson became renowned for his skill behind the wheel, navigating the treacherous backroads of North Carolina with a speed and finesse that left law enforcement in the dust. He soon earned the nickname “The Last American Hero,” immortalized in the pages of Tom Wolfe’s famous article in Esquire magazine.

 In 1956, he was arrested for his involvement in moonshine operations and spent 11 months in federal prison in Chillicothe, Ohio. In December 1986, Reagan pardoned Johnson of his felony conviction. However, Johnson’s racing prowess caught the attention of NASCAR. Upon his release, Johnson embarked on a legendary career as a professional race car driver, cementing his place in motorsport history and the annals of moonshine lore.

Popcorn Sutton: The Outlaw Craftsman

If there ever was a quintessential mountain moonshiner, it was Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton. With his long beard, weathered face, and a penchant for colorful language, Sutton was a living embodiment of the Appalachian spirit. Born in 1946 in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Sutton was raised in a family with a long history of moonshining.

Unlike Junior Johnson, who found fame on the racetrack, Sutton preferred to stay close to his roots, crafting his moonshine the old-fashioned way, using recipes passed down through generations. His potent concoctions earned him a reputation as one of the finest moonshiners in the region, and his distillery, hidden deep in the mountains, became a Mecca for aficionados seeking a taste of the authentic Appalachian spirit. Moonshining was simply in his blood, passed down through generations like a cherished heirloom.

However, Popcorn’s adherence to family tradition didn’t sit well with the law. In the 1970s and 1980s, he found himself on the wrong side of local law enforcement multiple times. From his first arrest in 1974 for selling untaxed liquor to subsequent run-ins involving controlled substances and an assault charge, Popcorn’s brushes with the law were as frequent as they were colorful.

Despite facing serious charges, Popcorn’s life took an unexpected turn when he decided to share his story with the world. Collaborating with local author Ernestine Upchurch, he penned a semi-autobiographical book “Me and My Likker,” shedding light on his moonshining adventures. The book, along with a home video of the same name, catapulted Popcorn into the spotlight, earning him acclaim far beyond the borders of Cocke County.

Documentarian Neal Hutchenson further immortalized Popcorn’s antics in two films, cementing his status as a local legend. Yet, fame came with its own set of consequences. A fire on his property in 2007 led authorities to discover a substantial quantity of untaxed alcohol, landing Popcorn in legal trouble once again.

But a fateful encounter with an undercover officer in 2008 sealed Popcorn’s fate. Bragging about his moonshine production proved to be his undoing, as it led to an ATF raid and, ultimately, an 18-month prison sentence. Faced with the prospect of incarceration, Popcorn chose to end his life, preferring to die on his own terms rather than behind bars.

In death, as in life, Popcorn Sutton remained true to himself—defiant, independent, and unapologetically authentic. His legacy lives on not only in the moonshine he produced but in the stories and legends that continue to swirl around his larger-than-life persona.

Amos Owens: The Cherry Bounce King of Cherry Mountain

Amos Owens, known far and wide as the “Cherry Bounce King,” emerged from the rugged hills of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in 1822. From a young age, he displayed an unparalleled work ethic and a fearless spirit that would come to define his legendary status in the annals of moonshining lore.

By the tender age of 23, Owens had already amassed enough wealth to purchase a sprawling 100-acre parcel of land nestled on the slopes of Cherry Mountain. Over time, his domain expanded until he held sway over the entire mountain, earning him the moniker that would become synonymous with his name.

But it was not just his vast landholdings that secured Owens’ place in history; it was his mastery of the moonshiner’s craft and his creation of the famed Cherry Bounce—a concoction so exquisite that it found eager buyers as far south as Mississippi and as far north as Ohio. A blend of corn whiskey, cherries, and honey, Cherry Bounce was a testament to Owens’ ingenuity and skill, and bootleggers throughout the region clamored for his high-quality spirits.

Despite his success, Owens was no stranger to trouble with the law. His vehement opposition to alcohol taxes, coupled with his steadfast belief that his service as a Confederate soldier absolved him of any further obligations to the government, frequently landed him in hot water. Arrested on numerous occasions, Owens found himself at odds with the authorities, facing fines, jail time, and even a year-long stint behind bars.

Yet, despite the ever-present risks, Owens remained undaunted, continuing to produce Cherry Bounce with a passion and zeal that belied his advancing years. Every summer, he would throw lively gatherings at his “castle” on Cherry Mountain, celebrating the cherry harvest and sharing his beloved beverage with friends and visitors from near and far.

A colorful character who embodied the vitality and resilience of the Appalachian spirit, Amos Owens refused to let adversity dampen his enthusiasm for life—or his dedication to his craft. And though his moonshining days eventually came to an end with a prison sentence in his 70s, his legacy as the Cherry Bounce King of Cherry Mountain lives on, a testament to the indomitable spirit of one of North Carolina’s most legendary moonshiners.

Conclusion: The Spirit of Moonshine

Though the days of Prohibition may be long gone, the legacy of North Carolina’s moonshiners lives on, not just in the stories passed down through families but in the craft itself. Today, artisanal distilleries across the state pay homage to the traditions of the past, producing small-batch moonshine that captures the essence of the mountains and keeps alive the spirit of those who came before. And as long as there are hills to hide in and rivers to run, the legend of North Carolina’s bootleggers will continue to shine as brightly as the moonlight on a clear Appalachian night.