The Best Legal Moonshine

Long a backwoods legend cloaked in secrecy and shady dealings, the clear (often questionable) hooch was available only if you knew someone who knew someone. Now, this grain distillate sits conspicuously in stores—all taxes paid. Here are five of our favorite moonshines to come out of the woodwork. And they actually taste good.

5 Best Legal Moonshines
1. Prichard’s Lincoln County Lightning 
With an agave-like aroma, this 90-proof white corn whiskey has a salty, grassy taste.
prichardsdistillery.com

2. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1
The strongest of the lot, at 125 proof, this raw whiskey delivers an authentic moonshine burn.
buffalotrace.com

3. Platte Valley Corn Whiskey
This one’s clean, light, and bright, with a subtle pear and vanilla finish.
mccormickdistilling.com

4. Virginia Lightning
With a chewy sweetness, it’s like corn right off the cob.
virginiamoonshine.com

5. Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon
Based on the legendary ’shiner and NASCAR legend’s family recipe, it’s triple distilled and cut to 80 proof for a smooth, vodka-like sipping spirit.
piedmontdistillers.com