The Best Legal Moonshine

The South is no stranger to small-batch spirits. Moonshiners were microdistilling long before such a word existed. The clear (often questionable) spirit was available only if you knew someone who knew someone. But the landscape of legal moonshine has changed dramatically. Now, this grain distillate sits conspicuously in stores—all taxes paid.

Here are some of our favorite "moonshines" to come out of the woodwork. And they actually taste good.

Best Legal Moonshines

1. Troy & Sons Platinum (Asheville, NC) This is one of the few whiskeys made with Appalachian spring water and heirloom corn, specifically Crooked Creek, an open-pollinated white corn from the 1840s. The resulting product is smooth, with hints of oaky vanilla—unusual in an un-aged spirit. ashevilledistilling.com

2. Prichard's Lincoln County Lightning (Kelso, TN) With an agave-like aroma, this 90-proof white corn whiskey has a salty, grassy taste. prichardsdistillery.com

3. Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1 (Frankfort, KY) The strongest of the lot, at 125 proof, this raw whiskey—which grows up to become Buffalo Trace bourbon—delivers an authentic moonshine burn punctuated with notes of sweet corn and malt. buffalotrace.com

4. Platte Valley Corn Whiskey (Weston, MO) This one's clean, light, and bright, with a subtle pear and vanilla finish. Though sometimes hard to find, it's easy to recognize on the shelf: it comes in a distinctive earthenware jug. mccormickdistilling.com

5. Virginia Lightning (Culpeper, VA) With a chewy sweetness, it's like corn right off the cob. We think this one goes especially well in cocktails. virginiamoonshine.com

6. Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon (Madison, NC) 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