2023 Q2 Spirited VA - 27

made corn whiskey. Today, Belle Isle produces hand-made,
small batch moonshine from 100% organic corn and purified
water from the James.
Black Label is their signature drink and serves as the base
M
oonshine seems to be everywhere these days, though
some purists would argue that if it's taxed and
regulated, it ain't 'shine. Either way, it's become a popular
beverage that's legally manufactured and sold throughout
the country. According to Future Market Insights (FMI),
the worldwide market for the product hit $165 million
at the end of 2022 and is expected to reach $315 million
within 10 years.
Why has moonshine become so fashionable? First,
spirits have become more popular over the past 10 years,
whiskey in particular, and moonshine is a sub-category of
whiskey. Moonshine has become a popular drink throughout
Europe as well, especially France and the United Kingdom,
and millennials are the primary consumers on both sides
of the Atlantic.
Another factor is the recent growth of craft distilleries,
many of which are producing moonshine. FMI reports that
North America accounts for 34.8% of global moonshine
sales. It's now seen as a fashionable, legitimate beverage
rather than something your great-granddaddy cooked up
in a homemade still.
Virginia Moonshines
In Virginia, the moonshine explosion has been especially
noticeable, perhaps aided by the state's long history with
the drink. Sales have been growing steadily over the past few
years with new products and varieties introduced regularly.
Some of the unique flavors offered include banana pudding,
lemon lavender, apple pie, yuzu ginger, pineapple upside
down cake, butter pecan and blackberry.
Virginia ABC carries more than a dozen moonshine
products from Belle Isle Distillery alone. The name Belle
Isle comes from the island of the same name in the James
River near Richmond on which, back in the 1800s, soldiers
for their line of flavored moonshine. Belle Isle also offers
Blood Orange, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Cold Brew Coffee and
100 Proof moonshines.
In total, Virginia ABC stores carry 99 unique moonshine
products. The best seller is Ole Smoky Banana Cream
Pudding, first introduced in 2022. This item is sold in all
of Virginia ABC's 398 stores and has been most popular
in Mechanicsville, Chester and Dinwiddie.
There are at least 10 Virginia distilleries making 'shine
today. The top three in sales are Belle Isle, Virginia Lightning
and Five Mile Mountain. If you want to check out a local
moonshine, consider some of these options:
Belle Isle Craft Spirits
Belle Isle is located in the state capital, a few blocks from
the James River. The distillery was founded in 2013 by
Vincent Riggi and Brian Marks.
Blackberry Vanilla. Made with real blackberries and a
touch of vanilla, this is a sweet and robust spirit. The flavor
profile touches on caramel, vanilla, ripe fruit and toasted corn.
Ruby Red Grapefruit. Infused with genuine ruby red
grapefruit, this 70-proof 'shine is made with no artificial
colors, sweeteners or flavors. The distiller recommends
using it to replace any clear liquor in a cocktail.
5 Mile Mountain Distillery
5 Mile Mountain is based in Floyd, in the county of the
same name, which claims to have been a larger producer
of illegal 'shine back in the day than neighboring Franklin
County, which has built a reputation as " The Moonshine
Capital of the World. "
Elderberry Moonshine. This is an 80-proof liquor
made with organic elderberries. Equally sweet and tart, it
has notes of vanilla, wheat, honey and berries. The distiller
suggests drinking it over ice or mixed in a cocktail.
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | APRIL | MAY | JUNE 2023 27
HINE!
2023 Q2 Spirited VA

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