Moonshine

The Moonshine Legacy began in 1933 when Great-grandpap began his moonshine runs in the mountains of East TN to help support the family and carry them through the winter with a little extra money. By 1934 he had perfected a three grain recipe for his moonshine, and it quickly became a favorite to the locals in the area and was soon carried into the hills of Maggie Valley, NC. The original taste of his recipe has now been passed down through 4 generations. Rod Parton, his great-grandson has brought this recipe back to life for everyone to enjoy just like so many others have throughout the years. Now you can enjoy the smooth taste of this family recipe made just for sipping, telling stories and solving problems. Every jar is made by hand in small batches just like the very first batch just for you to enjoy!

So take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!”

Back in the day when all the old timers would gather out behind the barn for a nip or two of great-grandpap’s famous Legacy Moonshine telling stories and solving problems, great-granny felt the ladies were missing out. She asked for a couple of jars for herself to work with and soon had an apple pie flavor that was to die for! Now as all the ladies would gather to sew clothing and make quilts, they now had a little something of their own to pass around and enjoy while telling stories about their husbands! This recipe was found several years ago in an old family cookbook. Now Rod Parton, her great-grandson has brought this recipe back to life for everyone to enjoy as well. Every jar is handmade in small batches just like great-granny intended it to be just for you to enjoy!

So grab a jar and take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!”

After returning home from WWII Papaw Parton picked up moonshining where his dad left off and opened a small store in Pittman Center, in the mountains of East TN. Many remember Parton’s Market for their hot dogs and ice cream cones while traveling up and down the mountain. Looking for something different in the taste for his moonshine, papaw Parton started working with Rye which he found to have a different taste all together. He discovered that it had more of a dry taste up front with a little pepper taste on the back. Now two generations later his grandson, Rod Parton after serving in the US Army and a Desert Storm Veteran, carries on the family tradition of making moonshine. Rod’s papaw Parton’s Rye recipe was passed on to him and after a few touches of his own brings his Mountain Rye Moonshine back to life for everyone to enjoy! Every jar of our family rye moonshine is handmade in small batches to bring forward the true flavor of rye in every sip.

So take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!”

Legacy 110 is a little stronger cut from our Legacy blend for those who enjoy a little hotter and a lot stronger. The 110 is not only the proof but for the speed! The ole man, nicknamed “Rod”, would do bootlegger runs from Cocke Co to Nashville, TN in an old ’66 Chev with backroad speeds well over 100 mph. He would make this run a couple of time a month during the shine season. So, if you dare, open a jar sit back and hang on for the ride! But be careful, too much and you may take a trip and never leave your back porch!!

So, take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!”

The Thin Blue Line Edition is a special blend Moonshine created by Rod Parton a former State Trooper to honor all of our Law Enforcement Officers – Past, Present and Future. It is also intended to remember all of our brothers and sisters that we have lost in the line of duty as well. At Drop Zone Distilling we want to take a moment to salute those who continue to carry the torch that has been passed on for so many generations.

From Illegal to Legal, we don’t need no stinkin’ badges!!

SALUTE!

Red Line Edition is a special blend Moonshine created by Rod Parton who worked with the local Fire Department as a Fire Fighter and a diver on the Department Dive Team. Rod wanted to create something special to help honor all of our firefighters – Past, Present and Future. The Red Line Edition is also a reminder of all of our fellow Smoke Eaters that we have lost in the line of duty. May they never be forgotten. So, with this we salute all of the brave men and women who are running into burning buildings as others are running out.

When Rod Parton’s mom went to work for the University of Tennessee in the Legal Clinic, the family moved to South Knoxville when he was 12. Rod would spend most of his time on campus while his mom worked late taking extra shifts for extra money for the family. Rod and his brother Greg would spend a lot of time at the student center and from that early age his blood began to run orange. At 18 Rod would walk on to play football for UT but got his calling to join the military. Throughout Rod’s military career the Big Orange T was worn all around the world for everyone to see!

With this Rod has created a Big Orange Moonshine for all of our Volunteer fans to enjoy during the games. Rod has chosen to call this blend, “Volunteer Spirit,” because the Spirit is not only what is in the bottle but is in the heart of every Vols fans wherever they may be! So take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!” AND, GO VOLS!!!

From an early age Rod Parton would head up the mountain to the blackberry bushes to pick blackberries until their hands were stained purple and arms full of scratches from all the briers. Then everyone would spend the next week scratching from all the chiggers that had found their way into the clothing and buried themselves under the skin. When the berries were back home and washed they were canned and made into jellies and jam to enjoy throughout the year and lots of blackberry cobbler for dessert! Rod has taken this process and made his own version of blackberry moonshine to carry on the flavor of this amazing berry. Take a jar and enjoy with dessert or just to sip while relaxing, it may be better than a fine wine!

So take a moment to relax, unwind and “Savor the Moment!”