Maggie Valley, NC — In a shocking turn of events, a pioneering moonshine operation was halted in its tracks after a $20,000 custom-built copper still vanished overnight.
Jerry, a seasoned moonshiner, had just completed a state-of-the-art waterless still—a breakthrough design in Appalachian distillation. Together with partners Mike and another longtime friend, the trio was ready to launch a batch of Mike’s bestselling clear apple pie moonshine using this cutting-edge equipment.
But the plan ran into trouble even before the first drop of liquor was made. Apples, the key ingredient, had soared in price to $2.50 per pound. “I ain’t paying that for two apples,” Mike exclaimed during their shopping trip. A potential solution came when the team discovered that the local cider mill discards a byproduct called apple pomace—a mash of cores, peels, and skins—with residual sugar and flavor. Best of all, the cider mill was willing to give it away for free.
“This could be a game changer,” one partner noted. “There’s got to be enough sugar and flavor in this stuff to get the ABV and taste we need.”
Just as things were finally looking up, disaster struck.
Upon arriving at their still site, the team discovered it had been stolen. “Where the hell is the still?” one of them shouted. “You can see where somebody dumped it!”
The copper equipment, built with sweat, labor, and over $20,000 in materials, had been hauled away. All that remained were muddy tire tracks and an open valve where spent mash had been dumped.
“First 48 hours are critical,” one said as they raced to local scrapyards, fearing the still had been chopped up and sold as scrap copper. Though one yard had copper sheets and tubing, none matched the description of their still.
“This is real life,” said Mike. “We put our lives into this and it’s just gone. Someone stole our future.”
Jerry began making calls, spreading the word and hoping someone would spot the still before it vanished into a smelter.
As law enforcement and moonshiner networks are alerted, the team remains determined. “If I find the guy, I’ll beat him half to death with his own arm,” one declared.
The search continues.
FEATURES
- Pomace Potential: Could discarded apple mash reshape the future of apple pie moonshine?
- Still Security: How theft is affecting moonshiners across Appalachia.
TIPS OR SIGHTINGS?
Have you seen copper tubing, barrels, or suspicious scrap dealing?
Contact The Chronicle or call the Maggie Valley Sheriff’s Tip Line at 1-800-555-COPR
