Franklin Roosevelt’s Secret Spirits: Distillers Resurrect FDR’s Prohibition-Defeating Peach Spirits

Reviving a Legacy: The Peach Brandy Fit for a President

When we think of American presidents, most of us have a favorite. But for fans of fine spirits, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) holds a special place in history. Not just as the leader who helped steer the country through the Great Depression, but as the man who repealed Prohibition in 1933, putting an end to a dry era and letting the good spirits flow again.

But here’s a little-known secret: FDR wasn’t sipping on just any moonshine — he had a taste for Peach Brandy, crafted from the ripe, juicy peaches of Georgia.

Inspired by that forgotten flavor of history, three passionate moonshiners — Josh Owens from North Carolina, Howard Thompson from Virginia, and Kelly Williamson from Tennessee — came together on Presidents’ Day for a unique challenge:
Recreate FDR’s favorite Peach Brandy and craft a presidential cocktail in his honor.

The Great Distillers’ Showdown

Josh, a seasoned moonshiner, kept things old-school with his signature “low and slow” run.
“I wasn’t even thinking about the competition,” he said. “Just me and my still, doing our thing.”

Kelly took a bold path, using frozen peaches instead of fresh ones. He filtered, funneled, and strained every drop, hoping to extract enough peach flavor to shine through the strong alcohol.
“I’m betting on the cocktail phase — that’s when I want the peach to really pop,” he said.

Howard opted for peach purée — thick and sweet — to drive the fermentation. A longtime partner in Josh’s distilling adventures, he brought quiet confidence:
“I’ve learned a lot over the years. I just want to make something that would make my crew proud.”

Judgement Time: Flavor vs. Fire

The judges took their first sips with high expectations.

Kelly’s batch came in smooth — lighter on the alcohol, around 85 proof — but packed with rich, authentic peach flavor. “Can’t believe he got this from frozen peaches,” one judge said, impressed. “It’s smooth, no fire, just flavor.”

Josh’s creation was the opposite — a powerful, high-proof liquor that hit hard but lacked the peachy sweetness. “It drinks well,” a judge noted, “but it’s more of a classic moonshine than a true peach brandy.”

Howard’s run hit the sweet spot in terms of aroma and flavor. “It’s peachy on the nose, really nice,” the panel agreed. But he got dinged for presentation — his jar was sticky, smudged, and, as one judge put it, ‘the worst we’ve ever seen.’ Still, his technical progress was undeniable.

A Taste of American Spirit

Without access to fresh Georgia peaches or mountain spring water, none of the distillers had an easy task. But what they created wasn’t just liquor — it was a tribute to FDR’s rebellious spirit and America’s love for freedom in every form.

“You boys are the presidents today,” one judge declared. “And I’d bet FDR would raise a glass to each of you.”

From the dusty stills of the South to the memory of a president who changed the country one signature at a time, this Peach Brandy challenge wasn’t just about flavor — it was about legacy, grit, and reviving a piece of history, one drop at a time.