As winter brings an early snowfall to the backwoods of Haywood County, many moonshiners are forced to pack it in for the season. However, for the trio of partners—Mike, Jerry, and Richard—the snow won’t stop their business. They’re on their way to close a deal that could make all the difference for their moonshine operation.
On this cold winter day, the partners are traveling to meet a potential buyer who could place an order for the prized “winter rum,” a drink specifically made for the chilly season. Mike, a seasoned moonshiner, explains, “I hope this guy we’re meeting is looking for more than just a couple of quarts of liquor. We’re hoping for several gallons at least.”
The deal began when Mike received a call from a contractor, a well-connected individual who works with high-end clients. This contractor has customers who are looking for something special to keep them warm on snowy days—something smooth but not too strong. “I build houses around here for high-end customers,” the contractor explained. “They want something that will warm them up but not knock them out.”
After negotiating the details, the partners agree to deliver 14 gallons of their winter rum, priced at $110 per gallon. “Let’s do it,” the contractor says, finalizing the deal.
Although the order is confirmed, the process ahead is anything but simple. With copper costs rising and their still having been stolen earlier in the season, the partners have faced significant financial struggles. “We’ve had money come out of our pocket for a bunch of copper,” Mike laments. “We’ve had to pay this henchman guy we didn’t need, and we got our still stolen. It’s been a tough season.”
Despite the setbacks, the team is determined to get the job done. They’ve set up a makeshift still site in their new barn, which will allow them to fulfill the order. The process begins with setting up a solar-powered water heater system to heat their mash barrels. With winter temperatures freezing the air, they need to maximize every bit of sunlight they can get.
“It’s nice being at a steel site,” says Mike, looking around the barn. “We know the still’s going to be here when we get back.”
The team begins the process of making the mash for their winter rum, starting with six buckets of brown sugar and six buckets of maple syrup. The ingredients will provide the perfect balance of sweetness for the drink. They also prepare a pot of boiling water infused with cloves and cinnamon, a signature spice combination that gives the winter rum its unique flavor.
With the mash in place and the system up and running, the partners use the solar heater to ensure the mash stays warm enough for fermentation. Despite the cold, they’re making the best of the situation. “The solar panel has been great for what little money and time we invested in it,” Mike says. “It’s been well worth it.”
As the mash works off, they’re busy preparing their still for the big run. Richard, Jerry, and Mike take turns pumping the mash into the still, making sure they extract every drop of liquor possible. The smell of maple and cinnamon fills the barn as they work quickly to meet their deadline.
After several hours of hard work, the team finally fills 12 buckets with the finished product. With the job done, they take a moment to taste the results. “That’s good right there,” says Mike, savoring the first taste of their winter rum. “The brown sugar, the maple flavor, and that cinnamon kick—it’s all coming together.”
The sale may only net them $500 apiece after splitting the profits, but for Mike, Jerry, and Richard, it’s more than just money—it’s a reminder of what they’ve been through this year and the bond they’ve formed as a team.
“The most important thing is, after everything we’ve been through—after all the trials, tribulations, and setbacks—we’re still standing together,” Mike reflects. “Last year, we hated each other. This year, we’ve made it through, and we’re still here, running our still.”
As they prepare to sell their winter rum and continue their moonshine business, the partners know they’ve overcome the odds. With the help of their trusty solar-powered system and a commitment to each other, they’re ready to face whatever challenges come next.
