THE SPIRIT OF SPIRITS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Once designated the “Moonshine Capital of Georgia,” Rabun County has a longstanding history in the production of alcoholic spirits.

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During the early 20th century, moonshine was often the only source of income available for subsistence farmers in the rural mountains of Northeast Georgia. And the beautiful, yet formidable mountains themselves provided the perfect environment for bootleggers to carry out their activities, which many viewed as a craft as much as a business.

Today, of course, those stills have long since been dismantled and other, more practical industries have grown up in the county to take their place, primarily tourism. Fortunately, the amazing mountains of the Southern Appalachians also provide the perfect environment for activities such as hiking, camping, waterfalling, mountain biking and so much more. Visitors revel in the spectacular views and pristine natural landscapes that take them out of the ordinary and in to the extraordinary. However, despite the newfound appeal of the area, the traditions and culture of those early moonshiners are not completely lost. Moonshining is alive and well in Rabun County (legally)!