The Neeley Family Distillery carries a legacy as rich and potent as their moonshine itself. For over 100 years, this Kentucky family has been crafting exceptional spirits, rooted in a secret family recipe dating back generations. What started as an outlaw tradition in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky has now emerged as a celebrated, legal distillery, bringing authentic Appalachian moonshine to a wider audience.
Honoring a Family Moonshine Legacy
The story begins with my great grandfather, Leonard Neeley, who refined the family’s moonshine recipe in 1913 by adding sugar to the traditional mash bill. This subtle yet significant change created a unique profile that has been passed down through generations. Even today, whispers of this legendary clear liquor echo through the hills of Eastern Kentucky, a testament to its enduring appeal and the family’s deep history in moonshining. Legend has it that Leonard Neeley was a man who “shot first and paid taxes…never,” embodying the rebellious spirit of early moonshiners. This bold heritage is now channeled into a legitimate craft, preserving the essence of tradition while embracing modern legality at Neeley Family Distillery.
The Craft Behind the Clear: Neeley’s Moonshine Method
Neeley Family Distillery remains committed to the time-honored methods of moonshine production. They proudly employ the same triple distillation process with a thump keg that Leonard Neeley perfected. This dedication to tradition is evident in their custom-built copper pot stills, designed to replicate the operation of Leonard’s original still – a piece of family history now displayed in their gift shop. The distillery’s commitment to quality extends beyond process. Neeley Family Distillery sources local grains and utilizes fresh Kentucky limestone water, renowned for its purity and mineral content. Perhaps the most distinctive element is their unique yeast strain, a closely guarded family secret cultivated and propagated at the distillery for 150 years. This meticulous combination of ingredients and technique culminates in a moonshine celebrated as the “best liquor in the Kentucky Mountains”—exceptionally smooth, uniquely flavored, and unmistakably Neeley. After generations operating outside the law, Neeley Family Distillery proudly made their exceptional moonshine legally available for the first time in 2017.
Tasting the Legacy: Neeley Family Moonshine Profile
Appearance: Each bottle of Neeley Family Distillery moonshine is a testament to their handcrafted approach. Labels are personally handwritten by a Neeley family member, and each bottle and batch is individually numbered, emphasizing the small-batch nature of their production. The moonshine itself is crystal clear, a visual purity that enhances the distinctive labels beneath. These labels are more than branding; they are windows into history, showcasing a reprinted article from 1898 detailing the exploits of Jesse Neeley, my great-great-grandfather, a moonshiner known for his confrontations with federal marshals.
Nose: The aroma is inviting and nuanced, a departure from typical harsh moonshines. Expect delicate notes of buttery corn, interwoven with the sweetness of cane sugar and the crisp tang of ripe Granny Smith apples.
Palate: The first sip delivers a bold 120.2 proof warmth that quickly gives way to a surprisingly smooth and flavorful experience. The sweetness of cane and a buttery richness dominate, devoid of the harsh burn often associated with high-proof spirits. It glides effortlessly down the palate and throat, leaving a pleasant warmth in the stomach. The prominent cane sugar flavor, in contrast to an overpowering corn taste found in many moonshines, makes Neeley Family Distillery’s spirit exceptionally versatile in cocktails, particularly those with sweet or citrus profiles.
Neeley Family Distillery offers more than just moonshine; they offer a taste of history, a testament to family tradition, and a uniquely Kentucky spirit, now legally crafted for all to enjoy.
