It only took a 75 years, but Connecticut Moonshine is back!

Onyx Founders: Adam von Gootkin and Peter Kowalczyk

More excited I could not have been upon recieving an invitation to visit a local distillery that has recently begun production of an authentic moonshine based on original recipes. Adam and Peter were gracious enough to meet with me and show me where the magic happens. Where you ask? In an 18th century woolen mill in Manchester naturally, what could be more ideal? Moonshine, apparently has a long history of being made in Connecticut. Who knew? Since the founders of Onyx are both history lovers, the local angle was a particular draw and aided in their conviction that the state needed a distillery to call its own. During our conversation, I was struck by the amount of research, pride and preparation that these guys had taken in their journey to launch this spirit. From the wooden cork in the bottle, the charter oak emblazened on the label and the knowledge of moonshine production and arrest stories gleaned from old Hartford Courant articles, these guys impressed me.

But what about the moonshine? I have to say, I really needed to know what exactly went into making this spirit as my friend had taken to sharing lore with me, such as going blind from distilling in poor stills. After hearing however that there was only distilled Connecticut water, honey and corn in the product, I decided I could risk it. The taste has been likened to a flavored vodka, whiskey or even tequila. Honestly though, it is just straight up delicious. Add ice and swirl is my recommendation.

Now where to find moonshine should be your next question, as it was mine. While the founders are actively promoting, they have already been able to secure 25 locations where you can go and grab a bottle. You can expect the price point to be between $23-$25. There are several restaurants: Garnish Bistro (Bristol); South Tavern (Glastonbury); Wood N Tap (Hartford); The Stone and Paddle (Manchester) and Crown and Hammer (Collinsville). I am hoping that we see a few more places in Hartford, but that's just cause I am partial! The list of liquor stores that are carrying it are on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/OnyxSpirits?sk=app_4949752878

Not that this is needed for Onyx Moonshine, these are some common folk tests for ensuring the quality of moonshine:

1. "Pour a small quantity of it into a spoon and set it alight. The theory was that a safe distillate burns with a blue flame, but a tainted distillate burns with a yellow flame. Practitioners of this simple test also held that if a radiator coil had been used as a condenser, then there would be lead in the distillate, which would give a reddish flame. This led to the phrase, "Lead burns red and makes you dead."
2. "Another test used for moonshine is for "proof". A small amount of gun powder is poured into a dish with the moonshine. It is ignited, and if the mixture starts to flame it is "proofed". In other words, if it burns, then it contains plenty of alcohol. But if it does not burn, then the moonshine has been diluted. (Note that this only proves that the alcohol content is at least 57% ABV.)"