Only a year after rolling out of the creative collaboration between a legendary Kentucky distilling family and a titan of Southern snacks, MoonPie Moonshine took home the “World’s Best Liqueur” title from the 2015 World Liqueur Awards.
Limestone Branch Distillery and its master distillers and owners Steve and Paul Beam created the product alongside MoonPie manufacturer, Chattanooga Bakery Inc., to put “two Southern traditions in one jar.”
The product received attention from folks in the world of spirits and is featured on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Judges at the World Liqueur Awards gave MoonPie Moonshine its award based on “its rich, yet smooth flavor, the remarkable resemblance to the iconic MoonPie and the noticeable high quality of ingredients, including Dutch chocolate and Madagascar Vanilla,” according to a news release.
Limestone Branch used the original MoonPie flavor profiles when creating MoonPie Moonshine. Currently, MoonPie Moonshine is available in chocolate, vanilla and banana — the three most-popular MoonPie flavors.
MoonPie products are distributed in 48 states, and the company has recently lent its brand power to toy cars and nostalgic items, available at places like Wal-Mart and Cracker Barrel.
MoonPie Moonshine is available in 750-milliliter jars and costs around $20. The drink runs between 50 and 53 proof, dependant on the flavor.
“When we set out making MoonPie Moonshine, we didn’t do it to win awards,” said Steve Beam. “We did it to honor the heritage of our family and an iconic Southern brand and to put a smile on each of your faces from the very first sip.”
Tory Johnston, vice president of marketing at Chattanooga Bakery, said the company is “really excited to hear of this honor for Limestone Branch Distillery.”
“They have created a delicious product that captures the classic taste of a MoonPie that helps celebrate the Southern, working class heritage shared between our brand and their family’s legacy in distilling,” he said.
MoonPie turns 100 in 2017. The snack cake was created as “the working man’s lunch” for the working men in Kentucky’s coal mines in the early 20th century.
Contact staff writer Alex Green at agreen@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6480.