Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was a moonshining legend in Western North Carolina up until he took his own life last year. Sutton, who apparently couldn’t stand the idea of spending his last days in a federal prison, committed suicide after being sentenced in federal court. In 2008, federal agents had raided his home in Tennessee and caught him with thousands of gallons of illegal liquor. Sutton had been making moonshine in Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee for years, even writing a book about it and appearing in several documentaries.
Country star Hank Williams Jr. attended Sutton’s funeral and hinted at the time that he had a project in the works to honor the hooch-master. Now we know. Earlier this week, Williams launched “Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Wiskey.” The launch party was a star-studded affair.
From a press release:
That “smooth going down” taste is courtesy of the secret recipe blend of the late immortalized legend of Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton – forever enshrined by his death last year as the last of a dying breed of authentic mountain men and makers of marvelous moonshine.
Keeping “Popcorn’s” legend alive will be entrusted to Hank Jr. – a man who appreciates good liquor and respects the free spirited souls of mountain men. Hank Jr. is a business partner (not a paid endorsee) with J&M Concepts and Pam Sutton.
Hank’s friends on hand to celebrate the launch included Kid Rock, Martina McBride, Zac Brown, Colt Ford, Travis Tritt, Eddie Montgomery, Josh Thompson, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Tanya Tucker, Lee Brice, Rodney Atkins, the Kentucky Headhunters, Little Big Town, The Grascals, The Roys, Little Texas, Two Foot Fred, Ira Dean and Heidi Newfield.
The new whiskey will begin in Middle Tennessee and move local bars and retail to region availability. It has a “limited edition” quality in that each batch is made by hand.
Ironic in view of its original origins with Popcorn Sutton’s life outside the reach of “the law” the brand will be the first “white whiskey” to be approved by the federal government.
So, who wants to make a road trip over the mountain to get a taste? And when will the whiskey make its way to Asheville?
Check out the launch party photo gallery here. TheBoot.com has a report from the party. A tidbit:
Hank introduced friends and music-industry VIP’s to the new drink at a highly secretive party at the location of the still, just southwest of downtown Nashville. Guests were transported back and forth to the location in vehicles that had their windows covered, and from now on, no one will be allowed to tour the facility.
Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town had a little different description, however: “When my tongue wasn’t numb, I guess you could call it smooth,” the singer laughingly told The Boot.
Knoxville.com also has a story.
pam had popcorns body moved from where he wanted to rest to where she wanted him to lay
pam sutton is a gold digging witch that should have let him rest in peace where he wanted to be layed to rest with his parents
Popcorn was a legend in this area. Its amazing how difficult it is for a company or individual to get approved to manufacture liquor in this country. I've read about the requirements and they are very detailed.
After her manager gets his cut…
To answer Murphy–using the press release above:
"Hank Jr. is a business partner… with J&M Concepts and Pam Sutton."
Will the widow Sutton be getting her cut of this …….
"Ironic in view of its original origins with Popcorn Sutton’s life outside the reach of “the law” the brand will be the first “white whiskey” to be approved by the federal government."
So "Midnight Moon" is not approved? And therefore illegal?
I'm passing thru TN next week; where is it available?