Down in John City, on Pecan Street, Moonshine Ridge Distillery produces great handcrafted corn whiskey and moonshine. It has thrived thanks to two brothers staying true to the recipe of their granddad and the family’s long moonshining tradition. 

Moonshine Ridge opened in 2019, and their small-batch distillery has been bubbling by the barrel ever since. A trip to their Johnson City tasting room is a fun distraction where the master distillers will share the story of a Texas moonshine tradition that has its origins in Kentucky.

Visitors can get a guided tour at Moonshine Ridge from Thursday, 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm and Friday – Saturday,12:00 pm – 11:00 pm. On weekends, the atmosphere at the distillery is even more lively with the addition of live music, a menu of cocktails, and pub grub. The tasting room lets guests view the grain-to-glass distillery process and sample moonshine flavors and cocktails. You can also take home a few bottles as a memento.

Moonshine Recipe Passed Down Through Generations

Like many distilleries, Moonshine Ridge’s story starts with the past. Owners Tom and Jason Hicks are third-generation moonshiners from Kentucky who wanted to preserve their family heritage by distilling moonshine. The moonshine runs through their mother’s side of the family through the Archers.

Grandad Archer was a master distiller from the Bluegrass Hills of Kentucky. He caught the liquor bug early in life and soon began illegal crafting stills to support his family. This was during the Great Depression era when jobs were scarce, and income for many families in Kentucky was low. In many places, illegal moonshining became a necessity for making money. Archer’s stills were so good that individuals could tell a still was his just by looking at it. 

Later, a young man returning from the Korean War stopped at a road-house and bumped into Archer. This man, who became Tom and Jason Hicks’s father, was recruited by Archer to help craft moonshine in the hills. Kentucky lore says Hicks met Archer’s daughter (Tom and Jason Hicks’ mother) while working for him at the moonshine distillery. 

Now with their mother’s side of the family waning, the duo decided to carry on the family tradition that brought their parents together with a modern take on still. With the old corn mash family recipe in hand, they have tweaked and perfected it to create their brand of moonshine.

According to the Hicks brothers, making the finest moonshine recipe takes lots of tasting and experimenting. A visit to Moonshine Ridge Distillery allows guests to sample unique blends and flavors. 

Archer’s Blend Kentucky Clear: A handcrafted spirit distilled from grain and honey. Sippin’ this moonshine means staying true to the hills of corn mash moonshine – Gunlock, Kentucky.

Kat Daddy’s Hill Fire Cinnamon: This delectable ‘shine is distilled from grain and honey and then infused with natural cinnamon. Expect hints of the smooth-sweet taste of fresh apple pie in this delicious drink.

Mr. Shine’s Burnt Oak: Also distilled from grain and honey, Mr. Shine’s Burnt Oak is aged to perfection on burnt whiskey barrel chips.

Moonshine Ridge Distillery also offers tastings for their “Gunlock” range of flavors that include:

• Gunlock German Potato Flavor
• Recession Proof American Whiskey
• Ms. Patty’s Native Spirit
• Gunlock Barreled Rum

Moonshine Ridge Distillery blends long family history with a unique visitor experience and rich, crafted spirits. Their facility also features a live music venue and opportunity to sip on crafty cocktails and enjoy great performances. Some of their signature drinks include Gunlock Firestick, Pineapple Thump, Apple Crisp, Archer’s Tea Time, and Archer’s Shinerita.

Things to Do in Johnson City, Texas

Johnson City is a charming small town located in the Texas Hill Country where scenic beauty, history, hills, vineyards, and moonshine come together. Stick around in this crossroads town that is home to America’s 36th President to explore more fun adventures.

Speaking of President Lyndon B. Johnson, take a driving tour of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to learn about his presidential and personal life. You’ll also see beautiful live oak trees and Texas longhorns dotting the landscape. 

For a nature escape, there’s so much to see and love at Pedernales Falls State Park. The blue-green water of the Pedernales River flowing through limestone rocks is so surreal. There are also great hiking/biking trails, kayaking, swimming, and other fun activities.

After a long day exploring Johnson City, grab a pint at Pecan Street Brewing. Here, you can find freshly brewed beer paired with classic comfort foods such as fried chicken, burgers, brick-oven pizzas, and salads. 

Another highlight of visiting Johnson City involves eating at local restaurants. Eat at:

• Bryans on 209: For good steak and desserts
• Proof and Copper: For a complete southern barbeque
• Fat Boy Burgers: For delicious hamburgers smothered in onions on a sesame bun

If shopping is your fancy, explore the city’s shops and boutiques that offer a variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, and unique gifts. If you’re looking for iconic places to stay in Johnson City, check out Vagabonds Farmhouse, The Tasting House, and New Life Farms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Moonshine Ridge Distillery?

Moonshine Ridge Inc. is owned by brothers Tom and Jason Hicks

What are the top moonshine producing states?

Moonshine is clear, unaged whiskey. It got its name from the illegal nature of its production. Moonshine was distilled under the shine of the full moon in the cover of darkness to evade law enforcement. Nowadays, many craft distilleries produce moonshine for commercial sale. 

The top moonshine-producing states are Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and West Virginia.

Where is moonshine most popular?

Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In downtown Gatlinburg, the renowned Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and other popular distilleries offer low-cost tastings and delightful tours. 

You can also enjoy the best distillery tours for moonshine in Kentucky and North Carolina. In Ashville, North Carolina, you can experience moonshine and its colorful heritage at Howling Moon Distillery and Asheville Distilling Company. Lastly, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail features Casey Jones Distillery, Kentucky Mist Distillery, Stillhouse Moonshine, and many others. 

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