I spent a week in the mountains of southern Virginia two weeks ago with an incredible view and a lousy internet connection.  (Not complaining, just explaining.)  The summer has been ridiculously busy and a do-nothing vacation was just the ticket.  Coffee on the deck to watch the sunrise, a daily walk along the mountain roads with the valley falling away to one side, a nightly soak in the hot tub in the moonlight with a beer and nothing but stars overhead, thanks to no light pollution.  You get the idea.

Seriously, though, part of the joy of traveling is taking in local culture and cuisine.  And well, in that part of the country, the local cuisine is barbecue and the local heritage is moonshining. (Yes, slightly terrifying!)  First up Mayberry Spirits in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.  The house we rented was only about 20 minutes from Mt. Airy.  It turns out the distillery is in its “soft opening” stage and only open Friday and Saturday afternoons.  It’s a small operation, making just enough booze to supply the local liquor stores with product, for the time being.  We were able to sample their main products: Mayberry Moonshine, toasted oak whiskey and toasted vanilla whiskey.  All of the products are sorghum based.  Weird, right?  Maybe, but it makes a unique and deliciously smooth whiskey.  (Even the straight moonshine went down easy, almost like a high quality white rum.)  Needless to say, I brought home a supply!  So if y’all end up in that neck of the woods, stop on in to Mayberry Spirits and say hi to the real McCoy.  (As in Hatfields and McCoys!) and have a sip of Carolina moonshine!PS: Careful though!  It’s 100 proof!