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Moonshine Stills Discovered in McMurray Hollow

From staff reports

Last week special agents with the Virginia State Police discovered two stills in a barn located on McMurray Hollow in the Hiltons area while executing a search warrant.

On Dec. 27, agents found one functional still and an unassembled still inside the barn. They also seized a significant amount of production supplies and approximately 100 gallons of mash.

Sgt. Michael Conroy with the Virginia State Police said charges are pending and the discovery of this still may further other investigations into the illegal manufacturing of liquor in the region.

The making of moonshine in the Southern Appalachian Mountains has been widespread especially during the Great Depression when moonshiners made and sold their products to feed their families.

Sometimes called white lightning, mountain dew, hooch, "Tennessee white whiskey" and other names, the word "moonshine" is believed to derive from early English smugglers and illegal Appalachian distillers who clandestinely "by the light of the moon" produced and distributed whiskey.

Scott County's Commonwealth Attorney said this was the second still discovered in Scott County during his three terms as Commonwealth Attorney.

Anyone with information on the illegal manufacturing of liquor should contact the Virginia State Police at 1-800-542-8716 or (276) 228-3131.

All tips received will be followed up on and the caller can remain anonymous. The investigation remains ongoing.