Sugarlands Jim Tom Hedrick’s Unaged Rye Moonshine
Sugarlands Jim Tom Hedrick's Unaged Rye Moonshine is a 100-proof (50% ABV) 750mL jar — an unaged rye distilled to the signature recipe of Jim Tom Hedrick, the legendary moonshiner, master storyteller, and still-maker from Discovery Channel's Moonshiners. Part of Sugarlands' Legends Series, it bottles the fiery, grain-forward white whiskey that came off backwoods stills: an earthy balance of spicy rye and toasted grains with hints of black pepper, made in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Proof / ABV: 100 proof / 50% ABV
- Size: 750mL
- Age: unaged — raw rye grain character, no barrel time
- Origin: Sugarlands Distilling Co., Gatlinburg, Tennessee — Legends Series
- Recipe: Jim Tom Hedrick's own unaged rye recipe
The Real Deal, Legal
Jim Tom spent the better part of five decades building stills and running whiskey through the Appalachian hills before television made him a household name. This jar is his recipe made legal — high-rye mash, no oak, no compromise. Unaged rye has nowhere to hide, and that transparency is the entire appeal. Pair it with more from Sugarlands or explore rye whiskey at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh rye spice, sweet corn, and light herbal notes.
Palate: Grain-forward and bold — cracked black pepper, licorice, and a touch of sweet earthiness.
Finish: Long, hot, and lingering with spice and grain sweetness.
How to Enjoy
Start with a slow neat pour to taste what rye contributes before a barrel gets involved — a splash of water softens the edges. From there it makes a striking white Manhattan with blanc vermouth, a sharp-edged Old Fashioned, or a ginger-beer highball where the pepper cuts clean through the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Jim Tom's Unaged Rye?
100 proof (50% ABV).
Is this moonshine aged?
No — it's unaged, showcasing raw rye grain intensity.
Who was Jim Tom Hedrick?
A legendary Tennessee moonshiner and TV personality on Moonshiners, famous for his traditional methods and storytelling.
What cocktails work with unaged rye?
White Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Rye Mules, and even a fiery Bloody Mary.
Respect the proof — order Sugarlands Jim Tom's Unaged Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.