Sugarlands Blockader's Blackberry Moonshine
Sugarlands Blockader's Blackberry Moonshine is a 20% ABV (40 proof), 750mL flavoured moonshine from Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Ripe blackberry leads, with honeysuckle and lavender underneath — a velvety, fruit-first shine named for the blockaders, the Prohibition-era moonshiners of the Smoky Mountains. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 20% (40 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
- Style: Flavoured moonshine
- Flavours: Ripe blackberry, honeysuckle, lavender
- House: Sugarlands Distilling Co., Gatlinburg
Named for the Blockaders
In the Prohibition-era Smokies, the moonshiners themselves were called blockaders — a name carried over from blockade-running days — while the men who hauled the jars were the runners. Sugarlands' blackberry shine tips its hat to the makers: a smooth, berry-loaded spirit that drinks like the fruit was stirred straight into the jar. The Gatlinburg distillery has built its name reviving exactly these Appalachian stories, one flavour at a time. Find it among our spirits, browse the wider whisky shelf, or visit the Sugarlands vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Ripe blackberry with floral honeysuckle. Palate: Velvety berry fruit with a lavender edge. Finish: Long and nectarous, the blackberry carrying through.
How to Enjoy
Chilled or over ice on its own; it also sweetens a bramble-style cocktail or a lemonade with real Appalachian character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is Blockader's Blackberry? 20% ABV (40 proof) — a flavoured shine made for easy sipping rather than firepower.
What was a blockader? In Appalachian usage, a blockader was a moonshiner — the maker. The term survived from blockade-running days into Prohibition; the haulers were called runners or trippers.
What does it taste like? Ripe blackberry first, with honeysuckle and lavender florals and a velvety, nectar-sweet finish.
Ripe blackberry with a moonshiner's name on the jar — order Sugarlands Blockader's Blackberry online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.