We got word from the federal government that our first product label was approved. It’s called pretty much what it’s been called for decades: Short Mountain Shine, a 105 proof authentic Tennessee Moonshine made from a family recipe handed down for generations.

As of yesterday’s approval by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, visitors to our distillery in Cannon County will be able to have a taste and purchase a bottle at our distillery store. We plan on a soft opening for friends and neighbors March 23.

Customers will also be able to purchase our Shine in stores across the state of Tennessee under new distribution deals signed this week with Best Brands (Nashville), Athens (Chattanooga), Star (Memphis) and Knoxville Beverage (Knoxville). Stores throughout the Nashville region (36 counties) will receive our product first.

(Woodbury, TN, USA) – Earlier today, Short Mountain Distillery became Tennessee’s newest licensed distillery. The state and federal permits come months after supporters changed Cannon County law by referendum to allow distilleries as well as securing federal permits and completing construction of Still House #1.

Short Mountain Distillery will make a Tennessee sour mash white whiskey (moonshine) from a family recipe handed down for generations in Cannon County. The traditional recipe and process will use locally grown corn that is stone milled on site. Distillery owners, the Kaufman brothers, hope to reconnect visitors with the nation’s agricultural heritage and whiskey making traditions by creating a unique destination.

“Once people experience how our product was made here for generations, they’ll make moonshine America’s drink,” said Billy Kaufman, farmer and Short Mountain Distillery CEO.

Short Mountain Distillery’s traditional process will use local stone milled grain and Tennessee spring water to create a sour mash moonshine, a Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey. Tourist will be able to follow the spent grain back into the farm process and take the Cave Spring Trail to experience why Tennessee is the perfect location for whiskey making. Visitors will also learn from legendary moonshiners of Short Mountain as they demonstrate processes handed down for generations.

Short Mountain Distillery is owned by the Kaufman brothers: Billy, David and Ben. They are the great grand children of Jesse Shwayder, who 100 years ago founded the iconic American brand Samsonite. Their grandfather, Louis Degen, brought Samsonite to Murfreesboro decades ago bringing steady work to many local families.

Short Mountain Distillery will begin production in January 2012 and open for distillery and farm tours March 23, 2012. The distillery is working to become USDA Certified Organic within a year.

We got some great news Friday that our federal permit was approved: Permit # TN-S-15007 and REGISTRATION  DSP-TN-15009.

We still need the state’s approval before moonshine flows again from Short Mountain like it has for over 100 years. but our t-shirts came just in time for the small milestone.

Just like the first one, these shirts were made in the U.S.A. and screen printed by a 20 year old family business in Murfreesboro, TN. They come in papaya (red), black, and navy (blue) and says “Short Mountain Distillery” in white across the chest. You can purchase them online through our General Store.

We’re proud of our relationship with our friends and neighbors, and we hope you’ll wear this t-shirt with the same sense of pride we do!

Short Mountain Distillery consultant Jim Massey speaks with the Cannon Courier on the road ahead for Short Mountain Distillery.

Massey does an excellent job addressing Short Mountain Distillery’s responsibility to the community through strict adherence to local, state and federal regulations. Below is an excerpt from the story.

The sale of liquor is not legal in Cannon County. How can Cannon County residents be assured that none of the distilled spirits will be sold locally via an underground market?

Non-compliance with the TTB rules and laws as well as the State rules and laws would result in the loss of the distiller’s license and under your scenario, both Federal and State criminal prosecution.  It would be absolutely ridiculous to risk the investment it takes to open a distillery by selling illegally.

Increased crime is a concern expressed by some opponents of the operation. What is your response to those concerns? Have you conducted any studies to determine whether crime increases in counties or communities where liquor is distilled?

I have not done any formal studies on increased crime, however, I cannot imagine that gainful artisan and agricultural jobs add to crime.  The Federal and State requirements of secure storage should deter any type of vandalism as well as the owners need to protect their valuable resources and work product.

How will the finished product be transported to market? Will there be security measures in place during transport?

Product would be shipped just as it is in Lynchburg, by secure trucks to licensed wholesalers.

How will the product be marketed and sold?

The Government requires all beverage alcohol sales to go through a 3 tier system: Manufacturer (distiller) – Wholesaler – Retailer.  Taxes are collected at each level.  SMD will be required to sell only to a licensed Wholesaler in Tennessee.  The Distillery can then buy back from the wholesaler it’s own commemorative bottles in 750 ml to have for limited sale on premises (for off premises consumption only, meaning all local laws would apply to prohibit public consumption, again, just like Lynchburg).

Some opponents are concerned a distillery will tarnish the county’s image. What is your response to those concerns, and in what way, if any, will you address them?

Distilling spirits is a time honored craft.  Our Country’s first President, George Washington, was the new nation’s largest distiller at one point.  Every signer of our Declaration of Independence participated in some form or fashion in the art of distilling.  Distilling is an agricultural process and provides our area farmers a unique opportunity to earn good money from honest work.

One thing the new state law allowing distilleries won’t do is allow just anybody to set up a moonshine still in their backyard.

The Cannon Courier gave readers just a taste of the regulatory red tape Short Mountain Distillery and anyone else must go through before opening our doors to the public.

You can read the full list and links to other state laws that will govern how we will operate as a business at the Cannon Courier. Here’s an excerpt:

1. $300 Application Fee (Non refundable – Must Accompany Application)
2. $1,000.00 Annual License Fee
3. Distillery Application. Downloadable Form AB-0034
4. Questionnaire (Form AB-0009) (each owner, partner or officer)
5. Approval by the local government for the location.
6. Copy of Lease and/or Deed, or other document evidencing possession or right to possess the physical premises or real property for the proposed location.
7. Federal Special Tax Stamp Registration.
8. Copy of all loan contracts.
9. Financial background check of applicant.
10. Credit check from banking/lending institution.