The Most Famous Moonshiner, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the moonshiner you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 08:14
In the swirling mists of history, moonshiners crafted more than just spirits; they brewed stories, legends, and a cultural tapestry rich with intrigue. Understanding who stands out in this clandestine field offers more than mere curiosity—it helps us appreciate the craft and the colorful characters who helped shape it. By ranking these historical figures, we delve into a part of history often whispered about in the shadows of Appalachia and beyond.
This dynamic ranking allows you, the user, to cast a vote on who you believe deserves recognition for their daring ventures in the world of moonshining. As votes accumulate, the list changes, reflecting collective opinion and perhaps introducing new enthusiasts to some lesser-known figures. Each vote is a nod to the craft's roots and its enduring legacy in popular culture.
Who Is the Most Famous Moonshiner?
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154votesPopcorn Sutton is perhaps the most famous moonshiner of all time. He was a legendary figure in the moonshine world and his book, "Me and My Likker," became a cult classic. Sutton was known for his unique personality and his ability to make high-quality moonshine.
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220votesMarvin "Popcorn" Sutton was a moonshiner from North Carolina who gained national attention after being featured on the Discovery Channel's reality show, "Moonshiners." Sutton was known for his colorful personality and his unique style of making moonshine.
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322votesJesse James, the notorious outlaw, was also known to be involved in moonshining during his lifetime. He was known to make high-quality whiskey and even had his own brand of moonshine.Jesse James in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Outlaw Biker
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- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous gun slinger
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous thief of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous bank robber
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous welder in the world
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416votesAl Capone, the infamous gangster, was also involved in the moonshine business during the prohibition era. He was known to have a network of speakeasies and moonshine distilleries throughout the country.Al Capone in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous black gangster
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Mafia boss
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous money launderer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from Chicago
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
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57votesJunior Johnson was a NASCAR driver turned moonshiner. He was known for his skill behind the wheel and his ability to outrun the law while transporting moonshine.Junior Johnson in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person from Warner Robins, Georgia
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63votes
Crossmr · CC BY-SA 3.0Tim Smith is a modern-day moonshiner who gained notoriety after appearing on the Discovery Channel's "Moonshiners" series. He is known for his high-quality moonshine and his unique distilling techniques. -
79votesBill McCoy was a famous moonshiner during the prohibition era. He was known for his high-quality whiskey, which was often referred to as "the real McCoy."
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811votes
Carl Van Vechten · Public domainWilliam Faulkner, the famous American author, was also a moonshiner during his lifetime. He was known to make high-quality whiskey and even wrote a short story about a moonshiner called "That Evening Sun."William Faulkner in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Mississippian
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous American author
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous William
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous William
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96votes
Secisek at English Wikipedia · Public domainGeorge Jones, the famous country singer, was also known to be a moonshiner during his lifetime. He even wrote a song called "White Lightning" about moonshine. -
100votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainJack Daniel, the founder of the Jack Daniel's distillery, was technically a moonshiner before he became a legally licensed distiller. He was known for his high-quality whiskey and his unique charcoal mellowing process.
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Ranking factors for famous moonshiner
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The amount and quality of moonshine producedA moonshiner who produced large volumes of high-quality moonshine would likely be more famous than one who produced low-quality moonshine in small quantities.
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NotorietySome moonshiners became famous because of their notoriety. For example, a moonshiner who eluded the law for a long time would be more famous than one who was caught and served time in jail.
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Pop culture and media coverageSome moonshiners became famous because of their portrayal in popular culture or media coverage. For example, the Discovery Channel show "Moonshiners" has elevated the fame of some moonshiners.
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Historical significanceSome moonshiners became famous because of the historical significance of their moonshine production. For example, during Prohibition, moonshiners played a significant role in providing alcohol to those who wanted it despite the law.
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EntrepreneurshipSome moonshiners became famous because of their ability to turn their moonshine production into a successful business.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous moonshiner. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Moonshiner is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2194 views
- 148 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Moonshiner once every 24 hours. The rank of each Moonshiner is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous moonshiner
Moonshine has been a popular topic in American culture for decades, with countless stories of bootleggers and illegal distilleries. However, few have gained the level of notoriety as some of the most famous moonshiners in history. These individuals have become legends in their own right, with tales of their daring exploits, close calls with the law, and legendary recipes that have been passed down through the generations. From legendary figures like Popcorn Sutton and Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, to modern-day moonshiners like Tim Smith and Mark Ramsey, the world of moonshine is full of fascinating characters and stories. So, who is the most famous moonshiner? That's up for debate, but one thing is for sure – the world of moonshine will continue to capture the imagination of Americans for generations to come.
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