Yes, HG refers to moonshine, the original North American whiskey. It is un-aged and typically distilled from corn. Powerful (usually 100 proof but as high as 190 proof). Clear and colorless (since it is not aged it doesn’t acquire the color of whiskey aged for a lengthy period in oak barrels). Moonshine was brought to the New World by Scotch and Irish immigrants and was illegal in the United States until 2010. From 1900 to 1948, Prince Edward Island was a completely dry province and moonshine became a big business both on the island and smuggling it into the US during Prohibition. The moonshine tradition has remained strong even after the “dry laws” were repealed. There are now hundreds of amateur/illegal distillers on the island alongside professionals like the Myriad View Distillery (who made the move from bootlegging to respected business in 2010). Basically, PEI people love the taste of moonshine, they hate paying taxes and they have a “propensity” for smuggling. Dinner last night at Ocean Mist Farm, home of BSK’s sister, Noel, and husband, Yossi. Some weeks ago, Noel gifted a neighbor with some bales of straw and, in return, was given a big mason jar of home-distilled moonshine. Following a sumptuous meal of Noel’s hummus, Yossi’s smoked trout, Island sweet corn on the cob, Ocean Mist peppers stuffed with chopped lamb (also from Ocean Mist) and a dessert of rice pudding, HG had a blast of moonshine. Since HG preceded this with pre-dinner vodka, dinner red wine and post dinner Bagaco, the excellent Portuguese marc produced by PEI’s Matos Winery (this was a generous gift to HG from thoughtful Yossi), HG feared the White Lightning might send HG to oblivion, No fear. HG managed to stay sober (moderately) and made the walk to the automobile for return home without assistance. Hardy old guy.
Leave a Reply