Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was one of the last real moonshine runners in the US. Marvin committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning on March 16, 2009 before having to report to federal prison. He was a fascinating character. In Sutton’s book “Me and My Likker” published in 1999 he describes his moonshine recipe. All the ingredients are available at your local feed store and grocery store.
Ingredients:
- 25 pounds coarse ground white corn meal, enough to fill half of your barrel/container
- 50 pounds of sugar – 1 pound of sugar per gallon of water of total volume
- 1 gallon of malt – can be corn, barley, rye or a combination.
Directions:
In 4-5 days it should be ready to run through your still. Most of the solids should sink to the bottom of the tank. You can use a siphon or a bucket to transfer the wash to the still.
NOTE: Notice that we never called for the addition of any yeast. The idea is that wild yeast will start the fermentation. This is a common practice in wine making also. However, if you would like more control you can add your choice of yeast after you have added the sugar and the mixture has cooled to somewhere between 65-75 F.
I’m from Al. but my granddad and his dad (popcorns dad) made shine together when they were young . My Granddad moved to fort payne Al and continued to make the shine people have told me it was the best they have ever had it has that real warm or hot feeling when you drink it but it doesn’t give you much of a hangover. He sold hooch to people from New York Chicago St Louis and Tx. He made a special brew with Corn and Apple sider I;m not 100Percent sure but that could have been the first apple pie this was made back in the 1930”s 40’s and 50’ssence then I ant gonna say who’s been maki ng it but I can tell you its still being made today
John do you have the actual recipes?
rule of thumb_one gallon of water to each pound of grain or sugar.
Hello I am learning to make my own spirit but why can we not find or be able to purchasse it in New jersey or surrounding areas
Has anyone tried His rx cut down to reality ? I’m going to give it a try and I’ll report back results. I doubt any “FEDS” would have an interest in someone experimenting with a Qt. or so. Honor to POPCORN, Amen.
how much water is used?
This recipe is made in a 59 gallon barrel. In total the recipe uses about 50 gallons of water.
Popcorn only faked his death, as Ive been told by friends in the Appalachia area. He was a real cool dude.
That would be cool if he was still around. What a character.he was (is?). There is a very interesting documentary on Marvin Sutton. He builds a still by a stream, makes his mash and distills his hooch.
The Last One – Popcorn Sutton Documentary – Special Edition
Got Moonshine?