The Firefly Story

The first Firefly Distillery, just 30 minutes outside of Charleston, SC. was the birthplace of Firefly Spirits. It is where the founders, Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt, came up with the crazy idea to build a distillery in the ‘middle of nowhere,’ and make the world’s first Sweet Tea Vodka. That crazy idea was a destination known for its genuine southern hospitality, fine quality spirits and innovation.

Firefly Distillery was founded by Jim Irvin & Scott Newitt. Jim is a scientist. Scott is a visionary. Jim had a winery. Scott was in the wine business. That’s how they met, became friends and soon realized they both shared a crazy idea to build a distillery; something that proved to be much easier said than done.

It’s all legal and it always has been at Firefly. As the company was being formed, Jim and Scott wanted to avoid expensive licensing fees, not to mention confrontations with “The Law.” So they did their own lobbying and got a bill passed into state law that made it affordable and legal to distill, sample and purchase bottled spirits at a distillery in South Carolina.* This historic event opened the opportunity for Firefly to establish their homeplace distillery and grow Firefly into a nationally recognized all-American spirit brand.

Scott & Jim did not have a big budget to buy a still so they built their own from scratch. It was a 55 gallon stainless steel tank on top of a propane burner that is now on display in their Tasting Room. They got it fired up and began distilling. First they made Muscadine vodka, distilled from Jim’s grapes. Scott tells it, “We started with the grapes and we made grappa. But grappa tastes like grappa and I had to sell the stuff so we wanted to come up with something else. Then we made The Original Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, which is now our flagship brand.

The Strawberry Moonshine is South Carolina sweet but it packs a punch so don’t be fooled by its pretty package.

Our award-winning Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, infused with Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey, resulting in a smooth, light bourbon with a sweet honey finish. Our Master Distiller transformed used bourbon barrels into small, wooden cubes that were immersed in honey. After fully absorbing it, they were placed in the belly of a stainless-steel tank, letting the bourbon soak up those delicious honey flavors every single day for seven months.

Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack is a seasonal blend of apple cider liqueur, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and holiday spices, based on an original family recipe from Jack’s home in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Even if you live in a place where it’s never cold or snowy, you’ll never regret being prepared. Our heartwarming Tennessee Cider should always be enjoyed with friends and family.

Named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic coast, Sanaig is a vatting of both sherry and bourbon casks. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry influence adding a balance of dried fruits and spices to classic Kilchoman citrus sweetness and peat smoke character.

ISLAY'S RUGGED ATLANTIC WEST COAST

The west coast of Islay, from Portnahaven to Sanaigmore, is regularly battered by strong Atlantic storms. The high winds and rough seas have carved into the coastline to dramatic effect, creating a rugged beauty mirrored in the whisky after-which it was named.

Peppery and floral notes overflow in this white whiskey, which some compare to aquavit. It is a traditional American spirit. George Washington made it in his distillery, and it was common in the New World before the rise of bourbon after the Whiskey Rebellion. Our unaged White Rye is perfect when sipped neat but also excellent over ice or in classic and contemporary cocktails. Barely touching the barrel before being bottled, this is the true essence of rye without being overshadowed by oak.

Maker Notes

Midnight Moon is inspired by Junior Johnson’s family moonshine recipe and - true to the roots of moonshine - it is made from 100% American corn and handcrafted in small batches.

However, we use a state-of-the-art distillation process to make a superior quality spirit that’s very clean and ultra-smooth. Midnight Moon does not have the harsh, heavy corn taste people often associate with illegal moonshine. It’s then blended with ultra-clean water that has been through a five-step filtration process, and the result is a very smooth spirit with a subtle sweetness from the corn.

Midnight Moon was officially born when Piedmont Distillers, North Carolina's first legal distillery since Prohibition, called on Junior at the mechanics shop on his old farm to taste-test what would become Midnight Moon Original. Junior sipped, smiled, and gave two thumbs up to the best damn moonshine ever made.

When life gives you blueberries, throw 'em in a jar of 'shine to soak. Our Midnight Moon Blueberry is hand-filled with delicious blueberries so the flavor and color can infuse with the 100 proof (50% ALC./VOL.) Midnight Moon. As the spirit ages, the flavor intensifies for a sweeter side of the Moon.

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Maker Notes

Midnight Moon is inspired by Junior Johnson’s family moonshine recipe and - true to the roots of moonshine - it is made from 100% American corn and handcrafted in small batches.

However, we use a state-of-the-art distillation process to make a superior quality spirit that’s very clean and ultra-smooth. Midnight Moon does not have the harsh, heavy corn taste people often associate with illegal moonshine. It’s then blended with ultra-clean water that has been through a five-step filtration process, and the result is a very smooth spirit with a subtle sweetness from the corn.

Midnight Moon was officially born when Piedmont Distillers, North Carolina's first legal distillery since Prohibition, called on Junior at the mechanics shop on his old farm to taste-test what would become Midnight Moon Original. Junior sipped, smiled, and gave two thumbs up to the best damn moonshine ever made.

Is there anything better than homemade strawberry jam in a jar? You bet. Meet Midnight Moon Strawberry, an infusion of strawberries into 100 proof (50% ALC./VOL.) Midnight Moon. The sweet, red berries release their flavor and color into the 'shine for a delicious taste that packs a punch.

Discover the Sensational Taste of Midnight Moon Strawberry Moonshine - Indulge in the Perfect Blend of Sweetness and Smoothness. Get a Taste of Moonshine Magic!

This sweet blend has a surprising light, floral fragrance, and hints of toasted oak and honey. High in malt, it’s exceptionally smooth.

AROMA: Light and floral fragrances with sweet and citrus notes

PALATE: Perfect balance of spice and oak with sweet vanilla for a mellow, warm finish

The Traverse City Whiskey Co. American Cherry Edition Whiskey is a delightful expression from a Michigan-based distillery. This whiskey artfully infuses the rich, sweet essence of locally sourced Montmorency cherries with their premium bourbon. The result is a harmonious blend that tantalizes the palate with the natural flavors of ripe cherries, complemented by the warmth and complexity of aged bourbon. Each sip offers a balanced sweetness and a hint of oak, making it a versatile spirit perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Traverse City Whiskey Co.'s American Cherry Edition is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and the distinctive flavors of the region.

Over 800 years ago, the O'Donnell Dynasty ruled Tyrconnell in northwest Ireland. In 1876, they celebrated a horse race win by launching Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey, which was a pre-Prohibition best-seller in the U.S. Revived in 1987, this single malt is made with pure spring water, malted barley, and copper pot stills, delivering a refined spirit aged in oak casks. The Sherry Cask Finish adds raisin and honey notes, and the finish is soft with butterscotch and nutty hints. With 94 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine (2012) and 97 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, it's a delicious revival. Cheers to history and taste!