Today’s story takes us to Franklin County, Virginia.

A quiet, wooded stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But in 1935, it became the unlikely stage for one of the biggest liquor trials in U.S. history. They called it The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial—and when it was over, the government had arrested dozens of people, including sheriffs, lawyers, and some of the best-known families in the region.

This wasn’t just about whiskey. It was about power, pride, and a secret economy that had kept a whole county afloat.

In this gripping episode of Moonshine Lore & Legend, we uncover the chilling true story of Clyde Arwood—a Tennessee moonshiner whose fatal confrontation with a federal agent led to one of the most controversial executions in American moonshine history.

It’s a tale of backwoods whiskey, deep mistrust of authority, and a killing that raised questions about justice, sanity, and the weight of the law in rural America.

Was Arwood a cold-blooded killer… or a disturbed man pushed too far?

Join us by the fire as we walk through the events that led to his fateful trial, the moonshine culture of 1940s Tennessee, and the legacy of a death sentence that still echoes through the hollers.

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Uncle Pete’s Monogram Whiskey: The Moonshiner of Priest Lake

In this premiere episode of Moonshine Lore & Legend, we head deep into the backwoods of northern Idaho for the curious tale of Uncle Pete—a quiet man with a hidden still, a loaded shotgun, and a taste for monogrammed jars.

Cyrus and Zack make a simple Rum wash and a raspberry Mead.

Watch the podcast every Thursday night on the Still'n The Clear YouTube channel.

Join our Moonshine For Beginners group if you're looking for a great place to hang out and chat with other moonshiners.

In this episode, I discuss the equipment and tools you will need to get started in home distilling.

FREE Guide "How to choose the still that's right for you"

"DIY on-the-grain Fermenter"

In this episode, I go over the 3 variables that are important to watch in order to maintain a health environment for your yeast.

I also announce the creation of a unique online learning platform for home distillers called Moonshiners Academy. If you're interested in helping us choose the direction of the academy and would like to give your input on what kind of courses you would like to see us create just click Moonshiners Academy to be included in our survey.

Today I'm talking with my buddy Wayne Ferriera. Wayne is an admin in the 'Moonshine For Beginners' group on MeWe and is also owner of our sister group 'Moonshine: Intermediate to Advanced'. Wayne is champion of the moonshiner community. He is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others wanting to learn.

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I've helped a lot of folks become moonshiners and I've noticed a few simple things that will really help you get that first batch of shine made.

TRIPLE SCALE HYDROMETER

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Come join our Moonshine For Beginners Space on Volley

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"The Beginners Guide to Making Moonshine Start to finish" eBook

The Super Simple Beginners Recipe Kit https://stillntheclear.com/super-simple-beginner-recipe-kit/

Check out the Still'n The Clear website https://stillntheclear.com/