[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 171 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6838-S6839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING KENTUCKY MIST MOONSHINE

    Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Kentucky Mist Moonshine, of Whitesburg, KY, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  Kentucky Mist Moonshine is a family business nearly a century in the 
making. In the 1920s, during Prohibition, Little Henry Holbrook started 
distilling and bootlegging corn liquor in the Appalachian Mountains. 
Despite a 17-year stint in a Federal penitentiary, Henry continued 
bootlegging moonshine until he passed away in the 1980s. Decades later, 
in 2015, his grandson Colin Fultz decided to turn the Holbrook family 
tradition into a legal business. Using trade secrets and recipes passed 
down for generations, Colin perfected his family's signature moonshine 
recipe for mass production. Working out a deal with the local city

[[Page S6839]]

government, he restored and outfitted a historic building in downtown 
Whitesburg to operate his craft distillery. In 2015, Kentucky Mist 
Moonshine opened its doors.
  Today, Kentucky Mist Moonshine is renowned for its moonshine, 
whiskey, and vodka. The company has grown at a significant clip, 
experiencing 105 percent growth from 2019 to 2021. Featuring over 12 
varieties of moonshine, their spirits are made from an original recipe 
free of artificial flavors or additives. Their products are sold 
throughout the United States and have drawn praise nationwide. Every 
batch is made in Kentucky under Colin's watchful eye. The Kentucky Mist 
Moonshine team has grown to 15 employees and expanded to include 3 
locations in Orange Beach, AL, and North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, 
SC. Additionally, the distillery supports local Kentucky artisans and 
regional small businesses, selling hand-crafted goods at each of their 
locations. Uniquely, Kentucky Mist Moonshine makes fruit-infused 
moonshine and donates the fruit byproducts to local farmers for 
livestock feed.
  Like many small businesses, Colin is actively involved in his 
community. Kentucky Mist Moonshine is part of the Southeast Kentucky 
Chamber of Commerce, while Colin serves on the local board of tourism. 
Locally, Kentucky Mist Moonshine has sponsored several Letcher County 
Central High School sports teams. They regularly participate in local 
and regional events, including the annual Mountain Heritage Festival. 
Kentucky Mist Moonshine is a member of the Kentucky Distillers' 
Association, Kentucky's premier bourbon and distilled spirits trade 
association. Their whiskey, vodka, and moonshine have earned multiple 
awards at industry and trade shows. The company's success has been 
profiled in several regional and industry publications. During the 
COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky Mist Moonshine stepped up to manufacture 
hand sanitizer for local hospitals and clinics. During the summer, they 
hosted a series of concerts at their facility to support local artists 
and build community after a year of lockdowns.
  Kentucky Mist Moonshine is a remarkable example of the resilience and 
adaptability of locally owned small businesses. Small businesses, like 
Kentucky Mist Moonshine, form the heart of towns across Kentucky and 
play a critical role in Kentucky's bourbon and whiskey industry. 
Congratulations to Colin and the entire team at Kentucky Mist 
Moonshine. I wish them the best of luck, and I look forward to watching 
their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

                          ____________________