“But for some, the drink embodies a proud cultural heritage of toughness and rebelliousness.” — *National Geographic
C’mon! What are you afraid of?
Historically, moonshine was a clear spirit with a high alcohol content that was distilled illegally, often at night by the light of the moon–hence the name and its rebel connotation. But these days, moonshine may be just the hit Yakima needs to fully embrace change while still honoring its cultural roots. After all, didn’t the West begin because our brave, courageous, opportunity-seeking settlers headed out here to blaze their own paths? Talk about tough and rebellious! This should be our State drink! 
Last week, the three of us (Aileen, Andreana and Shelley) drove out west . . . West Valley, that is, to Swede Hill. The Swedish settlement of the Carlson Family, dating two generations back, is now home to a burgeoning moonshine distillery. Kevin and Pam Milford are the modest and talented creators of this unique spirit, which is quickly making it’s way into bars and restaurants up and down the I-5 corridor and into Idaho. 
Kevin, a Hanford engineer by day, designed and created his first hobby distillery three years ago. “It started as a sipping spirit,” says Pam, shared with friends. After a year of constant encouragement from many friends and family members, Pam and Kevin decided to go big. They plowed through the licensing process and are now on a tear throughout the Pacific Northwest. 
At the distillery, we sampled the Apple Pie and Cherry Pie Moonshine. Both hit the palette with a hint of sweet nostalgia that lead to a warming smooth finish. Made with apples grown on Pam’s family orchard, Swede Hill Distilling’s Apple Pie, has generated local intrigue as well as a lot of buzz in the Seattle area, where bartenders and restaurants have embraced this 60-Proof lovely lady whole-heartedly. 
We’ll admit, none of us had ever tried moonshine. We had some stereotypes to break, so over the last couple weeks we asked some of our favorite Yakima bartenders to give us their original take on an Apple Pie Moonshine cocktail. And oh boy, did they deliver!
Estan’s Central Washington Sling: Shaken with soda water, St. Germaine Liqueur and lemon
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse
www.cowichecanyon.com
Andre’s Adam’s Apple Pie: Frothy egg whipped on top with a hint of cinnamon
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse
www.cowichecanyon.com
Washington Hottie: Hot, smooth with lemon and agave nectar (great on a snow day, as Shelley and Aileen discovered).
Yakima Sportcenter
www.sportscenteryakima.com
Visit: www.swedehilldistilling.com for more cocktail recipes and to find out where you can purchase Apple Pie Moonshine and create a unique crafted version of a holiday moonshine cocktail.
*A Quick History of Moonshine, Maxwell Tani Inside NGC, 9/24/14
Love it! Congrats to Pam and Kevin and thanks to ‘the three of you’ for celebrating Swede Hill’s roots!
Thank you rootedvalley.com for for choosing Swede Hill as one of your feature articles. We are humbled and grateful! We are happy to be a part of your success in sharing all of the wonderful things that the Yakima Valley has to offer!