[Porch Dweller]

At my first duty station (Tinker AFB, OK) my NCOIC, Jerry, was from waaaaay up in the mountains of Tennessee. 'Shine was part of his family's culture. He drove home about twice a year to visit family. Each time he returned he brought back two or three two-liter Pepsi bottles filled with 'shine.

We were a fun-loving group so someone was hosting a party every weekend. Jerry would bring some 'shine occasionally and pass the bottle around. Eventually he realized I was the only one that would continue to drink it with him. Nobody else liked it but I did, so at some point in every party he'd give me a look and we'd go sip some 'shine. It tasted like a blend of vodka, mezcal, and light rum. That may sound nasty, but it was actually pretty tasty. Jerry's family's best estimate was it was around 115 proof. It had a mule kick right up front but was surprisingly pleasant and smooth going down.

Good times...