What is a "real shiner"?

[ScottishBoy]

Im just curious because I have been doing a lot of reading and it seems that there are several stereotypes, misconceptions and just general crap views about what "a real shiner" is. Its a question I have started 6 or 7 times but I cant seem to ask it without thinking I might offend someone. So here goes.
Someone mentioned it in another thread, and at the time I was looking at some harpers weekly stories about "The Law versus the Shiners" etc . It was all very melodramatic. I can see why folks liked to read it, but I bet most of wasnt true. It reminded me of those books they wrote from the "Wild West". Lots of very tall tales. Im pretty certain that these have become ingrained in some way and it is only very rarely that we see them portrayed in a complimentary light.
So do you have to be from south central east coast US to be shiner? My great granddad was a distiller but he was from Scotland. Does that only make one eligible for being a distiller? I was taught some basics by a fellow who was probably the real deal, but I had to leave it behind me to stay on track. My wifes grandfather made whiskey for the Mob. Was he a real shiner? "Technically" what Im doing now should be classed as shining, but Im not making money off it, so I guess I am...something...?



What are everyones opinions on what a "true shiner" is?

Since this is such a vague title, any and all opinions are welcome and I would love to hear from some of the more traditional crowd. Im not trying to offend or really even label, I just think there is a truth down there and I like to find truth. I would like to find out what people think who actually have exposure, rather than made up stories and bad stereotypes. I guess I am just looking to seperate fact and experience from bullshit and ghost stories.

SB

(Mods, I think there are some good folks here, so it will probably be pretty productive, but if this turns even the least bit "flamey" please delete and accept my apologies. )

[WalkingWolf]

Your answer is in your post. If you got likker drippin you are a shiner. Ask the law? There are as many backgrounds represented here as there are people involved. Some here have been brought up in the "stereo-typical" lifestyle many would consider moon-shining. Others brought up in the shadows of wall street and you wouldn't pick'em in a line-up of a thousand. As was discussed earlier, that lifestyle did not, nor does not carry the romantic, high thrills experience (mis-) portrayed in movies and lore. As goose mentioned earlier, it was a nasty, mean, hard life and many if any did any more than eeek out an everyday existance. If you are here then the topic is redundant. If you need the title, you are entitled. Wear it. Most of us here would rather remain in the rhododendron tunnels out of site and doin' our little thing.

Good Stillin to you and yours
WW

[Dnderhead]

I whould say moonshine is one name for illegal alcohol,,so any one making illegal alcohol whould be a shiner. regardless how much
or how good or the type. people making illegal alcohol started in northeast (US)and where chased south word. the "last stand"
was the south east.so they git the credit much like Texas gits credit for being the "wild west" when in reality it was just over the next ridge/mountain.
"bootlegger" was the sails men of illegal alcohol.as he often carried a sampol in his boot for potential customers.
a "runner" transported the goods
other countries have their own names for ones that does this.

[goose eye]

if you dripped a drop you is but i wouldnt go an be putin it on no business cards

so im tole

[rad14701]

The actual phrase "moonshiner" originated in Appalachia, when persecuted Irish folk settled there and began making variations of the spirits they made in Ireland, and has become synonymous with anyone distilling illegal spirits... Another common phrase, "bootlegger", came from the northern border states between the US and Canada... While "bootlegging" was actually a way of transporting illegal spirits it has also become synonymous with "moonshining"...

[Dnderhead]

I thank this is most likely where the phrase originated from , through there are other opinions .(Historical Terms) (in 19th-century Ireland) the carrying out of cattle-maiming, murders, etc., during the night in protest against the land-tenure system-- so it fits in that they distilled undercover in protest of taxes
and government control.

[LWTCS]

if you dripped a drop you is but i wouldnt go an be putin it on no business cards

so im tole

You sure do got some good sayins goose.

Yet another for the printed t-shirt/bumpersticker vendor at the moonshine fest.

[Ayay]

The new 'real shiners' are the taxed industry.