The Burgoo Boys - Gullet Burnin' Mountain Dew

The Burgoo Boys are loyal sons of Kentucky, as they sing about their great state often. This latest song sings the praises of Kentucky Moonshine whiskey, which is still a big thing in many counties of the state. Kentucky State law leaves each county to determine whether liquor sales are allowed or not.  This has lead to different liquor county ordinances that cover each of Kentucky's 121 counties; Dry - where no liquor of any kind can be sold, Moist- In certain counties liquor can be sold in certain parts of the county while the rest of the county is dry, Wet - Liquor sales are permitted. Limited - Liquor sales by the drink are allowed in restaurants that meet seating capacity requirements with the rest of the county dry. There are also provisions in some counties to allow liquor sales by the drink at golf courses, county approved wineries, and qualified historical sites. 

There are 11 dry counties in Kentucky along with 30 counties with 'wet' cities in them which makes them moist, and 53 wet counties mainly, at least within the last few years. The laws are changing through local referendum, so it's hard to tell what's 'Wet' and 'dry', especially with all the exceptions.  It's all very confusing, and the state liquor licensing laws  are just as confusing. Many of these laws are a carry-over from Prohibition. 

So in some parts of the state, bootlegging is another carry-over from Prohibition, with a lot of it done to avoid liquor taxes and regulation. Corn whiskey made by an experienced moonshiner can have an alcohol content from 40 to 80 percent (which in the terms of 'proof' potency means 80 to 160 proof). Alcohol of such potency is dangerous to consume. It is so strong that it can cause some people's sensitive mouth the equivalent of a chemical burn. And for anyone foolhardy enough to chug the stuff, death by alcohol poisoning is a real possibility.  And making it can be hazardous as well, especially when it is in the vapor stage as a stray spark can set off a dangerous explosion.

So while moonshine remains a part of Kentucky culture and folklore, it is not something that should be done without full knowledge of the risks! 

 The Great State of Kentucky
Is known for many things
Bluegrass music keeps the state
Smilin' happy as it sings

Got horses a plenty too
And the famous Derby race
Louisville slugger baseball bats
Help the batters keep a pace

Kentucky Fried Chicken as well
That's known around the world
And the finest bourbon whiskey
In glasses of ice that's swirled

And don't forget the classic dish
We'll mention special stew
A really long cooked tasty bowl
Of home cooked thick Burgoo

But there’s still one thing that's left
We wanna mention 'fore we're through
That pistol packin', wallopin'
Gullet burnin' mountain dew!

Taint got no fancy bottle
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it just might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

Home brewed in them thar hills
By bootleggers young and old
Tradition has fruit jars filled
With clear alkyholic gold

A quart'll last ya a while
But damn, take it nice and slow
A little bit'll make ya smile
But too much'll make ya crow!

Proof numbers in triple digits
Don't git it near no open flame!
Treat it right or ya'll be sorry
Gits away it'll be hard to tame!

Taint got no fancy bottle
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it just might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

First time drinkers will think it's like
Drinkin' an on fire burnin' match
It'll scorch yer mouth, torch yer craw
In heat that'll be hard to match

But if ya'll can't handle the stuff
We all wanna reassure
Use it fer cleannin' car engines
Makes a damn good degreaser

Taint got no fancy bottle
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it just might
Knock you out like a snort of ether