FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2021
 Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Kentucky Mist Moonshine of Whitesburg, Kentucky, as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.
 
Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:
 
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, Kentucky, 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 government, he restored and outfitted an 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% growth from 2019 – 2021. Featuring over twelve 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 fifteen employees, and expanded to include three locations in Orange Beach, Alabama, and North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 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.
 
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.
 
 

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