Moonshiners share a deep connection to their past and have a penchant for tradition. As Sims and Stephens mention in Living Folklore, folklore is a way of expressing what we value and believe (Sims & Stephens 2011).  Moonshine fits this definition of folklore. The University of Cincinnati states that the beer theory of civilization postulates that the shift in human development from nomadic hunter-gatherers to sedentary village dwellers was prompted by the discovery of fermenting grains to produce alcohol (Rowley 2008). To society, the bootlegger is/was seen as a free man “beating the system.”  The hypocrisy of the Prohibition era, when everyone- from politicians to field laborers- continued to drink, only added to the moonshiner’s image. Moonshining has been prevalent in music, with NASCAR, and in society. However, the reality of illegal whiskey is far from pleasant.  The work has always been hard manual labor, and the sugar liquor must be hauled in a risky trip to large urban centers.  The moonshiners must still hide the money he/she earns, a trick that grows harder every day.  Penalties for illegal distilling can include jail time and the loss of vehicles/ real estate.  Yet the tradition goes on, smaller than it once was but apparently intriguing enough for some to continue trying. Moonshining continues to be a tradition where recipes are handed down, stories are told, ways of beating the system are discussed and secrets are shared amongst the few.