Reinvention, Disruption, Originality: Moonshine Reimagined

Sip Shine introduces flavored Moonshine Slushies and other innovative drinks.

By Debbie Hall Photos courtesy of Sip Shine

Grand Rapids-based distiller Sip Shine, LLC produces Sip Shine Moonshine (flavored moonshine), and Kyodie and Gannett Peak whiskeys. The innovative cocktails and beverages made with their flavored moonshines (including Moonshine Slushies) and whiskeys are disrupting the spirits industry.

During the 2022 PR%F Awards, Sip Shine’s flavored moonshines and the company’s Kyodie brand flavored whiskeys earned several accolades. Out of hundreds of entries in the Fourth Annual PR%F Awards, Sip Shine products earned four gold and two silver medals in the Masked competition and a total of six silver medals in the Unmasked competition. The Masked designation is a doubleblind tasting competition that focuses on the taste of the beverage and is based on a 100-point system. The Unmasked competition is based on the total package of the product, including taste, art design, theme, marketing, logo, look and feel, and price point.

Gold medals are given to products that score between 91-95 points. Silver awards are given to those scoring between 85-90 points. Sip Shine’s products earning awards include:

2022 PR%F AwArds results

Masked

• Kyodie Peach Whiskey – Gold Award

• Kyodie Ravin’ Apple Whiskey – Gold Award

• Sip Shine Razz-Berry Shineade – Gold Award

• Sip Shine Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Gold Award

• Sip Shine Arnold Shine – Silver Award

• Sip Shine Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Unmasked

• Kyodie Peach Whiskey – Silver Award

• Kyodie Ravin’ Apple Whiskkey – Silver Award

• Sip Shine Arnold Shine – Silver Award

• Sip Shine Razz-Berry Shineade – Silver Award

• Sip Shine Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Silver Award

• Sip Shine Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Sip Shine Moonshine is available in seven flavors, including Arnold Shine, Shine Berry Sweet Tea, Razz-Berry Shineade, Watermelon Chillade, Carmel Apple ShineA-Latte, Granny Jaynes Pumpkin Bread, and Peppermint Mocha Shine-O.

reinvention, disruption, originality: moonshine reimagined

When used to create cocktails, the distilled moonshine’s bold and distinctive flavors become the highlight of the drink. Sip Shine's mixologists continually create new and exciting cocktails that pay tribute to moonshine’s rich history and tradition. From classic sour cocktails to modern and creative mixes, moonshine cocktails are designed to take those enjoying the cocktail on a journey of flavor and discovery.

The origin of Sip Shine stems from a family vacation in the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

Recognizing the northern perception of moonshine as a harsh and selectivelyacquired taste, the founders set out to create an easysipping moonshine with Great Lakes region-inspired sweetness. Bringing some of the best distilling and flavor minds together, the unique sipping experience was soon realized and Sip Shine was born.

Managing

Partner and Michigan native Kyle Search recently moved all distilling to Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Iowa. Along with the move, Sip Shine has reimagined moonshine and added Moonshine

Slushies, perfect for the summer months.

“After visiting Tennessee, we were inspired to create something that keeps the traditions of moonshine while introducing some Great Lakes inspiration,” said Search. “It soon became apparent that moonshine could be reimagined and introduced to a broader consumer base.”

The company is disrupting the bar and restaurant industry as well as invading sports venues with its latest product.

Moonshine Slushies feature all-natural ingredients and precision distilling and flavoring, resulting in a uniquely sweet and flavorful taste.

Sip Shine’s Slushie Program for restaurants, bars, and sports venues gives businesses the opportunity to earn potential high-profit margins of 350 percent to 500 percent per serving. Best of all, businesses that sign up for the Slushie Program are given the opportunity to use on of Sip Shine’s branded frozen drink machines. The terms of the use of the machine are based on individual state laws and usually result in a net-zero cost or close to net-zero cost.

Sip Shine has signed multiple-year deals for Moonshine Slushies to be sold at:

• LoanDepot Park, home of the Florida Marlins

• Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays

• AI Lang Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies

Minor league ballparks serving Sip Shine include:

• Lancaster Barnstormers

• Charleston Dirty Birds

• Traverse City Pit Spitters

• Lexington Counter Clocks

• Round Rock Express

• Sugarland Space Cowboys

• Rockford Rivets

“Beyond sports venues, we have seen a surge in requests for the Sip Shine Slushie Program,” said Nick Rice, Sip Shine’s director of marketing. “Our brand is quickly becoming recognized in the bar and restaurant industry. The versatility of being able to enjoy the flavors over ice, mixed in a cocktail, or as a slushie provides those serving our products the opportunity to meet the needs of their customers.”

For whiskey lovers wishing to indulge in the rich and smooth flavors of expertly crafted whiskey cocktails, Sip Shine distills Kyodie Ravin’ Apple and Peach Whiskeys along with the Gannett Peak label. Sip Shine’s skilled mixologists have mastered the art of blending the finest whiskey with fresh ingredients to create a range of unique and unforgettable cocktails. Whether someone prefers a classic Old Fashioned or a modern twist on a whiskey sour, these cocktails are sure to please.

Kyodie Ravin’ Apple Whiskey opens with a crisp Granny Smith apple aroma with a hint of cream and chocolate. Kyodie Peach Whiskey is a perfectly blended corn whiskey combined with the taste of sweet southern peach, with a beautiful peach aroma.

Gannett Peak Whiskey is a Wyominginspired smooth, great-tasting whiskey named after the tallest mountain peak in that state. Sip Shine ages Gannett Peak Whiskey for 2½ years, combining a blend of heavy caramel, vanilla, cocoa, roasted nuts, and a slight rye spice, capped off in an American-made bottle. The whiskey honors the breathtaking views of the mountain and its American heritage, with all elements being American made. Gannett Peak is one of those whiskeys that is easy to enjoy— neat, on the rocks, or combined with a favorite mixer.

The company plans to open a restaurant and tasting room on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, later this summer. Sip Shine - The Venue will also include opportunities for musicians to perform on a stage, similar to what is seen at bars and restaurants in Nashville.

“We are excited to provide a new experiential opportunity to those who visit The Venue by offering a tasting room dedicated to flavored moonshines and whiskeys,” said Search. “We aim to provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with a touch of Tennessee, where patrons can experience what Sip Shine is all about, enjoy a nice meal, and listen to country music performed by local musicians.”

Sip Shine is available in over 30 states and nationally online at sipshine.com. Visit sipshine.com/sip-shine-slushies/ for more information about the Slushie Program.

Peppermint Mocha

Martini

Ingredients:

2 ounces Sip Shine

Peppermint Mocha

Shine-O

2 ounces Cold Brew

Tonic Water

1 packet Hot Chocolate

Mix

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake; pour into a martini glass.