Big Nick’s Peanut Butter Banana Jar Release Party

Big Nick’s Peanut Butter Banana Jar Release Party

11/18/2023 · Connelly Springs, North Carolina

South Mountain Distilling Co. hosted a release party for Master Distiller Big Nick Calo’s new Peanut Butter Banana shine, and we had to be there. The idea behind the jar was simple: get a dessert-style flavor that still drinks like moonshine. The amount of trial and error that went into this batch was not simple. Nick told us it took multiple rounds, a break to reset, and then the final tweak that locked it in. The end result comes in at 60 proof, with peanut butter up front and banana still clear on the palate. It’s the kind of jar you have to remind yourself is still shine.

Big Beard and Still Will standing with Master Distiller Big Nick Calo at South Mountain Distilling Co. during the Peanut Butter Banana release.
Big Beard and Still Will with Master Distiller Big Nick Calo at South Mountain Distilling Co. for the Peanut Butter Banana release. Down to earth, straight answers, zero ego.

The tasting bar stayed busy all afternoon. We tried Peanut Butter Banana, grabbed some of their other house flavors, and talked shop with the crew. We also got lucky and spent time with Legendary Moonshiner J.B. Rader. Any day you get to stand next to J.B., listen, and learn a little, that’s a win. We were also able to catch up with 100 Proof, Lucas Owens, and Damon Beaty (Horrorshine) — and everyone there treated us like we’d been part of the circle for years, not just a couple of guys who drove in for a jar drop.

South Mountain Distilling Co. tasting bar with jars lined up and staff pouring flavored moonshine samples.
South Mountain Distilling Co. had the tasting line running smooth. Friendly people, fast pours, zero attitude.

One thing that stands out at South Mountain: they don’t hide the work. The production floor sits right behind the front lobby, so you’re basically steps away from active equipment, stainless, copper, and barrels. You can see how serious they take it before you even get a sample cup in your hand.

Tall copper column still with multiple sight glasses and valve controls at South Mountain Distilling Co.
The copper column on site. Multiple plates, clean copper work, and a setup built for real output — not just display.
Racks of aging barrels at South Mountain Distilling Co., with hand-marked heads and fill dates.
Barrel aging at South Mountain. Hand-marked heads, fill dates, and proof notes. You can read the work right off the wood.

We also crossed paths with Master Distiller Panhead Cooter and Little Diddle, plus G from G Social Media Moonshine. This is why release parties matter: you don’t just get the jar, you get face time with the people who make it and the people who live this every day. We swapped stories, compared notes, and left with autograph ink on glass.

Group photo of Still Will, Master Distiller Panhead Cooter, Damon Beaty (Horrorshine), Little Diddle, and Big Beard inside South Mountain Distilling Co.
Master Distiller Panhead Cooter, Still Will, Damon Beaty (Horrorshine), Little Diddle, and Big Beard inside South Mountain Distilling Co. Good people, good jars, zero wasted time.

And then, because why not, Elvis and Colonel Sanders showed up. Yes, really. Full suit, full shades, full commitment. The vibe at South Mountain is serious when it comes to shine, but they still keep it fun for everyone who walks in the door.

Big Beard and Still Will standing with an Elvis impersonator in front of the still setup at South Mountain Distilling Co.
“Elvis” dropped by the distillery floor, because of course he did. Release day energy was high from open to close.
Big Beard, Still Will, and Damon Beaty posing outside with a Colonel Sanders impersonator at South Mountain Distilling Co.
Big Beard, Still Will, and Damon Beaty (Horrorshine) outside with “Colonel Sanders.” You never know who’s walking through that parking lot.

Before we rolled out, we grabbed jars to take home — including a Peanut Butter Banana signed by Nick Calo himself — and then ended the night with Damon over barbecue at JD’s Smokehouse. Brisket, pork, chicken, sides, clean plates. That’s how you wrap a release trip.

Still Will, Damon Beaty (Horrorshine), and Big Beard at the tasting counter at South Mountain Distilling Co.
Still Will, Damon Beaty (Horrorshine), and Big Beard. Damon’s Apple Pie — influenced by Philbilly Moonshine — is legit.

One last detail we couldn’t stop talking about was a hand-painted wooden sign on display inside the distillery reading, “Popcorn and J.B. Rader’s Moonshine Shack — Keep Yore Dam Aass Out.” It’s an unmistakable nod to the sign once nailed beside Popcorn Sutton’s own shack, where he and J.B. Rader ran liquor together in the hills. Whether this is the original piece or a faithful replica, it carries that same mountain humor and defiance that defined both men. The respect shown to their legacy here isn’t decoration — it’s a reminder that the roots of this craft still run deep.

Hand-painted wooden sign reading 'Popcorn and J.B. Rader’s Moonshine Shack – Keep Yore Damass Out,' displayed inside South Mountain Distilling Co.
Replica of Popcorn Sutton and Legendary Moonshiner J.B. Rader’s original shack sign — the same hand-painted warning once seen hanging beside Popcorn’s door.
Legendary Moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton (RIP) standing beside his shack, with the original hand-painted sign that reads 'Popcorn and J.B. Rader’s Moonshine Shack — Keep Yore Dam Ass Out.'
Fun Extra — Legendary Moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton (RIP) beside the real shack sign he shared with Legendary Moonshiner J.B. Rader. The phrase “Keep Yore Dam Ass Out” became one of the most iconic warnings in moonshining history.

Also in attendance

Huge thanks to the South Mountain Distilling Co. team for keeping the tasting line moving, answering questions, and making sure everyone who came out for the Peanut Butter Banana release felt welcome. The staff handled a big turnout and never slowed down.

👕 Worn at This Event

Malt Whiskey Moonshine tee worn by Big Beard at South Mountain Distilling Co.

“Malt Whiskey Moonshine” Tee
worn by Big Beard

Come And Take It tee worn by Still Will at South Mountain Distilling Co.

“Come And Take It” Tee
worn by Still Will

Event took place November 18, 2023 at South Mountain Distilling Co. in Connelly Springs, North Carolina. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on November 22, 2023. Extra photos and community comments are available on Facebook: View the original post.

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