From a small 100-gallon copper still in rural Ohio to national recognition, Paps Hilltop Distillery embodies the spirit of American craftsmanship. Built on heritage, family tradition, and local farming partnerships, the distillery is steadily growing while staying true to its roots. Recently bagging the title of Moonshine of the Year at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings, we sat down with Christopher Lewis, co-founder of Paps Hilltop Distillery, to talk about their journey, their award-winning moonshine, and what’s next for the brand.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Q: Christopher, let’s start with an introduction. Tell us about the beginnings of Paps Hilltop Distillery.

I’m Christopher Lewis, co-owner of Paps Hilltop Distillery. We’re a small, family-owned distillery in Southern Ohio, and we’ve just wrapped up our third year in business. We’re still relatively new, operating with a 100-gallon copper pot still, but we’re growing steadily—one step at a time.

Q: Congratulations on winning American Moonshine of the Year at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings. What does this recognition mean for your distillery, and how are you using it to grow?

Thank you! It was a big surprise. I actually found out while I was in remote Alaska. First, I saw that we had won a gold medal, which was exciting enough. Then, later that morning, I discovered we had been named American Moonshine of the Year. I was ecstatic. For a small family operation like ours, this award brings legitimacy. It shows we’re not just hobbyists—we’re producing quality spirits. We’ve already incorporated the award into our promotional efforts, from billboards to bottle stickers, and we’re confident it will help us build the brand and stand out in the market.

Q: Your Copperas Mountain Corn Moonshine is the product that won the award. Can you tell us about it?

Absolutely. Copperas Mountain Corn is special to us because all of the corn comes from a local farmer we’ve partnered with. It’s an “all-American red, white, and blue” recipe, made with red Bloody Butcher corn, white Silver King corn, and Ohio blue corn. These heirloom grains bring out more flavor and have higher sugar content, which makes for a smooth sipping product.

Right now, it’s an unaged whiskey—a true moonshine—but we’re also putting it into barrels to age into whiskey. We believe it will become one of our signature products moving forward.

From concept to shelf, it takes about eight to nine months to bring a new product to market. It starts with recipe development, followed by federal and state approvals for the recipe and label. Once those are secured, we produce, bottle, and register the product for distribution through Ohio’s system. It’s a detailed process, but it ensures quality and compliance every step of the way.

Q: Do you see plans for expanding your product line in the near future?

Yes. We’re planning an expansion at the distillery to bring in more equipment and increase production. Copperas Mountain Corn will remain at the heart of our portfolio, especially now with the award recognition. We’re also developing aged whiskey expressions and bourbon that we’ll be adding soon.

Q: Where is your product currently available? And what kind of support do you offer distributors who want to work with you?

We sell directly at the distillery here in Southern Ohio, and we’ve started distribution across the state. Ohio is a control state, so the Department of Liquor Control manages distribution, but we’re currently in 14 stores from Columbus southward. We’re expanding every quarter, and our goal is statewide distribution within the next year, followed by expansion into neighboring states.

In Ohio, distribution is handled by the state. But in other states, we’re very open to building strong partnerships. As a young distillery, we’re flexible and eager to collaborate on strategies that work for both sides.

Q: Do you also sell directly to consumers? What kind of consumer-facing initiatives do you run to educate people about moonshine?

Yes, we do. At the distillery, visitors can watch us make the product and purchase directly. Ohio law also allows us to sell straight to the public at the distillery, which has been great for engaging with customers.

Tastings are a big part of it, both at the distillery and at festivals across Ohio. We currently produce around 18 different flavors, so events are a great way for people to sample. We’ll also be releasing our first bourbon this November, which we’re very excited about. One of our goals is to change perceptions about moonshine. Many people still associate it with unsafe homemade liquor from the 1920s and 30s. When they see how we make it—and taste the quality for themselves—they walk away impressed, often with a few jars in hand.

Q: With trends moving toward moderation and lower-ABV drinks, how do you position moonshine in the market?

There’s actually a lot of flexibility with moonshine. It’s great in cocktails and mixed drinks. People often expect it to be harsh, but when they try flavored varieties or cocktails like our strawberry lemonade, they’re surprised at how smooth and approachable it is. At one festival, we served over 600 cocktails in four hours! It really showed how much potential moonshine has as a versatile spirit.

Q: Are you noticing particular flavor trends among consumers?

Yes—there’s definitely demand for lower-proof, flavorful options. Our “sipping creams,” similar to cream liqueurs, have been especially popular. Flavors like pecan praline, pumpkin roll, and root beer float are resonating with customers who want something smooth and enjoyable. These products show that moonshine can be fun and versatile—not just strong.

Q: You mentioned bourbon and whiskey are also in development. Can you share more?

Our first bourbon is ready this fall. It’s a single-barrel release, which makes it highly limited but also very personal. Only a few hundred bottles will be available, sold exclusively at the distillery.

We’re also working on a whiskey named after one of my ancestors, “Blind Willard,” who was a moonshiner back in the 1930s. It’s our way of honoring family heritage while moving forward as the first legal generation in our family to produce spirits.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with distributors or retailers considering Paps Hilltop Distillery?

We’d love for them to take a closer look. We may be a small family-run operation, but we’re detail-oriented, committed to quality, and ambitious about growth. With award-winning products and exciting plans ahead, we’re ready to build strong partnerships that grow alongside us.