The Hatfield & McCoy feud in the late 19th century is a well-known tale of post-Civil War South. Both families lived along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River on the boundary of West Virginia and Kentucky.
The Hatfield & McCoy feud in the late 19th century is a well-known tale of post-Civil War South. Both families lived along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River on the boundary of West Virginia and Kentucky. The violence began in 1865 after Asa Harmon McCoy was killed by a local militia group, ‘the Logan Wildcats’ of which many members of the Hatfield family belonged to. McCoy was killed because he was seen as a traitor for serving in the union army.
From then on, there was a decade of violence, land disputes, murder, and intermarrying controversy between the two families.
A recent show on the History Channel, Hatfields & McCoy’s: White Lightning, consists of living ancestors from both families who still live in the same remote areas of Kentucky and West Virginia.
The two families have their differences, but they came together for the show and currently have a joint business – their own brand of whiskey ‘Legendary Hatfield & McCoy Family Brand’.
Meanwhile, these aren’t the only Hatfields & McCoys that have teamed up and made their own liquor.
For about four years, it has been legal in West Virginia to produce and sell moonshine. Dating back to the time of the feud, moonshine has been a part of the history of these families and the areas they live in.
In Gilbert, West Virginia, another group of Hatfield & McCoy ancestors are producing their own moonshine called Drink of the Devil. It is the original recipe of “Devil Anse” Hatfield, the leader and patriarch of the Hatfields during the time of the feud. The families acquired permits for their warehouse in 2012 and have been distributing their product since November 2013. The moonshine is currently being sold in several states.
“We are licensed and selling right now in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida, and New Jersey,” said attorney of the families, Gregory Chiartas.
Due to ABC regulations here in Virginia, some stores may not be carrying it yet.
“Each state is different. In Virginia for example, you have to apply and have to be approved by their ABC department. Then they put you in 100 stores that they choose and see how you do and then the next year they will move you to 200 stores,” said Chiartas. “If ultimately they continue to do well, they will go to 400 stores. In West Virginia, our moonshine goes to the state and then any of the liquor stores who want to buy it, buy it from them.”
The moonshine is 90 proof and comes in one flavor, sold in 25 oz. bottles for $32.99. It is handmade at their distillery with 100% West Virginia grown corn made in small batches.
Their moonshine is made in West Virginia, whereas the Legendary Hatfield & McCoy Family Brand is made by a bulk distillery in South Carolina. The Legendary Hatfield & McCoy Family Brand is also owned by investors in Missouri.
There has been a trademark dispute for some time between the Missouri investors and Drink of the Devil, Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine. The issue is regarding who can own and use the Hatfield & McCoy name on their product.
“Our position is that no one can own the name Hatfield & McCoy, it’s public domain. They believe that they can, and have tried 52 different categories to monopolize the name Hatfield & McCoy,” said Chiartas. “My clients, in order to have standing and in order to continue to object to what’s taking place, have filed their own trademark. The trademark issue is going before the US [Patent & Trademark Office] PTO appeal board.”
More than likely, the case will be that both parties can keep the Hatfield & McCoy name on their products.
Look out for Drink of the Devil, Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine at your local ABC store or buy it online at drinkofthedevil.com.
