CLEVELAND COUNTY
HISTORY PROJECT

Did You Know?

Amos Owens’ “Cherry Bounce” and the Sweet-Potato Whiskey Run

Amos Owens, the notorious Cherry Mountain moonshiner, refused to pay liquor taxes—arguing that the land was his, the corn was his, the still was his, and the whiskey was his, and that he would not divide profits with the government. He had already fought the government, been starved by it, and been imprisoned by it, and he intended to keep making liquor regardless.

Owens became famous for his own invention, cherry bounce, made from blue-steel whiskey, wild honey, and blackheart cherry juice. It was described as pleasant to taste, though sometimes a drinker “fell down with a thud and did not bounce.”

When revenuers arrested him and ordered him to appear in Asheville court, Amos walked the long miles on foot. Before leaving, he arranged for a confederate to follow two days later with his wagon, which carried a 40-gallon keg of liquor hidden under sweet potatoes and chestnuts. Amos was tried and found not guilty. After the trial, he and his helper visited hotels, barrooms, and private customers, finding a strong demand for “taters.” He returned home richer from selling 40 gallons of non-tax-paid liquor along with 20 bushels of sweet potatoes.

Source: Mamie Jones.

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