CT moonshine in Grammy gift bags

MANCHESTER Conn. (WTNH) - Moonshine made in Connecticut is making it's way to a popular awards show.

Lighting is striking twice for Onyx Co-Founders Peter Kowalczyk and Adam Von Gootkin who's small idea turned into something much bigger. Their moonshine product will be in the the gift bags at this year's Grammy Awards on Feb. 12.

"The concept just came to me, and I threw it at Adam, and I thought it was a mediocre idea.  And he was like, "That's awesome dude!" said Kowalczyk.

Bearded men drinking from a jug, and a backyard still is what may come to mind for some when they think of moonshine. But Onyx Moonshine is not made the old-fashioned way.

"This goal here was 50 cases a month, and, uh, that's what we do in two days now," said Gootkin.

The businessmen are building on ideas from the past, and evolving history at the same time.

"While this is an authentic moonshine, we've worked very hard to be a top shelf bottle of Spirits," said Gootkin.

Onyx is the first legally licensed moonshine distillery in Connecticut history.

"Connecticut is always struggling, trying to find its identity. Maybe we can help a little bit by creating a piece of Connecticut's history that someday might be sold out of Connecticut," said Onyx Co-Founders.