By definition, moonshine is untaxed—and therefore illegal—distilled liquor. But in the heart of Vernon Parish, the infamous tipple has been rebranded as a delicious, award-winning, and very much legal spirit.
When Thomas Fleming retired from the Army in 2017 and began making moonshine in his backyard with his wife, he could not have anticipated the success that would follow. The Flemings’ small-scale venture led to his founding of the Louisiana Moonshine Co. in 2022, and the veteran-owned and family-operated business has become an iconic Leesville destination.
“Paying attention to detail is the key. And doing everything consistently."
— Thomas Fleming, founder of Louisiana Moonshine Co.
“It is actual backwoods, authentic moonshine,” Fleming said, noting the distillery lies in the heart of Kisatchie National Forest, true to the liquor’s historic roots. Popular flavors include Very Berry and Peach Cobbler; there’s even a Carnival-themed King Cake Cream moonshine just in time for Mardi Gras. To Fleming’s knowledge, the distillery is the first and only legal moonshine outfit in the state.

King Cake Cream Moonshine
As Master Distiller, Fleming knows well what makes a good moonshine. In 2024, his moonshine won both the gold medal and the judge’s selection at the Alberta Beverage Awards. And this past December, his moonshine was served during the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
“Paying attention to detail is the key. And doing everything consistently. I use the term ‘constant consistency,’ if that makes sense. A lot of pride goes into it,” he said. “There’s no real ‘wrong way’ of making moonshine.”
Capitalizing on the distillery’s success, Vernon Parish’s inaugural Louisiana Moonshine Festival is slated for March 7–8, presented by Keeping It Country Live, AMVETS Veterans Tribute, the Louisiana Moonshine Company, and United Cajun Navy, in association with Explore Louisiana and Vernon Parish Tourism.

Dave Gore, Owner & General Manager of Keeping It Country Live, LLC, said the event “is a first of its kind, really.” Master distillers and moonshiners from across the South will head to the Vernon Parish Fairgrounds for a family-friendly celebration that also offers food, live music, and moonshine tastings. The festival celebrates veterans, with a special concert and ticket discounts available for servicemembers, retired military, and first responders. Plus, what would a Vernon Parish moonshine festival be without tying in the legacy of No Man’s Land?
“We want to celebrate the folklore, the history, just that part of the state,” Gore said. “We want to unify the state, all the different corners.”
To learn more about Louisiana Moonshine Co. and the Louisiana Moonshine Festival, click HERE.