Hartford Bar Celebrates Success of Manchester Moonshine Maker

A local distillery will host a red carpet event on Thursday at the Russian Lady to celebrate its brand’s selection as the official spirit of the 2012 Grammy Awards.

Manchester-based Onyx Moonshine will be placed in gift bags to be given to all presenters and performers at the awards show.

The spirit, which uses a prohibition-era recipe, is the “first legally-produced premium moonshine in Connecticut,” according to a statement from the company.

Onyx’s website does not clearly define what constitutes a moonshine, but says that it is “a truly American spirit,” despite relatively low popularity.

“We've only been open a few months and it's amazing to see how many people are excited to try our moonshine,” Adam von Gootkin, co-founder of Onyx Spirits Co, said in a statement.

The company's site promotes its product as an “exciting replacement for vodka or whiskey” in many cocktails.

Adam von Gootkin and Peter Kowalczyk, co-founders of Onyx Spirits, as well as Brady of Kiss 95.7 FM, will attend the event at the Russian Lady.

The Russian Lady recently reopened after a 14-year hiaius.

Tonight, it's the place to be. Promotional prizes will include a Grammy gift bag for one attendee.

The event is open to the public and will begin at 9 p.m. Thursday.

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