When Manhattan Moonshine Company was formed in 2013, its founders were on a mission to make un-aged whiskey, or “moonshine,” that could rival aged competitors.

Since the 2014 debut of the company’s first and eponymous Manhattan Moonshine – which dispenses with corn in favor of oats, spelt, and rye – they have moved in a slightly more aged and pun-heavy direction of Sunshine Reserve.

While the original was intended to vindicate “moonshine” (check out our analysis on that term) from its popularly ill repute, the stated goal of Sunshine Reserve is to be equally “approachable” for novices and “exciting”