In a true rags-to-riches tale with a rock ‘n’ roll twist, Denver, North Carolina-based moonshiner Big Nick Calo has teamed up with The King of Rock N’ Roll, Elvis Presley, in a partnership with Graceland. Following his victory on the hit TV show “Moonshiner’s Master Distiller,” Calo’s signature Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine has now earned the honor of becoming an officially licensed Elvis Presley product.
In celebration of this historic collaboration, South Mountain Distilling Co. (SMD) is re-releasing Calo’s award winning moonshine as a collectible series during Elvis’ 90th birthday celebration in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Guesthouse at Graceland.
It all started with a flash of inspiration on national TV. When tasked with creating 20 gallons of moonshine mash for just $30, Calo drew from the legendary tastes of Elvis Presley himself. Combining the King’s iconic love for peanut butter and banana sandwiches with his passion for craft moonshine, Calo created a flavor that would go on to win the show’s “Bang for the Buck” challenge.
For Calo, the connection to Elvis is deeply personal. In 2020, he and his wife, Keisha, celebrated their wedding on Graceland’s hallowed grounds, with their reception held inside Elvis’ famous car museum—a fitting tribute to the man who inspired this unforgettable blend.
But the story doesn’t end there. Six months after his TV triumph, Big Nick Calo took another giant leap forward, partnering with SMD, whose reputation for creating premium spirits for celebrity brands from the hit TV series, “Moonshiners”, like JB Rader, Kelly Williamson, Sally Jane Clark, Killer Beaz and Patti Bryan has made them one of the top leaders in the moonshine industry. With SMD’s backing, Calo’s Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine is now making waves on a national scale.
The magic happens when great taste meets legendary status. Big Nick’s Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine has officially been endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. This means that Calo’s unique creation is now a part of the official Elvis Presley product lineup, a tribute to the King that moonshine enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike will savor. To celebrate the release of this officially licensed Elvis Presley moonshine, SMD is launching a collectible series. The Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine will be available in six different collectible jars, each featuring a unique design that pays tribute to Elvis and his iconic legacy.
“We are beyond thrilled to partner with Elvis Presley Enterprises and bring an officially endorsed product to market,” says Don Smith, SMD owner. “Big Nick’s Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine is already a fan favorite and aligning it with Elvis Presley’s iconic legacy is the perfect match. This is a product that adds a whole new level of excitement with fans of both Elvis and high-quality moonshine. This collectible series will allow fans to complete a set and own a piece of moonshine history.”
“To have my Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine recognized as an official Elvis Presley product is a dream come true,” adds Calo. “If you asked me seven years ago when I was making [a] half-gallon of moonshine at a time in my kitchen if I thought I would be where I am today, I would have laughed. I’m incredibly honored to share this creation with fans across the world, and I can’t wait for everyone to taste the magic that comes from this rock ‘n’ roll-inspired recipe.”
The officially licensed Elvis Presley Peanut Butter Banana Moonshine and its collectible jar series is set to have a soft release at the Guest House at Graceland for Elvis’ 90th Birthday Celebration and will be available at select retailers nationwide and through SMD’s online store. Fans can look forward to exclusive promotions, events, and the collection series as this extraordinary collaboration continues to rock the world.
For more information, visit www.southmountaindistilling.com.