The founders won’t admit to drinking or making moonshine. But the three University of Georgia grads are proud to open up about Moonshine, the popular Southern cologne they created.
The business: Austin-based EastWest Bottlers started in October 2011.
The founders: Charlie Holderness from Greensboro, NC; Matt Moore, who grew up in Lilburn, Ga; and Colin Newberry from Austin. The frat brothers met at UGA and scattered after graduation in 2005 to various careers in Greensboro, Nashville and Austin.
In the beginning: After graduation, the friends frequently talked in a group email chain about life, work and fun stuff going on in their lives. They also talked about starting a business together.
The inspiration for Moonshine came after Holderness did a modeling job for a collegiate cologne. The trio thought a Southern-themed cologne could be a winner and jumped on the idea.
The goods: Colognes, soaps, perfumes, candles, after shave balms with Prohibition era-themed names.
Best seller: Moonshine, a gentleman’s cologne with a light woodsy scent, is packaged in a clear flask-like bottle ($76).
Other favorites: Speakeasy, a lady’s perfume ($85); Moonshine after shave balm ($40); and Speakeasy candles ($48).
Award: Recently won the 2019 Bulldog 100, an annual award that celebrates the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alums.
What’s new: Sportsman ($76) cologne and a 15-card postcard collection ($24), created with 1924.us, a design and branding agency.
Where to buy: www.eastwestbottlers.com.
Get social at: ewbottlers on facebook and Instagram.
