How did New Orleans bootleggers keep the whiskey flowing during Prohibition? And what does a mysterious cypress tree deep in the Louisiana swamps have to do with it?

In Episode 3 of Below Sea Level, Joseph Quilio and master distiller Luka Cutura explore New Orleans' historic drinking culture, the impact of national Prohibition (1920–1933), and the legend behind Whiskey Tree Bourbon.

Master distiller Luka Cutura speaks on the rise of speakeasies and bootlegging, and why Louisiana's remote waterways provided ideal hiding places for moonshiners. Luka also shares the story of a legendary bald cypress tree in the Honey Island Swamp, believed to have served as a meeting point for illegal whiskey traders. This piece of Louisiana folklore inspired the name and story behind Whiskey Tree Bourbon, produced by Seven Three Distilling in New Orleans.

Topics covered:

• New Orleans' historic cocktail and drinking culture
• National Prohibition and Louisiana's underground liquor trade
• New Orleans bootleggers, speakeasies, and moonshiners
• The Whiskey Tree legend and Honey Island Swamp
• The history and inspiration behind Whiskey Tree Bourbon

Below Sea Level explores Louisiana history, culture, folklore, and the people who make the Pelican State unique.

Recorded at Seven Three Distilling, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hosted by Joseph Quilio and Luka Cutura.

The Whiskey Tree, New Orleans Prohibition, Louisiana Prohibition history, New Orleans bootleggers, Louisiana moonshine, bootlegging history, Honey Island Swamp, Whiskey Tree Bourbon, New Orleans whiskey history, Louisiana history podcast, Prohibition era, speakeasies, Seven Three Distilling, Luka Cutura, Below Sea Level podcast

What if Louisiana’s most terrifying legends are more than just stories? From the mysterious Honey Island Swamp Monster to the shape-shifting Rougarou of Cajun folklore and the vampire legends of New Orleans, we’re diving into the dark side of Louisiana history, culture, and the supernatural.

On this episode of Below Sea Level, host Joseph Quilio and master distiller Luka Cutura explore the origins of Louisiana’s most chilling legends, the stories passed down through generations, and the reasons New Orleans has become synonymous with the paranormal.

Discover the difference between the Rougarou and the Honey Island Swamp Monster, uncover the folklore behind New Orleans’ reputation for witches and vampires, and hear the hosts debate which legends might have a basis in reality. They’ll also share childhood ghost stories and discuss whether the mysterious Louisiana swamps could still hold secrets waiting to be discovered.

In this episode:

• The Honey Island Swamp Monster: Louisiana’s legendary swamp creature
• The Rougarou: The terrifying werewolf of Cajun folklore
• New Orleans vampires, witches, and supernatural traditions
• The origins of Louisiana’s most enduring spooky stories
• Personal encounters, unexplained experiences, and childhood fears
• Legend or Reality? Which Louisiana legends are believable?

Whether you love Louisiana folklore, Cajun culture, New Orleans history, ghost stories, or unexplained mysteries, this episode explores the legends that continue to capture our imagination.

Subscribe to Below Sea Level for more stories about Louisiana history, culture, legends, and the people and traditions that make the Pelican State unique.

Until next time, we'll meet you at the tree for the pour.