Moonshiners Share their Favorite Memories from 130-Plus Years of Experience

For more of these 'shiners, stream Moonshiners: American Spirit and Master Distiller Tournament of Champions on discovery+.

April 26, 2022

By: Discovery

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Steven Ray Tickle

1. How many years have you been making moonshine?

Started off making really bad beer, and decided after that moonshine might be easier, about 12 years ago I got my start.

2. Describe moonshining in three words.

Don’t. Get. Caught.

3. Most memorable moonshining moment?

My most memorable moonshining moment is when my wife came to the still site and found me asleep in front of a bucket filling up with moonshine. She reminds me of it often and so it’s my most memorable.

4. Favorite moonshine you've ever made?

I’m very partial to Rye Moonshine, because it is one of the hardest to get right. And a true moonshiner ain't afraid of a challenge.

5. Message for the fans:

We got a lot more comin’ - keep on watchin!

Tim Smith

1. How many years have you been making moonshine?

50 years

2. Describe moonshining in three words.

Clear, Cold, Cash.

3. Most memorable moonshining experience?

My first legal bottle.

4. Favorite moonshine you've ever made?

Strawberry

5. Message for the fans:

Stay safe if you're making [moonshine], and keep watching Moonshiners.

Howard Thompson

1. How long have you been making moonshine?

I’ve been making moonshine for the last five years. I haven’t been in it as long as Tim and them, but once I got inspired by them, I took the reins and ran with it. I used to be a bootlegger running across the mountain. Now I’m the one in the mountains making ‘shine.

2. Describe moonshining:

Freedom. Rebellion. Good Times.

3. Most memorable moonshining exprerience?

The first time I got to run moonshine with Tim Smith. Me and him have always kicked it around the woods, we've always worked together, I’ve always helped him do everything, but when he took me under his wing and let me start learning from him and getting to make moonshine with him, that’s when I felt like I made it to the top.

4. Favorite moonshine you've ever made?

Apple pie. It seems simple to a lot of people, but it’s near and dear to everybody’s hearts. It comes around once a year and it knocks everybody’s socks off.

5. Message for the fans:

To all you Moonshiners fans out there, I just want to say keep on ‘shining, do what you do, keep your head held high — and watch us and stay tuned.