About this season
Think the days of bootleggers, backwoods stills and "white lightning" are over? Not a chance! It's a multi-million dollar industry. But perhaps more importantly to the moonshiners, it's a tradition dating back hundreds of years, passed down to them from their forefathers. It's part of their history and culture. While this practice is surprisingly alive and well, it's not always legal. Moonshiners tells the story of those who brew their shine - often in the woods near their homes using camouflaged equipment - and the local authorities who try to keep them honest. Viewers will witness practices rarely, if ever, seen on television including the sacred rite of passage for a moonshiner - firing up the still for the first time. They will also meet legends, including notorious moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton.
Episodes (18)
1. Whiskey Rebellion
Aired 15 November 2016 • 42 min
It's moonshine season in Appalachia. Josh has hit the ground running but working solo can lead to catastrophic results. And former outlaw Tim Smith is training his son JT to help run his legal outfit.
2. Take Me to the River
Aired 22 November 2016 • 42 min
Patti & David scramble to locate a clean water source for their operation. Mark Rogers ventures into unfamiliar territory to secure new buyers. Mark & Digger use an old moonshiner's trick to spook intruders from their still site.
3. Hard Start
Aired 29 November 2016 • 42 min
Josh finds himself in desperate need of help following a catastrophe and Chico and Sandra's moonshine partnership puts strain on their relationship. Mark and Digger get innovative with their still, but the operation attracts an unwanted visitor.
4. Luck of the Irish
Aired 6 December 2016 • 42 min
A rookie mistake could ruin Josh and Chuck's operation and Tim travels across the Atlantic to teach an old Irish distillery about making moonshine. Mark and Digger's mash test is interrupted by an unwanted visitor.
5. Big River Redemption
Aired 13 December 2016 • 42 min
Mark and Digger struggle with a special recipe for a shine legend. Big Chuck tries to redeem himself after destroying Josh's operation. Chico and Sandra continue working on their still site, but disaster strikes.
6. Making Spirits Bright
Aired 20 December 2016 • 42 min
It's Christmas time in shine country! Mark & Digger get in the holiday spirit by playing Santa Claus for kids in need. Patti & David prepare special treats for a festive holiday feast. Bill and friends prepare for Christmas caroling the Carolina way.
7. Whiskey Time Machine
Aired 27 December 2016 • 42 min
Tim needs to rescue his operation, challenging the laws of nature and time. Mark and Digger implement a high tech addition to their operation that could double their output, if it doesn't blow them up. Jeff and Lance make a once banned liquor.
8. Dog Days of Shining
Aired 3 January 2017 • 42 min
Josh and Big Chuck find a new still site in hopes of reviving their season; and Mark and Digger test their still design. Later, Mark and Mike check out new territory.
9. Smokey Mountain Gin
Aired 10 January 2017 • 42 min
Tim Smith aims to put a whiskey time machine to the test; Chico and Sandra switch gears with a new recipe in hopes of jump-starting their stalled season; Mark and Digger opt to experiment with distilling an old classic on their high-speed rig.
10. Green Dragon
Aired 17 January 2017 • 42 min
Josh and Chuck work to reclaim their place at the top. Later, money threatens an old partnership for Jeff, Mark and Lance; and Mark and Digger craft a special brew for a high-rolling customer.
11. Big City Bootleg
Aired 24 January 2017 • 42 min
With liquor stockpiled, Carolina shiners Josh and Big Chuck start digging for a new stash site. The pressure's on as backwoods distillers Mark and Digger haul 60 gallons of premium gin to Nashville the sale of their career. In the Louisiana swamplands, father/daughter duo Patti and David follow nature's harvest to make a sweet new brew.
12. Big Wheels Keep On Turning
Aired 31 January 2017 • 42 min
Mark and Digger bring in a moonshine legend to rev-up production; Josh and Chuck turn to an old power source to prolong their operation; Chico and Sondra gear up for their first big sale of the season; Tim puts money on the line.
13. The Green Devil
Aired 7 February 2017 • 42 min
Jeff and Lance attempt to salvage their absinthe recipe; Mark puts his new partner to the test; backbreaking labor and a lack of profit threaten to leave Josh up the creek without a paddle or a partner; Patti and David lack their key ingredient.
14. Thunder Pumpkins
Aired 14 February 2017 • 42 min
An ingredient has Josh and Chuck ready to quit the biz; Mark and Digger band together with JB to run their signature spirit; Tim puts his turbo-aged whiskey to the test; and Chico and Sondra have their sights on a new brew.
15. Two Pot Bang Bang
Aired 21 February 2017 • 42 min
Josh and Chuck struggle to finish winterizing their site; Mark and Digger bring their two-pot still out of retirement; Mark and Mike have enjoyed a string of successful runs, but delivering the goods could land them in the crosshairs of the law.
16. Intruder Alert
Aired 7 March 2017 • 42 min
Winter closes in and shiners aim to finish their seasons strong; Mark and Digger clash with the law; a breach from an intruder leaves Josh and Chuck deep in debt; Chico and Sondra's operation is burned.
17. The Legend of Tim Smith
Aired 16 March 2017 • 42 min
Jeff, Mark and Lance head their separate ways; Tim gets to spend time with an old friend; Patti and David end their season with a boatload of shine.
18. Last Call
Aired 28 March 2017 • 44 min
Jeff, Mark and Lance's legendary partnership comes to a bittersweet end.