Backwoods Appalachian distillers disclosed that demand for American whiskey had increased amid difficult economic times. In the latest season of Discovery’s “Moonshiners,” distilling partners Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes share their travels and explain how 2020 proved to be an unexpectedly successful year for the spirit. “Hard times make the greatest shine,” in their opinion.
In the series, viewers will discover how backwoods shiners have been able to manufacture high-quality booze at a low cost by using vast quantities of components, like fruits and grains.
In an interview with Fox News, Ramsey and Manes discussed their thoughts on the rising popularity of moonshine this year, the myths surrounding the booze, and advice they would offer to someone wishing to strike it rich.
What myths do you think exist today regarding the moonshine industry, and what is the truth?..
First of all, the former moonshiners weren’t all thugs and crazy people. They were and still are good, moral members of their community. That and moonshine will either kill you or cause blindness. Propaganda like that aims to halt [sales].
The old-timers were not lawbreakers. There is a distinction, and they were acting in a way that was necessary for their survival. Nothing was to be done. We learned from it. We have endeavored to ground our methods in the wisdom of the old-timers. We value and are very interested in our heritage.
They really ought to get involved if they’re considering it. But please understand that you will not succeed. You’ll experience a lot of failure. But persevere. Work is not simple. The old-timers would always tell stories about how people assumed they would just lay around and manufacture alcohol. You have my word that they are not sitting on their asses if they are producing alcohol. But by all means, do it if you so choose. In a very short while, you’ll know if it’s for you or not.
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