Moonshiners have been around since the prohibition era, and it’s still a popular way for people to earn some extra cash. But, who makes the most money on Moonshiners? Is it the people who produce the moonshine, or is it the ones who distribute it? In this article, we’ll be diving deep into the world of Moonshiners and discovering who comes out on top.
The world of Moonshiners is a secretive and often dangerous one. While it’s not illegal to own a still, it is illegal to produce moonshine without proper licensing. Despite the risks involved, it’s still an attractive business for those looking to earn some quick cash. But, just like any other business, there are certain individuals who make more money than others. In this article, we’ll be exploring who those individuals are and how they achieve their success.
If you’re a fan of Discovery Channel’s ‘Moonshiners’ show, you’re probably wondering who the big earners are. Is it Tickle? Tim Smith? Mark Ramsey? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll be revealing who the highest earning Moonshiners are and what it takes to be on top of the game. Whether you’re looking to start your own Moonshine business or just curious about who makes the most money, this article is a must-read. So grab your mason jar and let’s get started!
Moonshiners Show Overview
Moonshiners is an American reality television series that first premiered on the Discovery Channel on December 6, 2011. The show revolves around a group of moonshiners from different parts of the United States who are trying to make a living by producing illegal liquor. The moonshiners featured on the show are often portrayed as renegades and rebels who are constantly dodging the law and trying to stay one step ahead of the authorities.
The show has been a massive success for Discovery Channel, with viewership increasing with each passing season. The show has been praised for its high entertainment value and for bringing attention to a part of American culture that many people may not be familiar with.
Who Makes the Most Money on Moonshiners
- Tickle: One of the most iconic characters on the show, Tickle has been featured on Moonshiners since the very beginning. He is known for his laid-back personality and his excellent moonshining skills. Tickle reportedly makes around $60,000 per episode of the show.
- Tim Smith: Tim is the main character of the show and one of the most experienced moonshiners in the business. He has been featured on the show since its inception and reportedly makes around $40,000 per episode of the show.
- Josh Owens: Josh is one of the newer characters on the show, but he quickly became a fan favorite due to his charming personality and his impressive moonshining skills. He reportedly makes around $30,000 per episode of the show.
The Making of Moonshiners
The making of Moonshiners is a difficult process that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Most moonshiners start by collecting corn and other ingredients that are needed to make the mash. They then grind the corn and mix it with water before adding yeast to start the fermentation process. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is boiled to create a steam that turns into alcohol, which is then distilled to create moonshine.
The process is not only difficult, but it is also illegal. Moonshiners are constantly at risk of getting caught by law enforcement and can face harsh penalties if they are caught. Despite the risks involved, many moonshiners are passionate about their craft and continue to produce illegal liquor in order to support their families and make a living.
Moonshine Recipe
If you’re interested in making your own moonshine, the following recipe can be a good starting point:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cornmeal | 8 pounds |
| Sugar | 8 pounds |
| Water | 5 gallons |
| Yeast | 1 packet |
Mix the cornmeal and sugar together in a large pot. Add 3.5 gallons of water and heat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the mixture at this temperature for one hour before removing it from the heat. Add the remaining 1.5 gallons of water and let the mixture cool to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the yeast and stir the mixture well. Allow the mixture to ferment for 4-5 days before distilling it to create moonshine.
History of Moonshining in the United States
Moonshining in the United States has a rich history that spans over centuries. It is the art of producing unregulated, untaxed, and illegal alcohol. Since its inception, it has been regarded as a means of survival albeit on the dark side of the law.
- Distilling was brought to America by early English settlers in the late 1600s
- The Whiskey Rebellion from 1791 to 1794 was a major event in the history of moonshining. It was sparked by the imposition of a whiskey tax by the federal government, which was deemed unfair by many farmers and distillers.
- During Prohibition in the 1920s, moonshining became even more popular as the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol was banned. This was an opportunity for many people to engage in the illegal trade and make a hefty profit.
Today, moonshining still exists and is an underground business that continues to thrive. People still produce moonshine despite being illegal in most states, but the focus has shifted from a means of survival to a hobby, and in some cases, it has turned into a legitimate business.
The popularity of moonshine has endured, and there are numerous reality shows that showcase some of the most prominent moonshiners in America. These shows have brought to light how profitable the illegal business can be with some of the top moonshiners reportedly making millions of dollars annually.
| Moonshiner | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Mark Ramsey | $2 million |
| Tim Smith | $1.5 million |
| Jeremy Schwartz | $800,000 |
With the popularity of moonshining and the high amount of profit it can generate, there will always be individuals willing to take the risk and become moonshiners. It is a unique part of American culture that will continue to be a source of fascination for generations to come.
Top Moonshiners on the Show
As fans of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” know, the show follows several moonshiners as they produce illegal, high-proof alcohol in rural areas of the United States. While many of the moonshiners have achieved cult-like followings, certain individuals stand out among the rest in terms of fame, skill, and, of course, profits. Here are the top three moonshiners on the show:
- Tim Smith: Perhaps the most recognizable face on the show, Tim Smith has been producing illegal liquor in Virginia for over two decades. His moonshine, known as “Climax Moonshine,” has become so popular that it is now legally sold in several states across the nation. Smith’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $1 million.
- Mark Rogers: Based in South Carolina, Mark Rogers has been moonshining since he was a teenager. With a background in construction, Rogers has used his skills to create an elaborate and efficient distillery that has helped him generate significant profits from his moonshine. His net worth is believed to be around $300,000.
- Josh Owens: A fan favorite, Josh Owens hails from North Carolina and is known for his lighthearted personality and ability to make creative and unique flavors of moonshine. While he may not have the same level of experience as some of the other moonshiners on the show, his talent and charm have helped him stand out and become one of the most successful. Owens’ net worth is estimated to be around $200,000.
Their Earnings
While it’s impossible to know exactly how much money each moonshiner on the show makes, it’s clear that the top performers are earning significant profits from their illegal activity. In addition to selling their moonshine on the black market, many of the moonshiners have diversified their revenue streams by selling merchandise, running tours of their distilleries, and even opening up legal moonshine operations in states where it’s allowed.
| Moonshiner | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Tim Smith | $1 million |
| Mark Rogers | $300,000 |
| Josh Owens | $200,000 |
While the producers of “Moonshiners” may glamorize the life of a moonshiner, it’s important to remember that this is an illegal activity that can result in serious consequences if caught. Nevertheless, the success of these top moonshiners is a testament to their ingenuity, skill, and dedication to the craft of moonshining.
Production Process of Moonshine
Moonshine is homemade, unaged whiskey that is typically made from corn-based mash. The process of making moonshine is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down for generations. Although it is illegal in many locations, the production process is still widely practiced by those seeking to make a quick profit.
- Step 1: Getting the Ingredients – The first step in making moonshine is acquiring the necessary ingredients. This typically includes corn, sugar, yeast, and water. The corn is ground up and added to boiling water to create a mash. Sugar is added to the mixture to sweeten the final product, and yeast is added to start the fermentation process.
- Step 2: Fermenting the Mash – Once the mash has been made, it is allowed to ferment for several days. During this time, the yeast will break down the sugar and convert it into alcohol. The fermentation process is critical to making good moonshine, and the length of the process can affect the final product’s taste and potency.
- Step 3: Distilling the Moonshine – After the mash has fermented, it is time to distill the moonshine. This involves heating the liquid until it vaporizes, and then capturing the vapor in a condenser. The vapor is then cooled and turned back into a liquid, which is the final product. The distillation process is important for removing impurities from the moonshine, such as methanol, which can be harmful if consumed.
In some cases, moonshine makers may use additional steps or ingredients to add flavor or potency to their product. However, the basic process outlined above is the foundation of moonshine production.
It is important to note that making moonshine is illegal in many areas, and those caught producing it can face serious legal consequences. The process can also be dangerous if not done correctly, as it involves using flammable materials and can potentially cause explosions or fires.
Types of Stills used in Moonshine Production
Moonshine production requires the use of a still, which is a device that is used to distill the fermented mash into alcohol. There are several types of stills that are commonly used in moonshine production, including the following:
- Pot Still – A pot still is the most basic type of still and is often used by small-scale moonshine producers. This type of still consists of a large pot or kettle that is heated to vaporize the fermented mash. The vapor is collected and condensed into a liquid form to produce the moonshine.
- Column Still – A column still, also known as a reflux still, is a more advanced type of still that is typically used by larger-scale moonshine producers. This type of still uses a tall column that allows for multiple distillations to occur within the same still. This can result in a more pure, potent moonshine.
- Thumper Still – A thumper still is a type of still that includes an additional chamber called a thumper. The fermented mash is heated in the pot still and then passed through the thumper, which contains additional ingredients, such as fruit or herbs, to add flavor to the moonshine.
Moonshine Production Regulations
Production and sale of moonshine is illegal in many locations, but there are some areas where it is legal to produce it for personal use. However, there are often strict regulations in place governing the production of moonshine. For example, in the United States, it is legal to produce up to 100 gallons of moonshine per year for personal use, but it must be made using an approved still and cannot be sold.
| Location | Moonshine Production Regulations |
|---|---|
| United States | Legal to produce up to 100 gallons per year for personal use; cannot be sold |
| Canada | Illegal to produce without a license; cannot be sold |
| Australia | Legal to produce for personal use; cannot be sold |
| United Kingdom | Legal to produce for personal use; cannot be sold |
It is important to research the specific laws and regulations in your area before attempting to produce moonshine.
Legality of Moonshining
Moonshining, the process of making illegal distilled spirits, has been around for centuries. However, the legality of moonshining has changed over the years. Today, in almost all countries, moonshining is illegal; however, in some places, it is tolerated or even legal under certain circumstances.
- In the United States, moonshining is illegal under federal law, and it is a felony offense to manufacture, transport, or sell untaxed distilled spirits. However, some states have allowed moonshining under certain conditions. For example, in South Carolina, if you hold a valid permit, you can run up to 48 gallons of moonshine each year for personal use. In Missouri, you can legally produce up to 100 gallons of moonshine at home for your personal consumption. It’s worth noting, however, that the regulations around licensed moonshining can be quite strict and require significant investment, making it difficult to enter the legal moonshining market.
- In Canada, making moonshine is illegal, but owning a still is not. The law states that a still can only be used to distill water and essential oils; however, making alcohol is prohibited. Furthermore, provinces may have different rules and laws regarding owning a still or even fermenting alcohol.
- In the United Kingdom, owning a still is legal, but using it to distill alcohol without proper licensing is a criminal offense. A license to distill is required to produce alcoholic beverages, and the process is subject to strict regulations to ensure the safety of the product.
The legal consequences of getting caught moonshining vary depending on the country and the circumstances. In most countries, the punishment for illegal moonshining is severe and could result in hefty fines, seizures of equipment, and even jail time.
It is important to note that the production, distribution, and sale of untaxed alcohol can also have negative impacts on public health and safety. Untaxed and unregulated moonshine often contains harmful chemicals or substances, and as such can cause significant harm to consumers. Additionally, the use of unlicensed or unsafe equipment and methods can pose serious risks to those involved in the manufacturing process.
In conclusion, while legal moonshining exists in some jurisdictions, the vast majority of the world considers the production and sale of moonshine to be illegal. If you’re considering delving into the art of moonshining, it’s critical that you familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to avoid legal consequences and harm to yourself and others.
| Country | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Illegal, with some exceptions |
| Canada | Illegal to make, legal to own the still |
| United Kingdom | Illegal without proper licensing |
Risks and Dangers of Moonshining
Moonshining may sound like a romanticized and exciting venture, but it is far from being just a harmless hobby or a fun pastime. In fact, it is a dangerous, illegal, and potentially deadly activity that carries many risks and hazards.
If you are considering becoming a moonshiner, or if you know someone who is involved in it, it’s critical to be aware of the following risks and dangers:
- Legal consequences: Moonshining is a federal crime that can lead to hefty fines, confiscation of equipment and materials, and even a prison sentence. The production and distribution of untaxed and unregulated alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited and can result in severe legal penalties.
- Physical hazards: Moonshining requires handling flammable and explosive substances, such as ethanol, methanol, and other volatile solvents. These materials can ignite or explode if not handled with proper care and safety precautions, leading to severe burns, disfigurement, or even death. Breathing the fumes from these chemicals can also be hazardous to health.
- Health risks: Moonshine is often made with poor-quality ingredients, such as contaminated water, moldy grains, or toxic additives that can cause serious health problems, including blindness, organ damage, or death. Moreover, drinking moonshine that has not been properly distilled can result in methanol poisoning, which can also lead to blindness or death.
- Environmental damage: Moonshining can cause pollution and damage to the environment, as it often involves dumping waste materials, such as mash, in unauthorized areas or water sources. This can lead to contamination of soil, water, and wildlife, and damage to ecosystems and natural habitats.
- Social consequences: Moonshining is usually associated with organized crime, money laundering, and violence. Moreover, consuming or distributing illegal and unregulated alcohol can increase the risk of alcohol-related crimes, such as DUI, public disturbances, or domestic violence, and contribute to social disorder and harm.
- Economic risks: Moonshining is not a profitable or sustainable business, as it is hampered by numerous legal, operational, and marketing challenges. The cost of materials, equipment, and labor is often higher than the selling price of the product, and the quality and consistency of the moonshine may vary. As a result, moonshiners may struggle to earn a living or cover their expenses, and may even lose money or go bankrupt.
Conclusion
Moonshining is not a glamorous or lucrative activity, but rather a risky and hazardous venture that can have serious consequences. If you are tempted to become a moonshiner, you should think again and consider the legal, physical, health, environmental, social, and economic risks and dangers involved. It’s always better to find legal and safe ways to pursue your passion and interests rather than putting your life, health, and freedom at risk.
| Risks and Dangers | Consequences | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Fines, confiscation, prison | Do not engage in illegal activity |
| Physical | Burns, disfigurement, death | Handle chemicals safely, use protective gear |
| Health | Blindness, organ damage, death | Use proper ingredients, distillation, and testing |
| Environmental | Pollution, contamination, damage | Dispose of waste properly, respect the environment |
| Social | Violence, disorder, harm | Avoid contributing to illegal and harmful activities |
| Economic | Losses, bankruptcy | Find legal and sustainable ways to pursue your passion |
Being aware of the risks and dangers of moonshining can help you make informed and responsible choices and avoid any harm and negative consequences associated with this illegal and dangerous activity.
Marketing and Selling of Moonshine Products
In the world of moonshiners, making the product is just half the battle. The real challenge lies in marketing and selling their illicit spirits. To be successful, moonshiners need to be creative in their approach while also avoiding the watchful eye of the law. Here are seven things to know about marketing and selling moonshine products:
- Word of mouth is key: A lot of moonshiners operate in small, tight-knit communities. The best way to get the word out about your moonshine is through personal connections.
- Build a brand: The most successful moonshiners have created recognizable brands for themselves. They have creative labels and catchy names that make their product stand out on store shelves.
- Stay off the grid: Moonshiners need to be careful about how they market their product. Advertising in mainstream media could attract unwanted attention from law enforcement, so many choose to sell their moonshine through underground channels.
- Create limited editions: To build buzz around their product, some moonshiners create limited-edition runs with unique flavors or packaging. This helps create a sense of exclusivity and can drive up demand for their product.
- Partner with local businesses: In some cases, moonshiners have been able to partner with local businesses to sell their product. For example, a moonshiner might team up with a local bar or restaurant to offer their spirits on the menu.
- Online sales: While not a guaranteed method of success, some moonshiners have managed to sell their product through online marketplaces. This can be risky, as it opens up the possibility of being caught by law enforcement or scammed by customers.
- Know your audience: Finally, successful moonshiners know their customer base intimately. They know what flavors and packaging will speak to their target market and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly.
The Risks of Marketing and Selling Moonshine
While marketing and selling moonshine can be lucrative, it’s important for moonshiners to be aware of the risks involved. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- First and foremost, it’s illegal to make and sell moonshine. Anyone caught doing so could face fines and jail time.
- Marketing and selling moonshine can attract unwanted attention from law enforcement, which can put a moonshiner’s safety at risk.
- Moonshiners also need to be careful about who they sell their products to. Selling to minors, for example, is a quick way to get caught and face legal consequences.
- Finally, the quality of moonshine can vary widely depending on the skill and experience of the moonshiner. Poor-quality moonshine can make customers sick, which can lead to legal trouble and damage to a moonshiner’s reputation.
The Business of Moonshine: Marketing and Sales Data
To date, there is no reliable data on how much money moonshiners make from the marketing and sale of their products. This is due in part to the fact that moonshining is illegal and largely operates underground. However, it’s clear that there is a demand for moonshine products. The rise of craft distilleries in recent years has helped to bring moonshine into the mainstream, with some legal distillers even offering their own takes on the illicit spirit. Despite the risks involved, it’s likely that marketing and selling moonshine will continue to be a lucrative but risky business in the years to come.
| Marketing and Selling Techniques | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Word of Mouth | Low |
| Brand Building | Low/Medium |
| Stay Off the Grid | High |
| Create Limited Editions | Low/Medium |
| Partner with Local Businesses | Low/Medium |
| Online Sales | High |
| Know Your Audience | Low/Medium |
As the table above shows, there are varying degrees of risk associated with different marketing and selling techniques. Some techniques, like word of mouth and building a brand, are relatively low-risk. Others, like staying off the grid and selling online, carry a much higher risk of legal consequences.
FAQs about Who Makes the Most Money on Moonshiners
1. Who are the main characters in Moonshiners who make the most money?
The main characters on Moonshiners who make the most money are typically the ones who own their own distillery and have been in the business for a long time. These characters have perfected their craft and are able to produce high-quality moonshine that sells for top dollar.
2. Do the moonshiners themselves make the most money, or do they have partners who profit more?
It varies from episode to episode, but in general, the moonshiners themselves tend to make the most money. However, they often have partners who help them distribute and sell their product, and these partners can also make a good deal of money.
3. Are the moonshiners on the show paid a salary, or do they make money solely from their moonshining activities?
The moonshiners on the show do not receive a salary. They make their money solely from their moonshining activities. However, they do receive compensation for appearing on the show.
4. How much money can a successful moonshiner make?
It’s difficult to say exactly how much a successful moonshiner can make, as it depends on a variety of factors. However, some of the most successful moonshiners have been known to make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
5. Are there any moonshining-related jobs that pay well?
Yes, there are several jobs related to moonshining that can pay well. For example, if you work as a distributor or a buyer for a liquor store, you could make a good deal of money.
6. Is moonshining a sustainable way to make a living?
Moonshining is not a sustainable way to make a living in the long term, as it is illegal and carries significant risks. However, for some people, it can be a lucrative side gig or a way to make some extra money.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions about who makes the most money on Moonshiners. It’s important to remember that moonshining is illegal and carries significant risks, so we do not endorse or encourage this activity. However, if you are interested in learning about the show or the moonshining industry, we encourage you to keep exploring and learning. Thanks for reading, and please visit again soon!