Mark and Digger’s Moonshine: The Legacy of Two Famous Moonshiners
Key Takeaways
- Mark Ramsey and “Digger” Manes transformed from underground moonshiners to television stars while preserving authentic Appalachian distilling traditions
- Their signature Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey represents generations of moonshine knowledge, crafted at 120-proof from Tennessee-sourced corn
- Through partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, these master distillers have legally brought authentic backwoods recipes to moonshine enthusiasts nationwide
- Mark and Digger’s product line has expanded beyond their initial Rye Apple Moonshine (2015) to include Hazelnut Rum (2017) and Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey (2024)
- Fans can meet these moonshine legends at special events held at Sugarlands’ Gatlinburg distillery, where their craft continues to evolve
From Backwoods to Bottle Shops: The Rise of Mark and Digger
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Deep in the hollows of Appalachian Tennessee, where mist clings to mountains and secrets pass through generations, the art of moonshine distilling has flourished for centuries. Few have mastered this craft as thoroughly as Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes, whose journey from backwoods distillers to legitimate spirits producers represents the evolution of American moonshine itself. Their story isn’t just about making whiskey – it’s about preserving a threatened cultural heritage while adapting to a changing world.
What began as knowledge passed down through hushed conversations and midnight distilling sessions has transformed into a legitimate enterprise through their partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company. This collaboration has allowed these master distillers to bring authentic mountain spirits to enthusiasts everywhere without compromising the traditions that make their products special. Through their television appearances and commercial spirits, Mark and Digger have become ambassadors for a craft that once operated exclusively in the shadows.
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing authenticity with commercial viability requires careful navigation of both modern regulations and traditional methods. Yet Mark and Digger have managed to maintain their credibility among old-school moonshiners while introducing new generations to properly-made corn whiskey. Their success story demonstrates how deep knowledge, unwavering commitment to quality, and respect for tradition can thrive even as moonshine moves from hidden stills to store shelves.
Appalachian Moonshine Masters: Who Are Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes?
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Before they became household names through television, Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes were already legendary figures in Appalachian moonshining circles. Both men grew up immersed in the culture of East Tennessee, where making spirits wasn’t just a business but a way of life tightly woven into the fabric of mountain communities. Their knowledge wasn’t acquired through formal education but through decades of hands-on experience and mentorship from previous generations of distillers who guarded their secrets carefully. To learn more about the history and cultural significance of moonshine, check out this secret history of corn moonshine.
Mark, known for his methodical approach and technical precision, complements Digger’s intuitive understanding of fermentation and flavor development. Together, they represent a perfect balance of science and art in traditional distilling. Their partnership stretches back decades, forged through shared experiences navigating both the practical challenges of making quality spirits and the legal risks that accompanied traditional moonshining operations. This long-standing collaboration creates a synergy that’s evident in every product bearing their names.
“We had the privilege of learning the art of making whiskey from scores of old backwoods liquor producers, and we’re excited to work with our friends at Sugarlands to bring this traditional corn whiskey to everyone.” – Mark Ramsey
TV Stars with Deep Moonshine Roots
When the television show “Moonshiners” first featured Mark and Digger, viewers instantly recognized their authenticity. Unlike some characters whose on-screen personas seemed crafted for entertainment, these men displayed a depth of knowledge and commitment to craft that couldn’t be faked. Their segments stood out for technical discussions about fermentation temperatures, mash bill ratios, and distillation cuts – details that only true practitioners would understand and appreciate. Their expertise is further showcased in Mark & Digger’s Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey, a testament to their dedication to quality.
Television fame brought new opportunities but also new responsibilities as they became representatives of Appalachian moonshine culture to a global audience. Rather than simply capitalizing on their newfound celebrity, they’ve used their platform to educate viewers about the rich history, technical complexity, and cultural significance of traditional distilling methods. Through demonstrations, explanations, and storytelling, they’ve helped transform public perception of moonshine from dangerous rotgut to a sophisticated craft spirit with deep American roots.
Their on-screen personas reflect their actual personalities – straightforward, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of tradition while still willing to innovate. Viewers connect with their authenticity, creating a fan base that extends far beyond casual television watchers to include serious spirits enthusiasts and craft distillers. This genuine approach has allowed them to maintain credibility within traditional moonshining communities while succeeding in the commercial spirits world.
Learning from the Old Timers: How They Mastered the Craft
The foundation of Mark and Digger’s distilling expertise wasn’t built in modern facilities with temperature controls and scientific instruments, but through apprenticeship with mountain distillers whose methods remained largely unchanged for generations. These mentors – often referred to simply as “old-timers” – possessed knowledge that couldn’t be found in books or formal education. Their techniques were preserved through oral tradition and direct demonstration, creating an unbroken chain of knowledge stretching back to the earliest American distillers.
This traditional education included everything from selecting water sources and understanding local grain varieties to recognizing the subtle aromas that indicate perfect fermentation and proper distillation cuts. They learned to work with rudimentary equipment, often improvising solutions using available materials – a creative approach that developed their deep understanding of distilling principles. Most importantly, they absorbed the philosophy that quality and reputation matter above all else, a value that continues to guide their commercial products today.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from these old-time mentors was patience – understanding that proper fermentation can’t be rushed, that distillation requires constant attention, and that building a reputation for excellence takes years of consistent quality. This patient approach stands in stark contrast to the industrial efficiency that dominates much of modern spirits production. Mark and Digger’s willingness to take the time necessary for optimal results distinguishes their products in today’s marketplace, creating spirits that truly connect present-day drinkers with authentic mountain traditions.
Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey: Their Signature Spirit
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January 2024 marked a significant milestone in Mark and Digger’s commercial distilling journey with the release of Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey. This 120-proof unaged spirit represents the culmination of their distilling philosophy – a pure expression of traditional corn whiskey made with methods perfected over generations. Unlike many commercial “moonshines” that merely imitate authentic mountain spirits, this product genuinely captures the essence of what made backwoods liquor special.
Mountain Legacy stands as a testament to their commitment to authenticity in a market often filled with gimmicky flavored products. Described by Mark as “a recipe Digger and I have been perfecting for years,” this whiskey contains no artificial ingredients or shortcuts. Instead, it relies on quality grain, proper fermentation, careful distillation, and generations of knowledge to create a spirit that would satisfy even the most discerning mountain distillers of previous eras.
120-Proof Powerhouse: What Makes This Corn Whiskey Special
The decision to bottle Mountain Legacy at 120 proof (60% alcohol by volume) wasn’t made for marketing purposes or shock value – it represents the traditional strength at which corn whiskey was typically produced in Appalachian communities. At this proof, the spirit maintains perfect balance between alcoholic strength and flavor expression, allowing drinkers to experience the full character of the corn while still providing the warming sensation that mountain folk valued during cold winter months.
This higher proof also connects directly to moonshining tradition, where distillers understood that strong spirits represented efficiency and value. Every drop of 120-proof whiskey contains more alcohol than lower-proof alternatives, meaning customers received more actual spirits for their money. Additionally, this strength allowed the product to be “proofed down” (diluted with water) by the end user if desired, providing flexibility that worked well for both medicinal applications and personal preference in drinking strength.
Most importantly, the higher proof preserves volatile aromatic compounds that might be lost in lower-strength products. This preservation of delicate flavors allows Mountain Legacy to showcase the subtle complexity that makes traditional corn whiskey special, with nuances that would be diminished or absent in an 80-proof product. Experienced whiskey enthusiasts often add small amounts of water to open up these flavors when tasting, creating a customized experience that honors the traditional way these spirits were consumed.
Traditional Mash Bill: The Recipe Behind the Magic
The foundation of Mountain Legacy’s distinctive character lies in its mash bill – the specific combination of grains used in fermentation. Following Appalachian tradition, corn dominates the recipe, providing the sweet, distinctive backbone that defines American whiskey. The exact proportions remain proprietary, but like most traditional mountain recipes, corn likely comprises 80% or more of the grain bill, with smaller amounts of complementary grains added to enhance complexity and fermentation characteristics.
What separates authentic mountain recipes from commercial imitators isn’t just the grain selection but the approach to processing these ingredients. Traditional methods involve cooking the grains at specific temperature stages to maximize starch conversion without extracting harsh tannins or off-flavors. Mark and Digger’s intimate knowledge of these techniques allows them to extract maximum fermentable sugars while preserving the clean, distinctive character that makes proper corn whiskey so appealing.
Tennessee-Sourced Ingredients: Keeping It Local
True to their heritage, Mark and Digger insisted on sourcing corn and other ingredients from Tennessee farmers for Mountain Legacy. This commitment to local sourcing isn’t merely about marketing – it reflects a deep understanding that regional ingredients contribute significantly to flavor development. Tennessee corn varieties, grown in local soil and climate conditions, possess subtle characteristics that differ from corn grown elsewhere, creating a whiskey with true regional identity.
This approach mirrors historical moonshining practices, where distillers worked with locally available ingredients out of necessity rather than choice. Those limitations actually created regional whiskey styles, as distillers adapted their methods to work optimally with local grain varieties, water sources, and environmental conditions. By maintaining this connection to place through ingredient sourcing, Mountain Legacy preserves an essential aspect of authentic mountain distilling that many commercial products overlook.
The Sugarlands Partnership: Bringing Moonshine to the Masses
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The collaboration between Mark and Digger and Sugarlands Distilling Company represents a perfect marriage of traditional knowledge and modern business practices. Founded in 2014 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Sugarlands has established itself as a leader in craft spirits with a particular focus on products that honor Appalachian distilling traditions. This partnership has enabled these master distillers to share their creations with a national audience while maintaining the authenticity and quality that built their reputation.
What makes this relationship work is the shared commitment to preserving traditional methods rather than simply exploiting the “moonshine” name for marketing purposes. Sugarlands provides the legal framework, distribution network, and modern facilities, while Mark and Digger contribute generations of distilling knowledge and recipe development. This combination allows them to create products that satisfy both traditional moonshine enthusiasts and newer spirits drinkers discovering these flavors for the first time.
From Illegal to Commercial: The Legal Moonshine Revolution
The transformation of moonshine from illicit backwoods liquor to commercial craft spirit represents one of the most significant developments in American distilling history. For generations, mountain distillers operated outside the law not primarily by choice but due to prohibitive federal taxes and regulations that made legal operation impractical for small producers. This underground economy created a rich tradition of distilling knowledge passed through families and tight-knit communities, completely separate from the commercial whiskey industry.
The craft distilling movement that began in the early 2000s created new opportunities for these traditional methods to emerge into legitimacy. Changes in state and federal regulations reduced barriers for small distilleries, allowing authentic practitioners like Mark and Digger to produce spirits legally while maintaining traditional methods. This transition hasn’t been without controversy – some traditionalists view commercialization as compromising the independent spirit of moonshining, while others see it as the only way to preserve these methods for future generations.
Through their partnership with Sugarlands, Mark and Digger have demonstrated that quality and authenticity can survive the transition to commercial production. By insisting on proper ingredients, traditional methods, and appropriate proofs, they’ve created products that connect modern consumers with genuine mountain distilling traditions while operating completely within legal frameworks. This approach honors their moonshining heritage while ensuring these traditions continue into the future rather than fading into historical obscurity.
Previous Collaborative Products with Sugarlands
Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey represents the latest chapter in a successful collaborative relationship that began in 2015 with the release of Mark & Digger’s Rye Apple Moonshine. This partnership has allowed these distillers to experiment with both traditional and innovative spirit categories, creating products that showcase different aspects of their distilling philosophy while appealing to various consumer preferences.
1. Rye Apple Moonshine
The first collaboration between Mark and Digger and Sugarlands arrived in 2015 with their Rye Apple Moonshine, an 80-proof spirit that combined traditional grain spirit with natural apple flavors. This product represented a clever bridge between purist mountain traditions and more accessible flavored spirits, introducing new consumers to quality moonshine through familiar apple notes while still maintaining authentic distilling methods. The use of rye rather than corn as the base grain connected to older Appalachian traditions when distillers would work with whatever grains were locally available.
Rye Apple quickly became a popular offering in Sugarlands’ lineup, attracting both traditional moonshine enthusiasts and newer spirits drinkers looking for something distinctive. The 80-proof bottling strength made it more approachable than full-strength traditional spirits while still providing enough alcoholic backbone to carry the flavors effectively. This successful first collaboration established the template for future products – authentic methods combined with marketable concepts.
2. Hazelnut Rum
In 2017, Mark and Digger expanded their product range in an unexpected direction with Hazelnut Rum, demonstrating their versatility beyond traditional whiskey production. This product showcased their understanding that mountain distillers historically worked with many base ingredients beyond just corn and grains, including fruit wines and sugarcane derivatives. The rich hazelnut flavoring connected to the Appalachian tradition of incorporating local nuts and botanicals into spirits, creating distinctive seasonal products that reflected available ingredients.
The Business of Modern Moonshine
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The transformation of moonshine from illicit backwoods beverage to mainstream commercial product has created an entirely new business model that balances tradition with modern marketing realities. Today’s legal moonshine industry generates millions in revenue through retail sales, tourism, and merchandise—a dramatic shift from the cash-only underground economy that defined this spirit for generations. Companies like Sugarlands have successfully positioned these products as premium craft spirits rather than novelty items, commanding respectable shelf space alongside traditional whiskeys and bourbons.
Distribution and Availability
Mark and Digger’s product line enjoys nationwide distribution through Sugarlands’ extensive network, making their spirits available in liquor stores, specialty shops, and bars across the country. Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey, their newest offering, launched initially at the Sugarlands distillery in January 2024 before rolling out to retailers nationwide. The expansion of online alcohol shipping laws in many states has further increased accessibility, allowing fans from regions without physical distribution to purchase these products directly.
The pricing strategy reflects the premium positioning of these authentic spirits, with Mountain Legacy typically retailing between $29.99-$34.99 for a 750ml jar—significantly higher than mass-produced flavored “moonshines” but still accessible compared to aged premium whiskeys. This price point acknowledges both the quality ingredients and traditional methods while remaining within reach of enthusiasts looking to experience authentic mountain spirits. Limited edition releases and special bottlings occasionally command higher prices among collectors.
Fan Meet-and-Greets and Distillery Events
The celebrity status of Mark and Digger has become a powerful marketing tool, with scheduled appearances at the Gatlinburg distillery drawing hundreds of enthusiasts eager to meet these moonshine legends in person. These events typically include product signings, photo opportunities, and informal Q&A sessions where fans can learn directly from these master distillers. The January 2024 launch of Mountain Legacy featured back-to-back appearances, with lines forming hours before the scheduled meet-and-greet began.
Beyond scheduled appearances, Sugarlands capitalizes on the tourism appeal of moonshine culture through daily distillery tours, tasting experiences, and merchandise sales. Visitors can witness portions of the production process, sample various products including Mark and Digger’s line, and purchase exclusive items available only at the distillery. This experiential marketing creates deeper brand connections while educating consumers about traditional moonshine production methods and history.
The Cultural Impact of Famous Moonshiners
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The emergence of figures like Mark and Digger into mainstream popularity has fundamentally changed public perception of moonshine and the people who produce it. Rather than the dangerous, law-breaking stereotypes of earlier eras, today’s moonshiners are increasingly viewed as skilled craftspeople preserving important cultural traditions. This shift has helped rehabilitate the image of Appalachian distilling culture, highlighting the technical knowledge, dedication to quality, and regional pride that characterizes authentic mountain distilling.
Their prominence has sparked renewed interest in traditional American distilling methods beyond commercial moonshine products. Home distilling remains illegal without proper permits, but legal hobbyist activities like home brewing and legal distillery workshops have flourished as enthusiasts seek to understand these traditional processes. Educational content about fermentation science, mash preparation, and flavor development reaches audiences far beyond those who purchase commercial products, creating a broader cultural appreciation for these traditional methods. For those interested in learning more about distilling, understanding the main parts of a still can be a valuable starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The growing popularity of Mark and Digger’s moonshine products has generated numerous questions from both casual consumers and dedicated spirits enthusiasts. Many people remain unclear about the distinctions between commercial moonshine and traditional illegal spirits, while others seek specific information about product availability and characteristics. These frequently asked questions address the most common inquiries about Mark and Digger’s spirits and their involvement with Sugarlands Distilling Company.
Understanding these products requires recognizing both their connection to authentic mountain traditions and the modern commercial context in which they exist. While produced legally in a regulated facility, these spirits maintain many characteristics that define traditional moonshine, including unaged clarity, corn-forward flavor profiles, and higher proof than typical commercial spirits. This balance between tradition and modern production creates a unique category that preserves heritage while meeting contemporary safety and consistency standards.
The following questions cover practical considerations for consumers interested in experiencing these products, including technical details, purchasing information, and opportunities to connect directly with Mark and Digger through distillery visits and special events.
How strong is Mark and Digger’s Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey?
Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey is bottled at 120 proof, which equals 60% alcohol by volume—substantially stronger than typical commercial spirits that average 80-90 proof. This higher strength reflects traditional moonshine practices, where mountain distillers typically produced spirits between 100-130 proof for maximum potency and value. The 120-proof bottling preserves the authentic character and mouthfeel while allowing the full range of corn flavors to express themselves properly.
Where can I buy Mark and Digger’s moonshine products?
Mark and Digger’s complete product line is available at Sugarlands’ Gatlinburg distillery, select liquor stores nationwide, and through authorized online retailers where shipping laws permit. Distribution varies by state due to differing alcohol regulations, with stronger availability in southeastern states and major metropolitan markets. The Sugarlands website offers a store locator feature to find nearby retailers carrying their products.
For collectors and enthusiasts, limited edition releases and signed bottles are occasionally available exclusively at the Gatlinburg distillery during special events. These specialty items often sell out quickly, so following Sugarlands’ social media accounts provides the best advance notice of upcoming releases and availability.
Do Mark and Digger still make traditional moonshine outside of Sugarlands?
Due to legal restrictions and their commercial partnership, Mark and Digger focus their professional distilling efforts exclusively through Sugarlands Distilling Company. Federal law prohibits unlicensed distillation of spirits for consumption, regardless of quantity or commercial intent. Their television appearances on “Moonshiners” showcase their knowledge and techniques but operate within complex legal frameworks that distinguish between demonstration and actual illegal production.
Their expertise continues to influence every aspect of their commercial products, from recipe development and ingredient selection to production oversight and quality control. Regular visits to the Sugarlands facility allow them to maintain hands-on involvement in the spirits bearing their names, ensuring these products authentically represent their distilling philosophy and standards.
What’s the difference between moonshine and corn whiskey?
Moonshine vs. Corn Whiskey: Understanding the Distinction
Moonshine: Historically refers to any illegally produced distilled spirit, regardless of ingredients or production methods. The term describes the legal status, not the product itself.
Corn Whiskey: Legally defined spirit made from a mash containing at least 80% corn, which may be aged in uncharred or previously used oak containers.
Modern “Moonshine”: Legally produced clear whiskey that mimics traditional illegal spirits in style and presentation while meeting all regulatory requirements.
Mountain Legacy: Technically classified as corn whiskey under federal regulations while embracing the cultural heritage of traditional moonshine.
The distinction between moonshine and corn whiskey has become increasingly blurred in modern commercial contexts. Historically, “moonshine” specifically referred to illegally produced spirits made without government oversight or tax payment, regardless of the actual ingredients or production methods. The term described the legal status rather than the product characteristics. In contrast, corn whiskey has always been a legally defined category under federal regulations, requiring specific ingredients and production standards.
Today’s commercial “moonshine” products, including Mark and Digger’s line, are properly classified as corn whiskey, white whiskey, or grain spirits depending on their specific ingredients and production methods. These products are fully legal, tax-paid spirits produced in regulated facilities under government supervision. However, they maintain the clear, unaged appearance and higher proof that characterized traditional moonshine, along with similar flavor profiles and traditional jar packaging.
Mountain Legacy specifically falls under the federal definition of corn whiskey, with a mash bill containing at least 80% corn and no aging requirements. The “moonshine” connection comes from the traditional recipes, higher proof, and cultural heritage rather than any legal distinction. This authentic connection to mountain distilling traditions is what separates quality products like Mark and Digger’s line from mass-produced imitations that simply appropriate moonshine terminology and imagery without substantive links to actual traditional practices.
Can you visit Mark and Digger at the Sugarlands Distillery?
Mark and Digger make regular scheduled appearances at Sugarlands’ Gatlinburg distillery, particularly during product launches and special events. These appearances are typically announced in advance through Sugarlands’ website and social media channels, allowing fans to plan visits accordingly. During these events, visitors can meet the distillers, get bottles signed, take photos, and ask questions about their distilling philosophy and techniques.
Even when Mark and Digger aren’t physically present, visitors to Sugarlands can experience their products through guided tastings, distillery tours, and educational presentations about traditional moonshine history. The distillery operates daily (except major holidays) with regular tour schedules and tasting opportunities. The retail shop features the complete product line along with merchandise, books about moonshine history, and limited edition items.
For the most authentic experience, consider planning your visit during one of the signature release events or scheduled appearances. The January 2024 launch of Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey featured two days of meet-and-greet sessions, and similar events occur several times throughout the year. If meeting these moonshine legends is a priority, contacting the distillery directly before planning your visit can provide information about upcoming appearances not yet publicly announced.
For moonshine enthusiasts looking to explore authentic Appalachian spirits, Sugarlands Distilling Company offers the perfect blend of traditional methods and modern accessibility through their collaboration with Mark and Digger. Their dedication to preserving mountain distilling heritage while creating legally available products, such as Mark and Digger’s Mountain Legacy Corn Whiskey, ensures these traditions will continue for generations to come.
