4 Must-Know Facts About Tickle’s Moonshine and His Distilling Legacy

Key Takeaways

• Steven Ray Tickle rose to fame on Discovery’s “Moonshiners” show, bringing authentic Appalachian moonshine traditions to the mainstream
• Tickle’s triple distillation method creates exceptionally pure moonshine, a technique passed down through generations of Appalachian distillers
• Despite his reality TV persona, Tickle had real political aspirations and wanted to run for Congress to advocate for traditional distilling practices
• Legal challenges transformed Tickle’s career from underground moonshiner to advocate for legitimate craft distilling
• Piedmont Distillers, which produces legal moonshine using traditional recipes, demonstrates how the artform has evolved while preserving its heritage

White lightning. Mountain dew. Hooch. By whatever name you know it, moonshine holds a special place in American culture, and few have done more to bring this secretive tradition into the spotlight than Steven Ray Tickle. His authentic approach to distilling on Discovery Channel’s hit show “Moonshiners” captivated audiences nationwide, turning this humble Appalachian craftsman into an unlikely celebrity. Moonshine University, the industry’s premier educational distillery, acknowledges traditional practitioners like Tickle as essential cultural ambassadors who’ve preserved centuries-old techniques that might otherwise be lost to time.

The fascination with Tickle’s moonshine comes from its roots in authentic Appalachian tradition, where distilling wasn’t just about making alcohol but preserving a way of life. While many viewers know him from television, true enthusiasts appreciate how Tickle’s methods connect to the rich history of American distilling that predates Prohibition. His commitment to traditional techniques has inspired a new generation of craft distillers seeking to recapture the authenticity and character of old-time mountain spirits.

1. Tickle’s Traditional Distilling Techniques That Set Him Apart

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What separates Tickle’s moonshine from mass-produced spirits is his unwavering dedication to time-honored methods. Unlike modern distilleries that prioritize efficiency and consistency, Tickle approaches each batch with the patient craftsmanship passed down through generations of Appalachian moonshiners. This traditional approach isn’t just about nostalgia—it creates distinctive flavor profiles impossible to replicate in commercial settings. Moonshine University experts note that these small-batch techniques often produce more complex spirits with greater character than their mass-produced counterparts.

The “Tickle Triple X” Distillation Method

At the heart of Tickle’s distilling philosophy lies the triple distillation method—a technique historically marked by three Xs on moonshine jugs. This painstaking process involves running the spirit through the still three separate times, each pass increasing purity while preserving essential flavor compounds. The first run produces what’s called “low wines,” a rough spirit around 40-50% ABV. The second distillation creates “high wines” at approximately 60-70% ABV, while the third yields the finished product—a remarkably clean spirit that approaches 80-90% ABV before proofing down. This meticulous approach demonstrates why traditional moonshine earned those three Xs that became symbolic of quality in Appalachian moonshine culture.

His Secret Corn Mash Recipe

The foundation of any great moonshine starts with the mash bill, and Tickle’s recipe reflects generations of Appalachian distilling wisdom. While commercial whiskeys typically follow strict grain ratios, Tickle’s approach is more intuitive—adjusting corn proportions based on seasonal variations and available ingredients. His mash reportedly contains a higher percentage of corn than most commercial whiskeys, creating that distinctive sweetness authentic moonshine is known for. The addition of small amounts of malted barley provides the necessary enzymes to convert starches to fermentable sugars, while some batches might include small amounts of rye or wheat for added complexity.

Tickle’s fermentation process is equally distinctive, allowing natural yeasts to work alongside carefully selected cultured strains. This wild fermentation approach is increasingly rare in modern distilling but creates complex flavor compounds that contribute to the unique character of traditional moonshine. The process takes longer than commercial methods—often a week or more—but the depth of flavor justifies the wait.

• High corn content (typically 80-90%) for traditional sweetness
• Small amounts of malted barley for enzymatic conversion
• Optional rye or wheat for complexity and character
• Natural fermentation with wild and cultured yeasts
• Extended fermentation times for flavor development

Why He Insists on Mountain Spring Water

Perhaps no element of Tickle’s process is more fundamentally Appalachian than his insistence on pure mountain spring water. The limestone-filtered springs of the Blue Ridge Mountains naturally remove iron while adding essential minerals that enhance fermentation and final flavor. This water source represents more than convenience—it’s a direct connection to the environmental factors that shaped moonshine’s development in isolated mountain communities. According to Moonshine University’s Director of Spirits Education Colin Blake, “Water source is crucial in distilling but often overlooked. The mineral content of traditional Appalachian spring water creates distinctive fermentation conditions impossible to replicate elsewhere.”

2. Legal Battles That Shaped His Moonshine Journey

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Tickle’s journey through the moonshine world hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding distilled spirits in America. Like many traditional moonshiners, his craft existed in a gray area between cultural heritage and modern regulations. These tensions came to a head several times throughout his career, creating pivotal moments that would ultimately reshape his approach to the craft he loved. For Tickle, these weren’t just legal hurdles but profound turning points that forced him to reconsider how traditional moonshining could exist in the modern world.

His 2013 Public Intoxication Arrest

In 2013, Tickle’s growing celebrity status collided with the law when he was arrested for public intoxication in Virginia. What might have been a minor incident for an ordinary citizen became headline news for the “Moonshiners” star. Officers reported finding Tickle drinking in his parked car, an ironic twist for someone famous for producing alcohol. The incident highlighted the strange paradox of his position – a man celebrated on television for activities that remained legally questionable.

This arrest marked a turning point in Tickle’s public persona. Rather than damaging his reputation, it seemed to humanize him to fans who saw him not as a criminal but as someone genuinely living the lifestyle he portrayed on screen. The arrest sparked conversations about the disconnect between moonshine’s cultural significance and its legal status, debates that Tickle would later leverage in his advocacy work.

The Suspended License Incident of 2015

Tickle’s legal challenges continued in 2015 when he was arrested for driving with a suspended license. This more serious charge resulted in jail time, forcing a temporary pause in his television appearances and distilling activities. For many, this incident might have signaled the end of a career, but for Tickle, it became a catalyst for transformation. During this period of forced reflection, he began considering how his knowledge and platform might be used to advocate for the legitimization of traditional distilling practices.

The experience gave Tickle a firsthand look at the consequences of operating outside regulatory frameworks, reinforcing his growing belief that traditional moonshining needed to find legitimate pathways forward. It also deepened his resolve to preserve Appalachian distilling heritage in ways that could exist within modern legal structures. This shift in perspective would prove crucial for his later endeavors in education and advocacy.

How Legal Troubles Transformed His Approach to Craft Distilling

These legal encounters fundamentally changed Tickle’s relationship with moonshine production. What began as a practice rooted in defiance of authority evolved into a mission to bridge traditional methods with legitimate craft distilling. Rather than abandoning his heritage, Tickle began exploring how centuries-old techniques could be preserved within modern regulatory frameworks. This transformation mirrored the broader evolution happening within the craft spirits industry, where traditional “outlaw” methods were being reclaimed by legitimate distilleries.

The shift pushed Tickle toward education and advocacy, leveraging his newfound fame to highlight the cultural significance of Appalachian distilling traditions. He became increasingly vocal about the quality and craftsmanship embedded in traditional moonshine production, working to separate the legitimate artistry of the practice from its sometimes problematic associations. This evolution from practitioner to advocate opened new avenues for preserving moonshine traditions that might otherwise have been lost.

For many enthusiasts, Tickle’s journey exemplifies the complex relationship between tradition and regulation in American distilling culture. His experiences demonstrate how legal frameworks can either threaten or preserve cultural practices, depending on how they’re approached and adapted. As Tickle himself evolved, so too did the possibilities for traditional moonshine in the modern craft spirits landscape.

“Moonshine remains the Wild West of spirits, but not because of legality reasons. Unlike other spirits, legally produced moonshine can be made with any source material, at any proof, can have coloring and flavoring added — the works. There are no rules for its classification.” — Colin Blake, Moonshine University’s Director of Spirits Education

3. From Outlaw to Educator: Tickle’s Role in Preserving Moonshine History

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Tickle’s evolution from underground moonshiner to public educator represents one of the most fascinating aspects of his legacy. This transformation wasn’t just personal but reflected broader shifts in how American culture views traditional distilling practices. As legal craft distilling exploded in popularity, Tickle positioned himself as a bridge between generations, ensuring that authentic mountain methods wouldn’t be lost in the rush toward commercialization. Through television, public appearances, and collaboration with legitimate distilleries, he’s worked to preserve the historical significance of Appalachian moonshine while helping it find a place in the modern spirits landscape.

His Political Aspirations to Legalize Moonshine

Few fans realize that Tickle’s commitment to preserving moonshine traditions extended beyond television into the political arena. At one point, he publicly expressed interest in running for Congress in southern Virginia, a move that went beyond promotional stunts for the show. His platform centered on modernizing regulations around small-scale distilling to create pathways for traditional practitioners to operate legally without sacrificing their distinctive methods and regional character. While initially dismissed by some as publicity seeking, industry insiders recognized that Tickle’s proposals addressed genuine regulatory challenges facing craft distillers across America.

Tickle’s political vision focused on creating tiered licensing systems that would accommodate traditional small-batch producers with less burdensome regulations than those governing large commercial operations. He advocated for recognition of moonshine as a distinctive American spirit category with its own standards of identity, similar to bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. Though his formal political ambitions never fully materialized, these ideas found their way into broader industry conversations about regulatory reform.

“It’s kind of hard to tell someone that you’re an illegal moonshiner trying to start a legal business.” — Tim Smith, on the challenges of transitioning from underground production to legitimate distilling

The political dimension of Tickle’s advocacy highlighted the deeper tensions in American alcohol regulation, where post-Prohibition frameworks continue to shape modern distilling. By positioning moonshine as cultural heritage rather than simply illicit alcohol, he helped shift the conversation toward preservation rather than prosecution. This reframing has proven influential as states increasingly create specialized licenses for small distillers and farm-based operations.

While mainstream political success proved elusive, Tickle’s advocacy has contributed to tangible regulatory changes in several states. Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee have all modified their distilling regulations in ways that create more space for traditional practitioners to operate legitimately. These incremental changes represent significant progress in a regulatory landscape that has historically been resistant to accommodating small-scale, tradition-oriented producers. For those interested in the craft, understanding how much whiskey a 5-gallon still can produce is essential to appreciating the scale of traditional distilling practices.

Partnering with Tim Smith on Legitimate Moonshine Ventures

Tickle’s most significant contribution to legitimizing traditional moonshine came through his partnership with fellow “Moonshiners” star Tim Smith, who successfully navigated the complex process of launching Climax Moonshine as a legal brand. This collaboration demonstrated how traditional methods could be preserved within legitimate business models, creating a blueprint for other moonshiners seeking to transition from underground operations. Their partnership weathered significant challenges, including rumors that the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board initially resisted granting Smith a distilling license due to his television persona as an illegal producer, highlighting the complex relationship between television fame and regulatory reality.

How TV Fame Gave Him a Platform for Moonshine Education

The Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” may have brought Tickle into living rooms across America, but he leveraged that visibility to become an unexpected educational ambassador for traditional distilling. Beyond the dramatic elements that made for good television, Tickle consistently emphasized the craftsmanship, history, and cultural significance of Appalachian moonshine. Through demonstrations, interviews, and appearances at distilling events, he’s helped demystify traditional techniques for a new generation of enthusiasts. This educational work has proven particularly valuable as interest in craft distilling continues to grow, ensuring that newcomers to the field understand the historical foundations of American spirits production.

4. Tickle’s Impact on Modern Craft Distilling

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Tickle’s influence extends far beyond the confines of reality television, reaching into the heart of America’s booming craft distilling industry. As small-batch distilleries proliferate across the country, many have drawn inspiration from the traditional methods Tickle helped bring into the mainstream. This renaissance in craft spirits owes a significant debt to personalities like Tickle who demonstrated that historical production techniques could create distinctive, high-quality products that consumers increasingly prefer over mass-produced alternatives. Piedmont Distillers, producers of Midnight Moon moonshine using recipes from legendary moonshiner Junior Johnson, exemplifies how traditional moonshine has found legitimate commercial success.

The craft distilling industry has exploded from fewer than 100 operations in 2005 to over 2,000 today, with traditional moonshine products representing a significant segment of this growth. This remarkable expansion coincides directly with the period when Tickle and other moonshiners brought traditional methods into public consciousness, suggesting their cultural influence played a meaningful role in driving consumer interest. Industry analysts note that consumers increasingly seek authenticity and heritage in spirits, values that Tickle championed throughout his career.

The “Tickle Effect” on Small-Batch Distillery Sales

Distilleries across Appalachia and beyond have benefited from what industry insiders sometimes call the “Tickle Effect”—a measurable increase in consumer interest in traditional moonshine following the show’s popularity. Tasting rooms report visitors specifically requesting products similar to what they’ve seen Tickle produce on television, looking for that authentic mountain spirit experience. This phenomenon has been particularly pronounced in tourism-heavy regions of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, where distillery tours have become major attractions.

The economic impact extends beyond direct sales to include merchandise, tourism, and broader regional promotion. Craft distilleries featuring traditional moonshine products report that these offerings often serve as gateway products, bringing in customers who then explore other spirits in their portfolios. This pattern has encouraged many distilleries to maintain at least one traditional unaged corn whiskey in their lineup, even as they develop more conventional aged products.

For regions struggling with economic transitions away from traditional industries like coal mining or tobacco farming, the moonshine tourism economy represents a significant opportunity. By celebrating rather than hiding their moonshining heritage, communities throughout Appalachia have developed new economic models that preserve cultural practices while creating sustainable businesses. Tickle’s visibility has played a crucial role in legitimizing this transformation.

How His Methods Inspire New Generation Distillers

Young distillers entering the field frequently cite Tickle and other traditional practitioners as influences on their approach to craft. While most modern distilleries employ more sophisticated equipment than the copper pot stills featured on “Moonshiners,” many incorporate specific elements of traditional production methods in their operations. The emphasis on local ingredients, spring water sources, and patient small-batch production directly echoes practices Tickle championed throughout his career.

Moonshine University reports that their professional distilling courses frequently field questions about traditional Appalachian methods from students establishing new craft operations. This educational institution has responded by incorporating specific modules on historical distilling techniques, acknowledging the ongoing relevance of these approaches in contemporary production. The curiosity about these methods extends internationally, with distillers from Europe, Asia, and Australia seeking to understand American moonshine traditions.

Perhaps most significantly, Tickle’s emphasis on distilling as cultural heritage rather than merely alcohol production has influenced how new distillers approach their craft. Many now view themselves as stewards of tradition rather than simply business operators, an approach that tends to prioritize quality and authenticity over maximum profit. This philosophical shift represents one of Tickle’s most enduring contributions to the industry.

Tickle’s Authentic Approach to Quality Over Commercialization

• Commitment to small-batch production despite inefficiency
• Insistence on traditional copper pot stills for character development
• Rejection of artificial flavoring agents in favor of natural ingredients
• Emphasis on regional variations and terroir in moonshine production
• Preservation of family recipes and techniques across generations

Throughout his public career, Tickle has maintained a steadfast commitment to quality over commercial expediency. While many distilleries have adopted shortcuts to increase production or reduce costs, Tickle consistently advocates for traditional methods that prioritize flavor development and authenticity. This principled stance has sometimes put him at odds with commercial interests but has earned him respect among serious distillers and enthusiasts who value craft over convenience.

His rejection of artificial flavorings stands in stark contrast to the proliferation of heavily flavored “moonshine” products that have flooded the market in recent years. Tickle maintains that authentic moonshine derives its character from careful fermentation and distillation rather than post-production additives. This position aligns with growing consumer interest in natural, additive-free spirits and has influenced a segment of craft distillers to pursue similar approaches, such as choosing the right aging methods for moonshine.

Perhaps most importantly, Tickle has consistently emphasized that moonshine should reflect the place and people who make it. This localized approach stands in opposition to the homogenization of commercial spirits and encourages distillers to embrace regional variations rather than conforming to standardized profiles. By championing this diversity of expression, Tickle has helped preserve the rich tapestry of American distilling traditions that might otherwise have been lost to commercial consolidation.

The Future of Tickle’s Moonshine Legacy

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As craft distilling continues to evolve, Tickle’s influence seems poised to endure through the generation of distillers he’s inspired and the cultural shift he helped create. While legal moonshine has found its place in the legitimate spirits market, the values Tickle championed—authenticity, tradition, craftsmanship, and regional character—remain guideposts for distillers committed to quality over commercialization. His legacy suggests that the future of American distilling lies not in rejecting tradition but in finding new ways to honor and preserve it while creating sustainable business models that can support artisanal production. As Colin Blake of Moonshine University observes, “Moonshine remains the Wild West of spirits, not because of legality reasons anymore, but because it represents a space where innovation and tradition continue to interact in fascinating ways.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The world of moonshine distilling generates endless curiosity, particularly when it comes to personalities like Tickle who have brought this once-secretive craft into the mainstream. Below are answers to some of the most common questions enthusiasts ask about Tickle and his distinctive approach to moonshine production. These insights provide additional context for understanding both the man and the traditional methods he represents.

For those looking to explore moonshine beyond what television portrays, these questions address some of the fundamental aspects of traditional distilling that continue to fascinate spirits enthusiasts. They also highlight the complex relationship between moonshine’s outlaw history and its emerging legitimate status in contemporary craft spirits culture.

Is Tickle still making moonshine today?

While Tickle continues to appear on the Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners,” his current production activities exist in a deliberately ambiguous space. The show maintains the narrative that participants are producing illegal spirits, though many industry insiders suggest this aspect is largely dramatized for television. What’s clear is that Tickle remains deeply involved in moonshine culture, participating in legal events, educational demonstrations, and collaborations with legitimate distilleries like those producing Climax Moonshine. His expertise is now primarily channeled into education and preservation of traditional methods rather than underground production.

What makes Tickle’s moonshine different from store-bought white whiskey?

The distinction between traditional moonshine as produced by Tickle and commercial white whiskey lies in several key areas. Traditional moonshine typically uses a higher corn percentage in the mash bill, creating a sweeter profile than many commercial products. The triple distillation method Tickle employs produces a cleaner spirit than the typical double distillation used in commercial production. Perhaps most significantly, traditional moonshine like Tickle’s relies on natural fermentation with minimal temperature control, allowing ambient yeasts to contribute complex flavor compounds absent in more controlled commercial environments. These differences create a spirit with more character and regional distinctiveness than mass-produced alternatives.

Did Tickle ever serve jail time for his moonshining activities?

While Tickle has faced legal troubles resulting in jail time, his incarceration stemmed from charges like public intoxication and driving with a suspended license rather than directly from moonshine production. In 2016, he served approximately three months in jail related to these charges. This distinction highlights an interesting aspect of “Moonshiners” as a television program—while the show portrays illegal production, its participants have generally avoided prosecution specifically for distilling activities, leading some to question exactly how the show operates within legal boundaries. The producers and cast maintain strategic ambiguity around this aspect of the program.

Has Tickle released his own legal moonshine brand?

Unlike his “Moonshiners” co-star Tim Smith, who launched the successful Climax Moonshine brand, Tickle himself has not released a standalone commercial moonshine product bearing his name. He has, however, collaborated with legitimate distilleries on special releases and educational initiatives that incorporate his methods and expertise. This difference in approach reflects Tickle’s emphasis on education and tradition preservation rather than commercial brand building. For enthusiasts seeking legal moonshine that reflects traditional methods, Piedmont Distillers’ Midnight Moon, which uses recipes from legendary moonshiner Junior Johnson, offers an authentic alternative produced with similar triple-distillation techniques.

For those interested in experiencing legitimate moonshine inspired by traditional methods, several options exist beyond simply watching the show. Legal distilleries throughout Appalachia now produce unaged corn whiskeys using variations of historical techniques, many offering tours that demonstrate production methods similar to those Tickle employs. These educational experiences provide a hands-on understanding of the craft that television alone cannot convey.

The emerging category of “craft moonshine” represents a fascinating hybrid of outlaw tradition and legitimate business, with products ranging from authentic traditional expressions to heavily flavored novelty items. For purists seeking the most traditional experience, focusing on distilleries that emphasize local ingredients, copper pot distillation, and minimal post-production manipulation generally yields products closest to what Tickle would recognize as authentic moonshine.

• Sugarlands Distilling Company (Tennessee)
• Call Family Distillers (North Carolina)
• Piedmont Distillers’ Midnight Moon (North Carolina)
• Climax Moonshine (Virginia)
• Kings County Distillery Moonshine (New York)

What distilling equipment does Tickle recommend for beginners?

While Tickle hasn’t released official equipment recommendations, his approach on “Moonshiners” provides insights into traditional setups. For those legally permitted to distill (with proper federal and state permits), he consistently demonstrates preference for copper pot stills rather than reflux or column stills. Copper plays a crucial role in traditional moonshine production, not only conducting heat effectively but also removing sulfur compounds that can create off-flavors. Beginning distillers interested in traditional methods often start with small (5-15 gallon) copper pot stills, though legal home distilling remains prohibited in the United States without proper commercial licensing. For more on the history of moonshine, check out 5 things you didn’t know about moonshine’s history.

Beyond the still itself, Tickle emphasizes the importance of fermentation equipment that allows for temperature control and proper sanitation. Traditional wooden fermenters, while historically authentic, present significant challenges for beginners due to contamination risks. Most experts recommend starting with stainless steel fermenters that combine traditional open fermentation benefits with modern sanitation capabilities. For those unable to legally distill but interested in learning about fermentation, legal home brewing equipment provides an accessible entry point to understanding the first steps of the process.

Tickle’s moonshine legacy is not just about the spirits he creates, but also about the rich history and tradition behind it. For those interested in learning more about the fascinating background of moonshine, Moonshine University’s article offers insightful details. From the clandestine operations of the past to the modern-day craft, moonshine has always been a symbol of ingenuity and resilience.