Moonshiners’ Digger and Mark Revive Applejack: A Cold-Weather Tradition with a Modern Twist

In the rugged hills of central Virginia, where tradition runs as deep as the rivers, a unique form of distillation has made its way back into the spotlight: freeze distillation, specifically used to craft Applejack, a form of apple brandy. Eric “Digger” Manes and his partner Mark Ramsey, stars of Moonshiners, have embraced this ancient method, combining it with the flavors of apples grown in the area to create a new twist on a centuries-old craft.

Applejack, often referred to as America’s first spirit, has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s, when William Leair, a Scottish immigrant, began distilling it in colonial New Jersey. This spirit became so popular that George Washington even sought out Leair’s apple brandy to provide for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Over the years, Applejack’s popularity spread, and it has since become a beloved drink, especially during the holiday season.

For Digger and Mark, the journey back to the roots of Applejack came as a natural evolution in their moonshine-making practices. With a bounty of apples at their disposal, they set out to produce a product that not only honored the traditional methods of distillation but also brought a fresh flavor profile to their craft. “We’re going to make us an apple jack,” said Digger, as he prepared the freeze distillation process. “Applejack is a form of apple brandy, but instead of using heat, we use freeze distillation to concentrate the alcohol.”

Freeze distillation works by freezing the fermented apple mash, causing the water to freeze and separate from the alcohol. This process, while unusual, is said to preserve the apple’s delicate flavors and produce a smoother drink. However, the process is not without challenges. As the mash was frozen in a walk-in freezer, Digger and Mark quickly realized that the temperature had to be carefully controlled to prevent the mash from freezing too hard or being too weak. But as the ice began to form, they knew they were on the right track.

“It’s all about getting the right balance,” Mark said. “We’re not just making moonshine; we’re making a legacy. Applejack has a rich history, and we want to bring it back the way it was made in the old days.”

The duo faced additional challenges, such as the cold weather, which slowed down the fermentation process. But they were determined to see it through, even bringing in a new, finer grinder to help break down the apples into a smoother mash, ensuring more flavor extraction. After a couple of rounds of freezing and extracting, they finally achieved a promising batch of Applejack. “We’ve got a good product here,” said Digger, tasting the brandy. “This is the real deal.”

The legacy of Applejack is something that Digger and Mark take seriously. They are not just making alcohol—they’re keeping a piece of American history alive. Mark reflected, “We’ve been doing this for a long time. Making moonshine is in our blood, but doing it like this, the old way, gives it something special.” The pair also acknowledged the role of their mentor, J.B. Rader, whose guidance has been invaluable. “We’ve been through a lot, and J.B. always said, ‘When you get too big for your britches, it’s time to slow down,’” Mark noted. “We’ve taken that advice to heart.”

As they continue to perfect their craft, Digger and Mark are preparing for the future of moonshining, with plans to bring this unique Applejack to market. “This is going to open up a whole new market for us,” Digger said. “It’s a smoother product, and it’s got a flavor profile that’s going to stand out.”

With the holidays approaching, the duo is eager to share their creation with others, believing that Applejack in a glass of eggnog is a perfect way to celebrate the season. “Eggnog is as Christmas as Santa Claus is,” Digger remarked. “And with a little bit of apple brandy mixed in, it’s the perfect holiday drink.”

In the coming weeks, Digger and Mark will continue perfecting their Applejack and other moonshine products, with the hope of spreading their love for this time-honored tradition far and wide. As they raise their glasses to the future, they remind us all of the importance of keeping traditions alive while also embracing innovation.

For more updates on their moonshine adventures, be sure to tune in to Moonshiners on Discovery Channel.