Danville, VA — Known to millions simply as “Tickle,” liquor distiller Steven Ray Tickle became a household name through Discovery Channel’s hit reality series Moonshiners. While his on-screen antics and distilling expertise made him a fan favorite, Tickle’s real-life legal battles once overshadowed his moonshining fame. However, the man once notorious for public intoxication and firearms possession appears to have turned over a new leaf — with love, family, and redemption guiding his path.
Born on November 30, 1976, in Southwest Carolina to Louise Elaine Keller and Larry Craig Tickle, Steven Ray Tickle was raised in Dry Fork, Virginia, by his mother, alongside his three brothers. After graduating from Tunstall High School, he trained as a carpenter and was even part of the team that constructed Clyde’s American Bar and Restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Tickle’s life took an unconventional turn when he joined Moonshiners, a show chronicling the lives of illicit distillers in Appalachia. His partnership with fellow distiller Tim Smith — and his deep-rooted love for the tradition of moonshining — made him an instant fan favorite. Despite the show’s disclaimer warning viewers about the illegality of moonshining, Tickle and his co-stars continued to portray the craft as a cherished way of life.
Tickle even ventured into politics, once announcing a bid for U.S. President in 2012 under the slogan “Everybody Gets a Sip,” later shifting his ambitions to a congressional run. Though the campaigns were never serious contenders, they added to the quirky legend of the man fans had grown to admire.
Legal Troubles and Redemption
Despite his laid-back TV persona, Tickle’s off-screen life included serious legal troubles. In 2013, he was arrested for public intoxication outside a convenience store in Danville, Virginia. The incident was followed by a more severe arrest in 2015 when he was found in possession of a sawed-off shotgun — a felony in Virginia. Though he initially received a suspended sentence, his probation was later revoked in 2016 after he admitted to using cocaine during a period of emotional distress related to his father’s terminal illness.
Tickle served five months in prison and was placed on an extended probation. Despite these setbacks, he worked to rebuild his life. His daughter, who defended him in court, credited her father for supporting her education, saying, “He’s an amazing dad.”
His former moonshining partner Tim Smith offered him a legitimate job at a distillery upon his release, though he admitted being cautious: “It wouldn’t take much for Tickle to mess up again.” Fortunately, Tickle embraced the opportunity to leave his troubled past behind.
A New Chapter with Love and Purpose
In 2019, Tickle married Carol Ann, a bail bondswoman whom he humorously claimed pursued him for six years before he agreed to a date. The wedding, attended by Moonshiners co-stars, was a highlight in what Tickle described as a life finally on the right track.
“She gives me a reason to act right — really a reason to stand up and be the man I am today,” Tickle said in an interview.
Tickle continues to work with Discovery and promotes Moonshiners passionately. In partnership with Sugarland Distilling Company, his signature product, Tickle’s Dynamite Cinnamon, a 70-proof moonshine, is available online and in select stores.
Alongside his wife, Tickle also helps promote her autobiographical book series, Cat the Bounty Huntress, and the couple shares content on their YouTube channel The Tickles, offering fans a glimpse into their home life, cooking traditions, and personal milestones.
From jail cells to television stardom, Steven Ray Tickle’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His story is a testament to second chances — and perhaps, the healing power of moonshine, love, and learning to walk the straight path.
