To many fans of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, Eric “Digger” Manes is more than just a television personality—he’s a living embodiment of Appalachian tradition, grit, and craftsmanship. But behind the stills and the screen is a man whose life has been steeped in both moonshine and mourning.
Digger, whose real name is Eric Manes, has been in the moonshining business for more than 40 years, perfecting his craft across the Appalachian heartlands of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Though it’s unclear how he earned the nickname “Digger”—which may have been with him since childhood—it has become synonymous with authenticity, tradition, and quality liquor.
Raised in the hills of Newport, Tennessee, Digger was surrounded by moonshine culture from an early age. His father ran a local funeral home, where Digger learned the trade of embalming before stepping into the shadows of the hills to follow a different calling: moonshining. Initially drawn to the trade for the experience rather than the profit, he quickly developed a deep respect for the tradition and a serious commitment to the craft.
His journey as a moonshiner took a pivotal turn when he met the legendary Popcorn Sutton, an icon in American bootlegging. Sutton became his mentor and encouraged him to pursue the craft seriously. Tragically, Sutton took his own life in 2009 to avoid imprisonment, but his influence lives on through Digger’s work and values.
Though Sutton passed before Moonshiners began airing in 2011, his legacy continued to inspire Digger, who joined the show in its fourth season in 2015. Since then, Digger has become one of the series’ most beloved stars, known for his quiet wisdom, genuine love of tradition, and loyal friendship with his distilling partner, Mark Ramsey. Together, the two have developed numerous popular liquors, including their hazelnut rum and apple brandy, and co-founded a supply shop called The Back Alley Grainery in 2018.
Outside the show, Digger leads a quiet family life in Newport. He is married, and while the couple keeps their personal life private, it’s known that his wife runs a boutique called Fruit Jar Alley, a nod to the region’s heritage and charm. They have a son, and together, the family has supported Digger through recent health challenges.
In the Season 13 premiere of Moonshiners, Digger shared with Ramsey that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. Fans feared the worst, but Digger took to Facebook shortly after the episode aired to clarify: “My definite diagnosis is chronic lymphocytic leukemia… It’s not terminal. Ain’t no fun, though—probably will just make me miserable until something else kills me.” His candidness, courage, and faith inspired a wave of support from his fans.
Despite his illness, Digger continues to distill, create, and inspire. With an estimated net worth of around $300,000, he’s made a career not only from his hands-on moonshine production but also from years on television and entrepreneurial ventures. He and Ramsey are reported to earn approximately $30,000 per episode from Moonshiners, further solidifying their place in the pantheon of modern-day reality stars.
Digger’s story is one of deep roots, strong values, and enduring legacy. In a world where fame often fades fast, Eric “Digger” Manes stands tall—still stirring the mash, still honoring tradition, and still shining bright in the Appalachian night.
