Mark and Digger Take On Tennessee Whiskey: A Tribute to Craft and Popcorn Sutton’s Legacy

Moonshine legends Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes are stepping boldly into new territory with an ambitious plan to craft authentic Tennessee whiskey — the old-fashioned way.

Well-known for their exploits on Moonshiners, Mark and Digger are now putting their decades of distilling experience into producing a premium whiskey that they hope will rival the biggest names in the industry. But instead of chasing mass production, the duo is focusing on tradition, quality ingredients, and a few bold twists.

Pure Limestone Water and White Oak Barrels

At the heart of their plan is the same secret that made Tennessee whiskey famous for generations: pure limestone water. Sourcing this vital ingredient hasn’t been easy, with the pair scouring the Appalachian foothills to find a spring that meets their exacting standards. Once found, each batch is carefully tested to ensure its mineral balance is just right for distillation.

Their whiskey will mature in carefully selected White Oak barrels — the same wood used by master distillers for generations to give whiskey its signature color and smooth finish.

A Makeshift Distillery with Big Dreams

Their operation is housed in a repurposed warehouse where they have painstakingly built a furnace and a custom charcoal filter to refine the spirit’s flavor. True to their roots, the setup is part ingenuity, part backwoods engineering — and not without its share of headaches. A complicated still design has delayed production, but the pair remains undeterred.

“We want it done right,” said Digger. “Ain’t no sense doing it half-cocked when you’re putting your name on a bottle.”

Flavor Experiments and Sea-Aged Ambitions

Not content with tradition alone, Mark and Digger are experimenting with unique flavors, including cherry vanilla and even key lime whiskey. But their most daring plan might be the one that takes their barrels out to sea. Inspired by old maritime lore, they aim to sea-age select batches, letting the rocking motion, salt air, and constant temperature shifts deepen the whiskey’s character.

Setbacks and Cows on the Loose

The journey hasn’t been without its share of Appalachian hiccups. In a recent mishap, a wandering herd of cows knocked over several newly filled barrels — forcing the duo to rebuild their rickhouse setup. Still, setbacks haven’t shaken their determination.

Above all, their mission pays homage to the late Popcorn Sutton — the legendary moonshiner who mentored them and inspired a generation of Appalachian distillers. “Popcorn taught us how to make liquor that’d make you proud to pour a sip for your granddaddy,” said Mark. “We’re just keeping that promise alive.”

A Taste of the Old Ways

As they chase bold new flavors and refine time-honored methods, Mark and Digger remain steadfast in their belief that true whiskey takes time — and passion.

Their loyal fans — and whiskey lovers across the South — will be waiting to see if their small-batch spirit can stand tall in the crowded world of Tennessee whiskey. If their past is any guide, few would bet against them.

Stay tuned to The Appalachian Herald for updates from Mark and Digger’s warehouse still as they craft the next chapter of Tennessee’s rich whiskey tradition.