Inside the Legends of Moonshining: The Untold Story of Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes

For more than a decade, Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes have captured the imagination of audiences on the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. Known for their charm, craftsmanship, and rebellious spirit, the duo became household names by doing what seemed unthinkable: producing illegal moonshine on national television.

But while rumors of their arrests have swirled for years, neither Mark nor Digger has ever been caught or charged with moonshining. This begs the question: how have they managed to avoid legal consequences while openly distilling liquor on screen?

Humble Beginnings: From Hobby to Legacy

Before television fame, both men were ordinary blue-collar workers with a shared passion for crafting liquor. Digger, raised in the Smoky Mountains of Newport, Tennessee, became fascinated with the process as a teen. At 18, with his father’s permission, he apprenticed under a legendary still builder while working at his family’s funeral home by day.

Mark, hailing from East Tennessee, learned the trade from local distilling masters and honed his skills building stills. His precision and innovation earned him the nickname “King of Tinkering.” Eventually, both men crossed paths with the infamous Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, an icon in the moonshine world.

Digger and Popcorn worked together for nearly two decades, but parted ways when Sutton became increasingly reckless. Digger chose to walk away from the business for the sake of his family. Tragically, Popcorn Sutton was later convicted on multiple charges and died by suicide in 2009 to avoid prison.

Joining Moonshiners: Reluctance Meets Opportunity

When McGill Entertainment launched Moonshiners in 2011, it aimed to chronicle the traditions and struggles of modern-day outlaws in Appalachia. The show’s early ratings were modest, but when producers brought in Mark and Digger during Season 4, everything changed.

Mark was eager to join the project; Digger was more skeptical. Ultimately, Mark convinced him to give it a shot—believing the show wouldn’t last more than a season. Their debut episode featured the duo repairing a 200-gallon still and reigniting their partnership. By Season 5, Moonshiners had soared in popularity, largely thanks to the duo’s wit, authenticity, and undeniable chemistry.

Smuggling, Schemes, and Celebrity Clients

From hearses filled with moonshine to secret drop-offs, Mark and Digger were masters of stealth. They used decoy vehicles, including a converted funeral car, to transport their product without drawing attention.

One of the show’s most memorable moments came in Season 6 when they met with rock legend Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd, selling him $30,000 worth of premium gin. Initially shocked by the price, King later called to buy the entire batch before they had even left his driveway.

Another standout storyline involved Popcorn Sutton’s widow, Pam, who contacted the duo for help finding a hidden stash of 60 gallons of her late husband’s moonshine—potentially worth tens of thousands of dollars. Whether they ever found it remains a mystery.

Adapting to Change: From Tradition to Innovation

As the liquor market evolved, so did the duo. In Season 8, they experimented with cherry-vanilla moonshine blended with sipping cream—a recipe that would have been unthinkable to them 20 years earlier. Mark admitted he would’ve kicked someone out for even suggesting such a thing back then. But to stay relevant, they knew they had to embrace change.

They even created a legacy batch—53 gallons of high-proof liquor stored in oak barrels to age into valuable bourbon, a future gift for their wives, children, or eventual retirement fund.

Why They’re Still Free Men

Despite the show depicting clearly illegal activity, no cast member has ever been arrested for moonshining. Why?

According to legal authorities, enforcement requires catching moonshiners in the act. Since the show is filmed months in advance and highly dramatized, there’s no usable evidence. In fact, many of the cast members—Mark and Digger included—hold legal distilling licenses.

In 2012, Virginia’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control requested that Moonshiners add a disclaimer. While initially ignored, recent seasons now warn viewers that the content is dramatized and illegal moonshining is dangerous and punishable by law.

Reality or Dramatization?

Much of what viewers see on Moonshiners is a blend of reality and scripted entertainment. Although it portrays the life of bootleggers, the reality is that Mark and Digger are licensed distillers today. But their deep roots in traditional methods, and the genuine respect they show for the old ways, continue to make them fan favorites.

They may not be the lawbreakers they appear to be on screen—but their legend as modern-day moonshiners is already carved into Appalachian folklore.