Smoky Mountains, Tennessee — In the misty hollows of Appalachia, where bootleg history runs deep and spirits are more than just bottled, one of the region’s most beloved moonshiners is facing a new, deeply personal battle.
Eric “Digger” Manes, a star of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, has publicly revealed that he was diagnosed in early 2024 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) — a slow-growing blood cancer that, while not considered terminal, presents long-term challenges.
For a man who’s spent decades perfecting the outlaw craft of moonshine, the diagnosis marks a significant turn — but it hasn’t dulled his determination or his wit.
“Ain’t No Fun, But It Ain’t the End”
Manes broke the news to fans with his characteristic candor during the premiere of Moonshiners Season 13. Sitting beside longtime friend and partner Mark Ramsey, he delivered the update with a calm, even humorous tone.
On Facebook, Digger reassured fans: “Ain’t no fun though. Probably will just make me miserable until something else kills me.”
The unfiltered remark, equal parts grit and gallows humor, was met with a wave of support. Thousands of fans responded with messages of love, respect, and shared stories of their own battles with blood disease.
A Wake-Up Call in the Holler
For Digger, who was raised in Newport, Tennessee, the diagnosis has stirred reflection more than fear. “I ain’t immortal,” he’s said.
That realization has lit a fire under his feet. “I want to leave a mark that can’t be erased,” he told Ramsey.
From stills to storefronts, Manes is more determined than ever to make an impact — not just in jars and jugs, but in his community, family, and the industry he helped revive.
The Moonshiner and the Entrepreneur
Digger’s roots run deep in both tradition and entrepreneurship. At age 14, he approached a local still builder eager to learn the trade. By 18, with his father’s blessing, he was apprenticing full-time — splitting hours between working at a funeral home and perfecting the craft of distilling spirits in the woods.
In 2018, Digger and his wife opened The Back Alley Grainery in downtown Newport — a supply store and community hub for aspiring brewers and winemakers.
It’s more than a business. It’s a piece of his legacy — and a big part of his plan to revitalize his hometown.
Light Beer, Big Dreams
Health struggles haven’t stopped Manes from thinking big. He’s currently exploring expanding his operations across Tennessee, even entering the light beer market.
As the Moonshiners star puts it: “Go big before you go home.”
It’s not just about the booze — it’s about building something lasting, something that outlives the man who made it.
A Community Rallies
The reaction to Digger’s announcement shows the strength of the Moonshiners community. Thousands of fans have posted words of encouragement.
“Keep strong and keep fighting.”
“Prayers up for Digger.”
“You’ve inspired more people than you know.”
Some shared their own leukemia stories. Others pledged to get checked, citing symptoms Digger urged people to watch for — like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and easy bruising.
By speaking up, Digger has become more than a TV personality. He’s become a public health advocate, a beacon of resilience, and a reminder that even moonshiners aren’t bulletproof.
Hope on the Horizon
Today, Digger continues to receive treatment and remains active in his business and filming schedules. His focus is on quality of life, time with family, and keeping his boots on the ground.
Whether he’s helping a neighbor bottle wine, mentoring young distillers, or brainstorming his next big venture, Digger Manes faces life with the same resolve he brings to the still: with pride, purpose, and a little Appalachian humor.
As he told fans:
“Shine on.”
And that, it seems, is exactly what he intends to do.
Sidebar: What Is CLL?
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells. While it often progresses slowly, symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss can appear. CLL is usually manageable, especially when diagnosed early — which makes regular health checkups critical.
