And now, thanks to Discovery Channel’s hit reality series Moonshiners, Richard Landry is quickly becoming a household name among fans of traditional Southern spirits and modern moonshine culture.
Landry, a professional truck driver turned award-winning moonshiner, didn’t inherit his craft from generations past like many of his co-stars. In fact, his moonshining journey began only recently — inspired by the very show he would later star in. After watching the premiere season of Moonshiners in 2011, Richard was hooked. What followed was a decade-long journey of passion, persistence, and experimentation.
From Backyard Stills to Master Distiller
Unlike most competitors who grew up in moonshine families, Landry’s education came from years of trial, error, and determination. Using a homemade still in his backyard and drawing inspiration from his Louisiana roots, Landry approached moonshining as both a science and an art.
Early batches were rough. But once he found his rhythm — blending traditional knowledge with a flair for unusual ingredients — Richard began crafting uniquely flavored spirits that stood out in a field dominated by convention.
In 2019, Richard got his big break when he was invited to compete on Moonshiners: Master Distiller, a spin-off series designed to crown the best homegrown distillers in the country. Facing stiff competition, including a third-generation moonshiner and a biochemist, Richard stayed true to his Southern roots. His Cherry Bounce recipe wowed the judges and won him the coveted title of Master Distiller.
A Star is Born – With a Brother in Tow
Following his win, the producers took notice. In 2020, Richard was invited to join the main Moonshiners cast and brought along his younger brother, Craig Landry, as his still hand. Together, the Landry Brothers quickly became fan favorites, not just for their vibrant personalities and creative flavors, but also as the first African-American distillers to appear on the long-running series.
From cotton candy shine to a cranberry-sweet potato fusion, the Landry Brothers have redefined what moonshine can be — and earned Richard the nickname “The Spice King.” His creations are bold, memorable, and often infused with nostalgic ingredients from their Louisiana upbringing.
One standout was a liquor made from Manglier (or “mangli”) tea leaves, a local plant known for its medicinal qualities. “I grew up drinking that tea,” Richard said on the show, “and figured, why not make it into something people can enjoy in a new way?”
Moonshine, Mission, and Message
Despite their growing fame, Richard and Craig remain humble. “This is a blessing,” Richard often says. “I never thought moonshining would be anything more than a hobby. Now it’s a way to show people that no matter where you come from, you can chase your dreams.”
And chase he did. In addition to returning for Season 12 of Moonshiners, Richard competed in the Master Distiller: Tournament of Champions and introduced his signature “Bloody Mary” red liquor, one of his most popular concoctions to date.
For Richard, the show is about more than moonshine. It’s about representation, passion, and perseverance. His presence on national television is inspiring fans — especially young Black viewers — who now see themselves reflected in an industry once shrouded in stereotype and secrecy.
“I realized this wasn’t just about liquor anymore,” Richard shared during a recent interview. “It’s about showing people that if you’ve got the drive, the heart, and the hustle — you can shine too.”
Catch Richard Landry and the rest of the Moonshiners cast on Discovery Channel, as the legacy of American distilling continues — one still, one sip, and one bold flavor at a time.
