Richard Landry: From Truck Driver to Moonshine Master – The Rise of Moonshiners’ Spice King

How a Louisiana native turned his love for flavors into a reality TV triumph and became one of Moonshiners’ most inspiring stars

Richard Landry isn’t your typical moonshiner. A proud Louisiana native, Richard hunts, fishes, and, in his words, enjoys “making liquor and selling it.” But unlike many of his Appalachian peers on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, Landry’s journey into the world of distilling didn’t begin in childhood. In fact, it started with something as simple—and as life-changing—as watching TV.

Falling in Love With the Craft

When the first season of Moonshiners aired in 2011, Richard, a professional truck driver at the time, was instantly captivated. What began as fascination soon turned into experimentation. Inspired by the show’s celebration of outlaw spirit and Southern tradition, Richard built a homemade still in his backyard and began distilling.

At first, it was a struggle. But driven by passion, patience, and a deep respect for the science behind flavor blending, Landry began to produce batches that surprised even himself. He treated moonshining as a culinary art, combining traditional Southern ingredients with exotic Louisiana flavors—and the results were extraordinary.

A Breakthrough on the Big Stage

After years of honing his craft in private, Richard finally got the chance to shine. In 2019, he was invited to compete in Moonshiners: Master Distiller, a spin-off competition where distillers face off in high-stakes challenges. Despite his nerves—and competing against a third-generation distiller and a professional biochemist—Landry stunned the judges with his bold “Cherry Bounce” creation. The flavor exploded with Southern charm, earning him the coveted title of Master Distiller.

Word of Landry’s victory spread quickly. Just one year later, he received the ultimate invitation: to join the cast of Moonshiners for Season 11.

The Landry Brothers Take the Spotlight

Richard’s journey didn’t stop there. As part of his debut, he needed a still hand—and there was no better partner than his younger brother, Craig. Richard had introduced Craig to the trade years earlier, and together, the Landry Brothers became an instant fan favorite.

What made them stand out? Their love for wild, out-of-the-box flavors. From nostalgic cotton candy batches to blends of sweet potato and cranberry, and even a unique concoction inspired by manglier tea (a bitter herbal tea native to their hometown), the brothers continually pushed the boundaries of what moonshine could be.

Their bold experiments earned Richard the nickname “The Spice King,” and his growing collection of awards only added to his rising reputation.

More Than Just Shine: A Source of Inspiration

Despite their growing fame, Richard and Craig remain grounded. As the first—and still only—African-American distillers to appear on Moonshiners, they’ve broken barriers and inspired countless fans.

“We realize it’s more than just making liquor,” Richard has said. “It’s about showing people that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can shine.”

Their story resonates far beyond the stills and backwoods. It’s a story of grit, reinvention, and staying true to your roots while following your passion.

Still Shining Bright

Since his debut, Richard has continued to make waves. His fiery-red “Bloody Mary” liquor became a fan favorite, and he returned to compete in Moonshiners: Master Distiller Tournament of Champions. He also made multiple appearances in Season 12 of Moonshiners, further cementing his legacy.

As long as there are bold flavors to try and stories to tell, Richard Landry will keep shining—and showing the world that passion, dedication, and a little Southern spice can take you anywhere.

Watch Richard Landry and your favorite distillers on Moonshiners, only on Discovery Channel.
And who knows—you might just find yourself dreaming of your own backyard still.