Behind the Barrels: The Real-Life Love Stories of the Moonshiners Cast
While not everyone may be drawn to the art of distilling liquor, Discovery’s Moonshiners continues to captivate audiences season after season. It’s not just the hint of illegality or backwoods craftsmanship that makes the show so compelling—it’s the colorful personalities, high-stakes risks, and the personal sacrifices the cast makes along the way. Yet despite the public spotlight, many of these moonshiners have kept their personal lives, especially their romantic relationships, well out of view—until now.
We’re diving into the private lives of your favorite backwoods brewers to reveal who they go home to after a long day of distilling—and trust us, their love stories are just as fascinating as their liquor.
Tim Smith & Shelby: A Quiet Force Behind the Legend
No discussion of Moonshiners is complete without Tim Smith. While his top-shelf spirits have made him a household name, it’s his wife Shelby who keeps things grounded. Married since 1986, the couple shares a son, JT, and has built a strong family unit rooted in community values.
Shelby, a school nutritionist, also organizes kids’ summer programs and remains deeply committed to her church and neighborhood. She may not appear often on the show or social media, but her presence is felt—especially through her behind-the-scenes role in keeping their home and distillery running smoothly. The whole family, including Tim and JT, are also volunteer firefighters, further reflecting their deep sense of service.
Tickle & Carol: From Fugitive to Family Man
Steven Ray Tickle, affectionately known as Tickle, has one of the most surprising love stories of the cast. He met his now-wife Carol in the early 2010s—when she was a bounty hunter trying to bring him in for skipping a court date. That unexpected encounter blossomed into a long pursuit, with Carol reportedly chasing Tickle for six years before they finally went on a date.
They married in 2019 in a Moonshiners-featured, moonshine-themed wedding that Carol planned herself. She’s not only a bounty hunter and realtor but also a passionate traveler—especially with Tickle by her side. According to friend Tim Smith, the couple now focuses on buying and managing restaurants, marking a new chapter in their unconventional journey.
Mark Ramsey & Sally Jane Clark: A Legacy Distilled
Mark Ramsey may be a standout on Moonshiners, but his wife Sally Jane Clark is a star in her own right. Sally helps manage Sugarlands Distilling Company and has also launched her own brand, Sally Jane’s Sin-a-Shine, based on her family’s signature cinnamon moonshine recipe.
Hailing from Cosby, Tennessee, Sally comes from a long line of moonshiners and takes pride in continuing their legacy. As she shared in a 2021 interview, her family once operated outside the law but eventually turned their skills into a legal enterprise. For Sally and Mark, moonshining is more than just a job—it’s a shared heritage.
Eric “Digger” Manes & Allison: Building Businesses Beyond the Still
Digger may keep his private life close to the vest, but fans have come to learn about his wife Allison—a savvy businesswoman in her own right. In 2017, she founded Fruit Jar Alley, a boutique offering women’s fashion, home goods, and even Digger’s merchandise line.
What started as a single shop in Newport, Tennessee has grown to locations in Pigeon Forge and Knoxville. Allison says she opens stores while Digger is away—“That’s how I get away with things,” she jokes. Together, they work toward revitalizing their community and growing their entrepreneurial dreams.
Daniel & Kimberly May: Family, Cars, and Craftsmanship
Since joining the show in Season 7, Daniel has carved out a space in the distilling world. His wife Kimberly supports him every step of the way, even though her own career lies in a different field. A graduate of Walters State Community College, Kimberly works at a local rehabilitation center.
Together, they are proud parents of two teenagers and share a love for cars and outdoor adventure. While Kimberly maintains a lower public profile, her presence behind Daniel’s success is unmistakable.
Chico & Sondra: From Moonshine Partners to Family Legacy
Though no longer featured on the show, Moonshiners fans remember Chico (Matthew Lewis Tungate) and his partner Sondra (Kasandra Thompson) for their fiery spirits—both in personality and product. Together, they launched Chico Spirit Whiskey, a brand born from their shared ambition and Sondra’s entrepreneurial flair.
Known for her love of alternative fashion, tattoos, and women-targeted moonshine marketing, Sondra brought something unique to the table. The couple had two children before appearing on the show and welcomed their third, a son named Wyatt, in 2018. Though they’ve stepped out of the spotlight, their impact on the Moonshiners legacy remains strong.
More Than Just Moonshine
Whether it’s a longtime spouse, a bounty hunter-turned-wife, or a business partner in crime, the Moonshiners cast proves that behind every still is a love story waiting to be told. Their lives aren’t just about dodging the law and perfecting recipes—they’re about building families, honoring legacies, and staying true to their roots.
So next time you tune in for another backwoods adventure, remember there’s a whole lot of heart behind those barrels.
