Newport, Tennessee – Known as one of the most beloved faces of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, Mark Rogers has quietly built a legend — on camera and off. With over 10 seasons under his belt and an appearance in 237 episodes, the Appalachian native has become a symbol of old-school distilling, rural survival, and moonshining legacy. But where has he been recently, and what is he up to?
Born in the mid-1970s in sleepy Newport, Tennessee, Rogers was raised by an extended family of 12 uncles — all of them moonshiners. He distilled his first batch at just eight years old, eventually training under the legendary Popcorn Sutton, whose mentorship shaped both his still-building and his attitude toward life.
The Moonshiners Era
Rogers joined Moonshiners in its third season and became an instant hit. Alongside co-star Eric “Digger” Manes, he formed a fan-favorite duo that viewers described as having the chemistry of an “old married couple” — lots of bickering, but deeply bonded by a shared love of craft distilling.
Though authorities in states like Virginia insist the show dramatizes illegal activity, the thrill of moonshining in secret, dodging law enforcement, and crafting traditional Appalachian spirits has kept Moonshiners on the air since 2011, broadcasting to over 150 countries.
From TV to Legal Spirits
Mark parlayed his fame into real-world distilling opportunities. In 2018, he launched Mark Rogers’ American Peach Moonshine through Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg. A part of their “Legends Series,” the 70-proof peach liquor was soon followed by collaborations with other Moonshiners alumni, including Stephen Ray Tickle.
Rogers and Manes also partnered to release Hazelnut Rum, infused with vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and real hazelnuts, further establishing themselves as marketable legends of Appalachian spirits.
The Survivalist and Craftsman
Mark’s talents don’t end at the still. He starred in Mark Rogers: The Will to Survive, a Discovery Channel special showcasing his wilderness survival skills. Armed with only the clothes on his back and a knife, he taught his cousin Chuck — dubbed the “last American mountain man” — how to survive and distill moonshine off the grid.
He also appeared as a judge on Master Distiller, mentoring the next generation of spirit-makers with co-star Digger by his side.
Back home in Newport, Rogers owns Black Alley Granary, a store offering winemaking and beer brewing supplies. His wife operates a boutique next door called Fruit Jar Alley, specializing in local clothing. And while distilling remains illegal in Tennessee, Rogers teaches legal alcohol-making classes and continues his behind-the-scenes crafting.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Despite his celebrity, Rogers remains extremely private. He rarely posts on social media, and little is known about his personal life — especially his romantic one. He doesn’t wear a wedding ring, and no public relationships have been confirmed. A line from an episode in which he lamented the lack of women during mash-making sparked speculation, but Rogers remains tight-lipped.
When not filming, Rogers lives a quiet life in the mountains, still hunting, fishing, and, yes — distilling. According to IMDb, he has lived off the land his entire life. That rugged independence is part of what makes him so captivating to fans.
What’s Next for Mark Rogers?
Now well into his 50s and with a reported net worth of over $300,000, Mark Rogers is still going strong. Between Moonshiners, public appearances, product endorsements, and his legal distilling ventures, he has found a way to live the life he loves — and get paid for it.
He’s a Moonshiner, a mountain man, a craftsman, and a quiet legend of Appalachian culture.
“In the words of our mentor Popcorn Sutton,” Rogers once said, “this is some of the finest liquor that’s ever been.”
And for fans around the world, Mark Rogers himself may be one of the finest living legends ever distilled from the hills of Tennessee.
