Newport, Tennessee – For over a decade, Mark Rogers has been one of the most recognizable faces on Discovery Channel’s hit series Moonshiners. Known for his backwoods ingenuity, survival skills, and unique takes on traditional liquor, Rogers has built a reputation as both a television personality and a true craftsman of the Appalachian Mountains. But where has the reality star been lately—and what is he up to now?
Roots in Moonshining Tradition
Born in the mid-1970s in Newport, Tennessee, Rogers grew up surrounded by an extended family of moonshiners. With 12 uncles practicing the trade, it was almost inevitable that he would follow in their footsteps. At just eight years old, he crafted his first batch of moonshine, setting the stage for what would become his lifelong passion.
Rogers trained under the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, the legendary Appalachian moonshiner, honing his skills not only as a distiller but also as a still builder.
From the Woods to the World Stage
In 2013, during the third season of Moonshiners, Rogers joined the cast and quickly became a fan favorite. The series—first airing in 2011—documents the work of distillers across Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas, dramatizing their battle to keep the centuries-old tradition alive while evading authorities.
Together with his longtime friend and fellow distiller Eric “Digger” Manes, Rogers formed one of the most beloved duos on the show. Their on-screen camaraderie and constant banter made them a highlight for audiences worldwide.
Ventures Beyond Television
Rogers hasn’t limited his craft to TV. In partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, he launched Mark Rogers American Peach Moonshine, a 70-proof spirit that quickly found a following. He later teamed up with Manes to create Hazelnut Rum, expanding his profile in the legal spirits market.
In addition, Rogers starred in Mark Rogers: The Will to Survive, where he demonstrated wilderness survival skills in the Appalachian Mountains, and served as a judge on Discovery’s Master Distiller.
Life Off the Camera
When not in front of the cameras, Rogers embraces a quieter life in his hometown. In 2018, he opened The Black Alley Granary, a Newport shop selling winemaking and brewing supplies. His wife runs a local boutique, Fruit Jar Alley. While distilling remains illegal in Tennessee, Rogers teaches beer and wine-making classes as a legal alternative.
A skilled carpenter, hunter, and fisherman, Rogers continues to embody the rugged mountain lifestyle he’s known for on television. Despite his fame, he remains private, rarely posting on social media and avoiding the limelight outside of his work.
Net Worth and Legacy
According to estimates, Rogers earns around $5,000 per episode of Moonshiners, and after more than 230 appearances, his net worth has reportedly surpassed $300,000. Combined with his distillery partnerships and public appearances, that figure is likely to grow.
As for his personal life, Rogers remains elusive. Unlike his co-star Manes, he does not wear a wedding ring and has never publicly discussed a partner. His focus, it seems, remains firmly on his craft and the Appalachian traditions he represents.
A Lasting Star
From humble roots in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains to international recognition through Moonshiners, Mark Rogers has turned a family tradition into both a livelihood and a legacy. Whether on TV or in the hills, he continues to carry on the spirit of Appalachia—one jar at a time.
