If you’ve tuned into Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners over the past decade, chances are you’ve seen the weathered face and wry smile of Mark Rogers, a man as synonymous with backwoods whiskey as the Appalachian Mountains themselves. But after over 10 seasons of crafting legendary liquor on-screen, many fans are left wondering — what happened to Mark Rogers?
Born in the mid-1970s in the small town of Newport, Tennessee, Rogers grew up among 12 uncles, all moonshiners. By age eight, he had already made his first batch of homemade brew. It was more than tradition — it was legacy. Raised on a deep respect for the craft, Mark honed his distilling skills under the watchful eye of the late Popcorn Sutton, a Tennessee folk hero and outlaw legend.
Rogers joined Moonshiners in Season 3 after being approached by producers and quickly became a fan favorite. His backwoods know-how, deep connection to the land, and chemistry with longtime friend Eric “Digger” Manes helped the duo rise to the top of the show’s cast list. Their on-screen banter and shared love for the craft earned them a reputation as the “Odd Couple of Moonshine,” beloved for both their humor and ingenuity.
Despite the show’s dramatized portrayal of illegal activity, Rogers remains committed to honoring the history and culture behind distilling. Off-camera, he’s become a licensed producer, turning his legendary skills into a legal business.
From Hidden Stills to Shelves Nationwide
In partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, Rogers launched his very own Mark Rogers’ American Peach Moonshine, which quickly became one of the most popular products in their “Legends Series.” With over 70 proof and a flavor profile developed from decades of hands-on knowledge, the product is now shipped nationwide.
In addition to his American Peach, Rogers and Manes created Hazelnut Rum, a unique blend of vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and real hazelnuts. Their creations have brought Appalachian heritage to liquor store shelves far beyond Tennessee.
Fans even get the chance to meet the legends in person during Sugarlands’ regional tours, where Mark and Digger offer autographs, photos, and storytelling — often straight from the backwoods.
Mountain Man, Survivalist, Teacher
But Mark Rogers isn’t just a Moonshiner. In 2018, Discovery Channel featured him in a special, Mark Rogers: The Will to Survive, showcasing his raw survival skills in the Appalachian wilderness. Rogers spent days in the wild with nothing but a knife, teaching his cousin how to distill under frontier conditions.
He’s also a carpenter, hunting guide, and teacher. Back in Newport, Mark opened the Black Alley Granary, a shop selling wine- and beer-making supplies, while his wife operates Fruit Jar Alley, a boutique clothing store. Though moonshine remains illegal in Tennessee, Rogers legally educates others on fermentation and brewing processes.
Private Life, Big Legacy
Despite being a public figure, Mark keeps his private life remarkably under wraps. He’s not known to be married, nor does he wear a wedding ring. He rarely appears on social media, choosing instead to focus on the craft he loves and the quiet life in Newport.
Yet, despite this low profile, Rogers remains a television staple, appearing in 237 episodes of Moonshiners — reportedly earning around $5,000 per episode. Combined with his business ventures and product lines, his estimated net worth exceeds $300,000 as of 2022 — a figure that’s only rising.
What’s Next for the Legend?
With Moonshiners continuing to pull in millions of viewers and Sugarlands expanding its distribution, the future remains bright for this Tennessee native. Whether he’s rerouting spring water with “redneck engineering” or foot-crushing mash like the old-timers did, Mark Rogers is proof that Appalachian heritage is alive and well — and worth toasting to.
So where is Mark Rogers now? He’s right where he’s always been: deep in the Appalachian woods, crafting spirits, surviving off the land, and preserving the legacy of America’s oldest outlaw trade.
