With a sharp knife, a backwoods still, and generations of tradition behind him, Mark Rogers has carved out a unique legacy as one of reality television’s most captivating moonshiners.
Born in the mid-1970s in the sleepy town of Newport, Tennessee, Rogers grew up surrounded by family—particularly 12 uncles who moonshined in the Appalachian Mountains. He was just eight years old when he first tried his hand at making moonshine, unknowingly launching a lifelong career that would one day be broadcast into living rooms across America.
Rogers became a household name when he joined Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners during its third season. The show, which dramatizes the world of underground distilling in the American South, became a hit, and Mark’s laid-back demeanor and unmatched craftsmanship quickly made him a fan favorite.
He teamed up with longtime friend Eric “Digger” Manes, another Newport native and fellow student of legendary bootlegger Popcorn Sutton. Their dynamic—part brotherly love, part constant bickering—earned them praise from viewers and cemented their status as the faces of modern moonshining.
Beyond television, Rogers turned his craft into a legitimate business. He partnered with Sugarlands Distilling Company to release Mark Rogers’ American Peach Moonshine, a 70-proof hit that quickly became a staple of the distillery’s “Legend Series.” Later collaborations brought new flavors, including a hazelnut rum with Digger, showcasing Mark’s ongoing evolution as a master distiller.
In 2018, he appeared in Mark Rogers: The Will to Survive, a rugged survival special filmed in the Appalachian wilderness. He also served as a judge on Discovery’s Master Distiller, further proving his expertise.
Despite his fame, Rogers keeps a low profile. He still resides in Newport, spending much of his time in the mountains. When not distilling, he teaches beer and winemaking classes and runs a store called Black Alley Granary. His wife operates a nearby boutique, Fruit Jar Alley.
Though little is known about his personal relationships, Rogers continues to captivate audiences through his authenticity, skill, and deep connection to the land. With over 230 episodes under his belt and new ventures on the horizon, the “last American mountain man” is far from done.
