For those searching for Tim Smith Moonshiner details, here’s the definitive rundown: At 58 years old (born December 23, 1966), this third-generation distiller from Climax, Virginia, has built a net worth of approximately $700,000 in 2025, driven by his $30,000 per episode salary on Discovery’s Moonshiners. Standing at 5’10” (1.78m) and weighing 172 lbs (78 kg), Tim’s rugged physique mirrors his backwoods roots. He’s been happily married to Shelby Smith since 1986, with no dating rumors clouding his legacy. From illicit stills to a legal spirits empire, Tim’s journey is one of grit and glory.
Tim Smith Moonshiner Age and Early Life: A Legacy Born in the Backwoods
Tim Smith, a cornerstone of Moonshiners, turned 58 years old in December 2024, carrying the weight of Virginia’s Appalachian heritage. Born on December 23, 1966, in Climax—a hamlet with fewer than 300 souls—Tim’s early years were marked by secrecy. At age five, he watched police raid a family friend’s still, a memory that seared the stakes of moonshining into his psyche. “It was like a storm breaking over the hills,” he recalled in a 2023 interview, painting a vivid picture of his formative years.
As a third-generation moonshiner, Tim inherited a 100-year-old family recipe, a closely guarded secret passed down from his father. After his dad’s early passing, a teenage Tim took the reins, distilling under starlight with his dog Camo as sentinel. This wasn’t just tradition—it was survival in rural Virginia’s sparse economy. His six-year stint in the U.S. Army during the 1980s honed a discipline that sharpened his ability to dodge revenuers. At 5’10” and 172 lbs, Tim’s agility in the woods gave him an edge during those moonlit runs.
What distinguishes Tim is his pivot from outlaw to community pillar. Since 2004, he’s served as a volunteer firefighter, rising to chief of the Climax Fire Department. This blend of danger and duty—distilling by night, saving lives by day—defines him. In 2025, at 58, Tim’s age lends gravitas to his Moonshiners stories, with Season 14 weaving flashbacks of his early raids into its narrative.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 23, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Climax, Virginia, USA |
| Current Age (2025) | 58 years old |
| Early Influences | Third-generation moonshiner; father’s passing at young age |
| Childhood Memory | Witnessed police raid at age 5 |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, 6 years (early 1980s) |
| First Distilling Run | Teenage years, with dog Camo as lookout |
| Pre-TV Career | Mattress factory repair mechanic; volunteer firefighter since 2004 |
Tim Smith Moonshiner Height, Weight, and Physical Persona: Built for the Hills
Tim Smith’s 5’10” height and 172 lbs weight embody resilience over flash. His sturdy frame, often seen in weathered overalls (shirt optional), is forged from decades of hauling copper stills through Virginia’s rugged terrain. Unlike polished TV stars, Tim’s height and weight reflect the demands of his craft: chopping wood for still fires, scouting hidden mash sites, and evading patrols. At 58 years old in 2025, he stays fit through daily hikes and firefighting drills, defying age with raw endurance.
Tim’s physique is more than functional—it’s a cultural artifact. Appalachian moonshiners prized compact, durable builds for navigating tight hollers, and Tim fits the mold. His calloused hands and sun-worn face tell stories of close calls. Imagine trailing him on a still run—his 172 lbs frame moves with a nimbleness that outpaces younger competitors. Fans on X frequently discuss Tim Smith Moonshiner height and weight, but it’s his stamina, showcased in Season 14’s grueling shoots, that truly captivates.
| Physical Trait | Measurement/Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” (1.78 meters) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Build Type | Stocky, muscular from manual labor |
| Signature Style | Overalls, no shirt; practical for distilling |
| Fitness Routine | Hiking, firefighting drills; no gym memberships |
| Diet Influence | Appalachian staples: cornbread, venison; low-carb for energy |
| Injury History | Minor strains from still-hauling; no major setbacks in 2025 |
Is Tim Smith Moonshiner Married? Family Insights and No Dating Drama
Married since 1986, Tim Smith and Shelby Smith have built a nearly 40-year partnership as enduring as his moonshine recipe. At 58, Tim faces no dating rumors—early Moonshiners fame sparked whispers of on-set flings, but Shelby remains his constant. “She’s my anchor in these wild waters,” he shared in a 2023 podcast, crediting her for steadying his chaotic rise. Shelby, a school nutritionist and church volunteer, avoids the limelight, focusing on Climax’s tight-knit community. Their son, JT Smith (late 20s), is a firefighter and entrepreneur, launching JT Rye in 2022.
Tim’s married life is drama-free, a rarity in reality TV. In 2025, the Smiths celebrated 39 years with a quiet vow renewal at their local church, prioritizing faith over fanfare. JT’s marriage to Ashley has brought grandchildren, extending the family legacy. This stability contrasts the high-stakes world of moonshining, offering fans a relatable anchor. Tim’s family is the heart of his shine, proving loyalty outshines fleeting fame.
| Family Member | Relationship/Details |
|---|---|
| Shelby Smith | Wife since 1986; school nutritionist, church volunteer |
| JT Smith | Son, late 20s; volunteer firefighter, JT Rye founder |
| Ashley Smith | Daughter-in-law; married JT in early 2020s |
| Grandchildren | At least two as of 2025; keeping the next gen in the loop |
| Wedding Anniversary | 39 years in 2025; low-key renewal |
| Family Tradition | Passing down 100-year moonshine recipe |
| Support Role | Shelby handles home front during Tim’s TV travels |
Tim Smith Moonshiner Net Worth and Salary in 2025: From Bootleg to Big Bucks
Tim Smith’s net worth stands at $700,000 in 2025, a testament to his journey from illicit stills to legal success. His $30,000 per episode salary on Moonshiners—the highest among castmates—plus $2 million in 2024 Climax Moonshine sales (via Belmont Farm Distillery) fuel this wealth. Launched legally in 2013, his brand’s original and cinnamon variants now reach 20+ states. His Whiskey Business spinoff (2019-2021) added mentoring income, boosting his profile.
Tim nets $450,000-$600,000 annually from 15-20 episodes, far surpassing co-stars’ $5,000-$10,000 cuts. In 2024, he expanded with Tim Smith Southern Reserve rye, partnering with Two Trees Distilling, which spiked sales 40% after a Missouri distillery rescue. “Moonshining taught me risk; TV taught me scale,” he posted on X. His net worth tracks the craft spirits boom (15% U.S. growth yearly), with 2025 events like Leesburg Bikefest (April 25-27) adding revenue.
| Year/Milestone | Net Worth Estimate / Key Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2011 (Moonshiners Debut) | $150,000; initial TV exposure |
| 2013 (Climax Launch) | $300,000; legal distilling partnership |
| 2019 (Whiskey Business) | $500,000; spinoff mentoring gigs |
| 2024 Expansion | $650,000; Southern Reserve rye sales surge |
| 2025 Current | $700,000; $30K/episode + brand royalties |
| Projected 2026 | $800,000+; new markets in Midwest |
| Top Revenue Stream | TV salary (60%); moonshine sales (30%); appearances (10%) |
Tim Smith Moonshiner Career Timeline: Updates, Quotes, and Unique Angles
Since his Moonshiners debut on December 6, 2011, Tim has appeared in over 150 episodes by 2025, evolving from outlaw tales to legal innovation. Season 14 (fall 2025) introduces his “Defiant Runs” series, blending heritage recipes with modern methods. “The feds can’t chase what they can buy,” he quipped on X @TimSmithSpirits. His Army veteran discipline informs his meticulous distilling, seen in 2024’s “I’m Still Here” music video with JT, which garnered 500K YouTube views.
Tim’s mentorship resonates: A 2023 Virginia distillery owner reported a 25% sales boost post-Whiskey Business, aligning with craft spirits’ 18% growth (Distilled Spirits Council). X posts show 80% of fans admire his guidance over his mash. “Climax ain’t about the peak—it’s the climb,” he says of his brand. Visit Tim Smith Spirits or Discovery for more.
| Milestone | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| TV Debut | 2011, Season 1; instant fan favorite |
| Legal Pivot | 2013, Climax Moonshine launch in GA/SC |
| Spinoff Star | 2019, Whiskey Business; saved 3 distilleries |
| Family Biz Boost | 2022, JT Rye launch; multi-gen collab |
| 2025 Events | Leesburg Bikefest meet-and-greet; Season 14 “Defiant Runs” |
| Music Crossover | 2024, “I’m Still Here” video with Twang and Round |
| Volunteer Role | Fire Chief, Climax FD (2004-present); 500+ calls handled |
First-Hand Perspectives and Case Studies: Why Tim’s Story Resonates
Tim’s influence extends beyond TV. A 2023 distillery owner credited his Whiskey Business episode for a 25% sales spike, mirroring craft spirits’ 18% growth. On X, a fan described tasting Tim’s rye at a 2025 festival as “home in a bottle,” sparking local buzz. His married stability defies TV drama, grounding his $700,000 net worth empire. At 58, Tim mentors through pop-ups like his April 2025 Florida event. “Shine’s about sharing, not hiding,” he posted, cementing his role as a legacy builder, not just a liquor legend.
