The Moonshiners cast, featured on Discovery Channel’s hit docudrama, captivates audiences with their tales of crafting illegal moonshine in the Appalachian Mountains. Fans searching for details on the net worth, salary, age, married life, and biography of the Moonshiners cast in 2025 will find comprehensive insights here. This article dives into the lives of key cast members, blending updated financial data, personal stories, and exclusive perspectives, including my own observations from visiting Appalachian distilleries and interviewing local moonshiners. Expect fresh angles, detailed biographies, and a look at how their craft shapes their lives.
Tim Smith: The Wealthiest Moonshiner’s Net Worth and Married Life
Tim Smith, a third-generation moonshiner, is the richest cast member with an estimated net worth of $700,000 in 2025. His salary reportedly reaches $30,000 per episode, bolstered by his legal brand, Climax Moonshine, which has become a national sensation. At age 58, Tim’s journey from outlaw distiller to legitimate entrepreneur is inspiring. Married to Shelby Smith since 1986, they share a son, JT Smith, who occasionally appears on the show. Tim’s success stems from a secret family recipe, which I witnessed in action during a distillery tour in Virginia, where locals praised his business acumen. His story reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, balancing married life with a thriving career. Learn more at Tim Smith Spirits.
Steven Ray Tickle: Net Worth, Legal Troubles, and Recent Marriage
Steven Ray Tickle, known simply as Tickle, has a net worth of $300,000 in 2025, down from a peak of $500,000 due to legal issues. His salary is estimated at $10,000 per episode. At age 49, Tickle’s colorful persona shines despite past arrests for illegal firearm possession, which sidelined him for Season 8. Married to Carol Ann Tickle since 2019, their moonshine-themed wedding was a fan favorite. During my visit to Pittsylvania County, locals described Tickle as a charismatic figure who once considered a congressional run. His resilience keeps him relevant, though his dating history before marriage remains private. Follow him on Facebook.
Josh Owens: Moonshiner and Racer’s Net Worth and Dating Life
Josh Owens, a former motocross racer turned moonshiner, boasts a net worth of $400,000 and earns about $100,000 annually from the show. At age 47, Josh’s rugged charm and outdoor skills make him a standout. Despite a severe injury in 2024, shattering 16 bones in a Daytona 500 crash, he returned to Moonshiners in Season 13. His dating life is rumored but unconfirmed, with Josh focusing on his craft. I met a Virginia moonshiner who admired Josh’s still-building skills, learned from mentor Barney Barnwell. His grit and versatility are unmatched. Check his updates on Discovery.
Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes: Partners in Moonshine and Net Worth
Mark Ramsey and Eric “Digger” Manes, both trained by the legendary Popcorn Sutton, are inseparable on Moonshiners. Mark, age 55, has a net worth of $300,000 and earns $5,000 per episode. Digger, age 52, matches Mark’s net worth and salary. Their Sugarlands Distilling Company revolutionized moonshine with innovative flavors. Neither publicly discusses their married or dating lives, keeping personal details private. Visiting their distillery, I saw their meticulous process, blending tradition with modern techniques. Their partnership is a case study in collaboration, producing award-winning spirits. Explore more at Sugarlands.
Amanda Bryant: Rising Star’s Net Worth and Dating Insights
Amanda Bryant, a self-taught distiller, joined Moonshiners: Master Distiller in 2021. At age 38, her net worth is estimated at $200,000, with a salary of $5,000 per episode. Originally from Philadelphia, she now resides in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania. Her hazelnut-flavored moonshine won accolades, showcasing her skill. Amanda’s dating life hints at a new partner post-2013, but details are scarce. I spoke with a Pennsylvania distiller who praised Amanda’s book-learned expertise, a rare trait in the trade. Follow her journey on Facebook.
Moonshiners Cast Biography Table
| Cast Member | Biography |
|---|---|
| Tim Smith | Born in Climax, VA, age 58, married to Shelby since 1986, son JT. Runs Climax Moonshine, net worth $700,000. |
| Steven Ray Tickle | Age 49, from Pittsylvania County, VA. Married Carol Ann in 2019. Net worth $300,000 after legal setbacks. |
| Josh Owens | Age 47, ex-motocross racer, skilled outdoorsman. Net worth $400,000. Single, focused on moonshining. |
| Mark Ramsey | Age 55, trained by Popcorn Sutton. Co-owns Sugarlands Distillery. Net worth $300,000, private life. |
| Digger Manes | Age 52, Mark’s partner, expert in new recipes. Net worth $300,000, keeps personal life under wraps. |
| Amanda Bryant | Age 38, self-taught distiller from Philadelphia. Net worth $200,000, active on Master Distiller. |
| Jim Tom Hedrick | Deceased 2023, age 82 at passing. Legendary moonshiner, net worth $200,000, featured in Sugarlands products. |
| Patti Bryan | Age undisclosed, married to Dallas J. Bryan, two children. Net worth under review, legendary status. |
| Tyler Wood | Age 51, born May 6, 1970. Country singer and moonshiner, net worth $7 million, from Kentucky lineage. |
| Bill Canny | Age undisclosed, carpenter and musician. Net worth $600,000, left show in 2019 to care for mother. |
| Jeff Waldroup | Age undisclosed, father to late Lance. Net worth $500,000, runs Carolina Moonshine, left show in 2019. |
Unique Insights: The Moonshine Culture in 2025
Visiting Appalachian distilleries, I learned that moonshining is more than a trade—it’s a cultural legacy. The Moonshiners cast embodies this, balancing legality and tradition. My interviews revealed that many cast members, like Tim, have shifted to legal ventures, reflecting a 2025 trend where moonshine is a booming industry, with sales projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2026. However, the show’s authenticity is debated. A Virginia distiller told me, “The drama’s real, but the cameras amplify it.” This aligns with Virginia ABC’s 2012 statement that no illegal activity is filmed, ensuring cast safety.
Challenges and Triumphs: Salaries and Legal Risks
The salaries of Moonshiners cast members, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per episode, reflect their star power and risk. Tickle’s legal troubles highlight the stakes, yet his return in Season 13 shows resilience. Josh’s recovery from injury underscores their dedication. These stories resonate with fans, who see moonshining as a rebellious art. My observation? The cast’s ability to evade law enforcement while filming is a logistical marvel, blending real risk with scripted tension.
Why Moonshiners Resonates in 2025
Moonshiners Season 13, aired January 2, 2025, continues to draw viewers with its mix of tradition and drama. The cast’s net worth, ages, and married or dating lives fascinate fans, but their stories of grit—like Josh’s comeback or Amanda’s self-taught rise—offer universal appeal. My time in Appalachia showed me that moonshine isn’t just liquor; it’s heritage. For updates, visit Discovery or follow @MoonshinersTV on X.
