Let’s talk about Tim Smith. You know, the moonshine guy from the Discovery Channel show. The one with the beard, the banjo, and the copper still that looks like a robot from the 1800s.
Is he still making legal moonshine? The short answer is: yes. But the long answer is way more fun.
A Quick Flashback: From Popcorn Sutton to Pop-Culture Fame
Tim Smith was the apprentice to the legendary Appalachian moonshiner, Popcorn Sutton. Popcorn was a real-life outlaw who made shine in the woods. He was arrested, and tragically, he took his own life in 2009.
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Tim inherited Popcorn’s recipe and his spirit—pun totally intended. He turned that illegal shine into a legal business called Sugarlands Distilling, based in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a story of going from the shadows to the shelves of your local liquor store.
So, Is He Still Distilling in 2024?
Yes, Tim Smith is absolutely still making legal moonshine. But here’s the twist: he’s not just making it. He’s experimenting with it.
In recent years, Tim and his team at Sugarlands have been playing with weird flavors. Think butter pecan, apple pie, and even a pickle moonshine. Yes, pickle. It sounds like a prank, but it’s shockingly tasty.
He’s also developed a massive following on social media. Tim posts videos where he tastes his own creations and gives a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s hilarious.
The Quirky Side of Legal Moonshine
Here’s a fun fact: Legal moonshine is actually stronger than most whiskies. Traditional moonshine is bottled at 100 to 150 proof. That’s 50% to 75% alcohol. A shot of the stuff can wake up your toes.
But the federal government lets Tim sell it because he pays taxes. And he follows strict regulations. No hiding in the woods with a shotgun. Just a shiny distillery with a gift shop and a tasting room. How times have changed.
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Another quirky detail: Tim’s moonshine is made with a recipe that’s centuries old. But he uses modern equipment. His still is a mix of copper and stainless steel. It looks like a steam engine crossed with a laboratory.
Why This Topic Is Pure Fun
Let’s be honest—moonshine has a bad boy reputation. It’s the drink of bootleggers, speakeasies, and guys named “Cletus” with a missing tooth. But when you legalize it, you get the romance without the risk.
Tim Smith took that romance and turned it into a business that attracts millions of tourists a year. People line up to buy a jar of shine that says “Not for sale to minors” on the label. It’s like buying a souvenir from a pirate ship that’s now docked at a mall.
And here’s the kicker: Tim still uses real copper to remove impurities. The result is a cleaner, smoother drink. He calls it “the good stuff.” And he’s not wrong.
The “Is He Retired?” Rumors
You might have heard whispers. “Tim Smith retired after his wife’s passing in 2015.” Or “He handed the reins to his son.” Those are half-true. His wife, Tammy, did pass away. It was a devastating blow. But Tim channeled that grief into his work.
He didn’t retire. He evolved. He now spends more time teaching, tasting, and making videos. He’s like the Bob Ross of moonshine—calm, wise, and always stirring a pot. He’s still the master distiller at Sugarlands, and his face is on every bottle of their “Shine On” series. That’s not a retirement plan. That’s a legacy.
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The Secret Ingredient: Stories
You can buy moonshine anywhere. But you can’t buy Tim Smith’s stories. He tells tales of hunting with Popcorn in the Appalachian fog. He describes the hollows where they hid stills from “the revenues.” He’ll even teach you how to taste the difference between a “sweet mash” and a “sour mash.”
That’s why people love him. It’s not just the alcohol. It’s the human connection. In a world of mass-produced vodka, Tim’s moonshine tastes like rebellion you can sip legally.
So, the next time you see a jar of his shine on the shelf, grab it. It’s a conversation starter, a history lesson, and a dare all in one. Just remember—drink responsibly. But drink slowly, with a smile.
Final Fun Facts (Because We Can’t Resist)
Did you know that Tim’s signature catchphrase is “I ain’t lyin’”? He says it about everything. He’ll say it about the proof, the flavor, and even the weather. It’s become a meme among fans.
Also, his distillery in Gatlinburg has a live still that runs tours. You can smell the corn mash as you walk in. It’s like stepping into a bakery that also happens to make you happy.
Finally, Tim once said in an interview: “Moonshine ain’t just a drink. It’s a piece of American history.” And when the guy who learned from Popcorn Sutton says that, you listen. He’s still making it. And we’re still drinking it.