Josh Owens and Bill Canny, two fan favorites from Discovery’s Moonshiners, are embarking on an exciting expansion in the latest season, drawing on both fresh talent and old alliances. Known for their sometimes stormy partnership, Josh and Bill have been brewing since Moonshiners’ second season. Their journeys through moonshining, law skirting, and the Appalachian mountains have seen ups and downs, but they remain committed to the craft—and now, they're growing their team to tackle new challenges. Here’s how they’re reshaping their operation.
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Since Josh has been one of the most popular cast members, viewers have watched him take risks on and off the screen, including racing injuries that left him in crutches for much of the new season. Despite these setbacks, Josh is determined to move forward. His resilience is part of the reason his character remains a cornerstone of the series, alongside Bill, whose carpentry and distilling skills have earned him a solid reputation in the business. Although Bill has been less visible in recent seasons, he’s expected to join forces with Josh again, bringing a strong sense of experience and skill to their renewed operation.
Bringing in New Talent
For this expansion, Josh and Bill are seeking new team members who not only bring technical prowess but also a willingness to brave the risks that come with illegal distilling. A standout addition to the team is Butterbean, the former heavyweight boxer and MMA fighter, who brings both physical toughness and words of wisdom for Josh. Butterbean is featured in early episodes, advising Josh on resilience and discipline as he copes with his injuries. Josh is also joined by other industry veterans like Henry and Kenny Law, cousins and longtime moonshiners, who help him assess his readiness to return to distilling. Their camaraderie has injected a new dynamic into Josh and Bill’s operation, adding depth to the team’s story as they juggle personal ambitions with the constant specter of law enforcement.
A Risky Expansion
The expansion isn’t without its complications. Moonshiners is known for its dramatization of illicit activities, and Season 13 is no different. As Josh and Bill seek to scale up, they find themselves navigating not just the law but also increasing competition from other moonshiners in the region. Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes, fellow cast members and former protégés of legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, are also looking to expand, creating tensions as multiple distilling outfits jockey for dominance. Mark and Digger’s efforts to establish an empire push Josh and Bill to refine their approach, setting up what promises to be an intense season of both collaboration and competition.
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Building New Stills and Scaling Up Production
A major part of Josh and Bill’s strategy centers around innovating their distilling setups. Known for their makeshift stills, the duo is now seeking to build more durable, high-capacity equipment to keep up with their increased output goals. They’re drawing on Bill’s expertise in carpentry and construction to design and assemble these systems. While their previous setups were often cobbled together on a shoestring budget, the new systems are expected to provide higher efficiency and better yield, aligning with their expansion goals.
Josh and Bill’s quest for improved distilling techniques has them experimenting with recipes and sourcing unique ingredients, a trend among several Moonshiners cast members. By diversifying their product line, they hope to appeal to a broader range of customers and reduce the risk of having any one product attract too much attention from law enforcement. It’s a tricky balancing act, but one that Josh, Bill, and their team are determined to master.
Challenges from Law Enforcement and Rivalry
In true Moonshiners fashion, the growth of Josh and Bill’s operation doesn’t go unnoticed by local authorities. With high-profile rivalries and increased production, they’re inevitably drawing attention, adding to the risk factor of their undertaking. The constant threat of raids and shutdowns means the team needs to stay one step ahead, relying on allies both old and new to maintain their edge. Tim Smith, another Moonshiners veteran, has provided helpful insight for staying under the radar, and his experiences inform the strategic moves Josh and Bill make in their own expansion efforts.
Season 13 has proven to be an intense chapter for Moonshiners, with Josh and Bill’s operation at the forefront of the drama. From overcoming injuries to adopting new distilling methods and managing rivalries, the season promises high-stakes action that combines the gritty realities of moonshining with the excitement of expansion. The addition of resilient new team members and innovative distilling approaches has transformed the duo’s operation, setting them up for what might be their most ambitious season yet.
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