Tim Smith and Tickle, stars of the hit Discovery Channel series Moonshiners, have long been celebrated for their rebellious spirit and innovative approaches to the craft of moonshining. In one of their latest ventures, the two have embarked on an exciting journey to develop a new flavor profile for their renowned shine, adding a fresh twist to their traditional moonshine offerings.
Source: Discovery
Tim Smith, a third-generation moonshiner from Franklin County, Virginia, is no stranger to experimentation. His Climax Spirits brand, named after his hometown, has already gained a reputation for quality. Smith's moonshine is rooted in his family’s 100-year-old recipe, combining corn, rye, and barley malt to produce a clean, natural flavor with a subtle sweetness. But even with this solid foundation, Tim has consistently pushed the boundaries of what moonshine can be.
This spirit of innovation is also shared by Tickle, Tim’s long-time partner-in-shine and fellow moonshiner. Known for his daring, often humorous approach to the moonshine business, Tickle brings a unique energy to their endeavors. He has been involved in several bold experiments on the show, one of the most notable being his attempt to infuse moonshine with CBD oil. This controversial experiment took place in Franklin County, where Tickle and his team infused hemp-derived CBD into a batch of high-proof moonshine. While CBD is known for its calming properties, the process was fraught with danger due to the volatile combination of alcohol and hemp. Tickle, always willing to take a risk, quipped that the mixture was “as green as a frog’s butt,” adding a layer of tension and humor to the process.
Source: Youtube
One of the driving forces behind these experiments is the desire to stand out in a crowded market. Moonshine, once a clandestine operation conducted in the woods to avoid law enforcement, has now become a mainstream product. Legal moonshine distilleries have popped up across the U.S., and producers like Tim and Tickle must find new ways to differentiate their product from the competition. For Tim, this has meant exploring southern-style whiskey flavors and developing his signature Climax Southern Reserve whiskey, which builds on his success with Climax Moonshine. His Southern Reserve features a double-rye recipe that has been perfected over time.
Tickle, on the other hand, is often more experimental. His idea of incorporating CBD into moonshine was groundbreaking, especially as the public’s interest in CBD grew. However, the process was not without risks. Combining alcohol with a substance like CBD required extreme caution, as any mistake could lead to dangerous explosions or fires. Nevertheless, Tickle’s willingness to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible in moonshining has made him a fan favorite. The CBD-infused moonshine episode generated significant buzz and raised questions about whether CBD could enhance the moonshine experience without the psychoactive effects of THC.
As Tim and Tickle continue to evolve their craft, they remain committed to the traditions that have defined moonshining for generations. Their latest experiments not only showcase their creativity but also highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with the preservation of a deeply rooted cultural practice. Whether they are crafting a new flavor of whiskey or infusing their shine with CBD, one thing is certain: Tim and Tickle’s ventures are anything but ordinary.
Their collaborative efforts have not only expanded the horizons of what moonshine can be but have also kept their audience captivated. Whether they’re overcoming obstacles like dangerous distillation processes or tweaking their family recipes, Tim and Tickle are determined to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. These moonshiners continue to walk the fine line between outlaw tradition and legal enterprise, all while delivering an authentic, exciting product to their fans.
Comments