In the world of moonshining, innovation is key to staying ahead of both competition and the ever-watchful eyes of law enforcement. Tim Smith and his long-time partner Tickle, stars of Discovery Channel's Moonshiners, have recently embraced new technology to boost their moonshine operation. With decades of experience under their belts, the duo is no stranger to the challenges of brewing moonshine, but they have always sought to combine traditional techniques with modern advancements to enhance efficiency and quality.
Source: Discovery
For their latest endeavor, Tim and Tickle introduced state-of-the-art equipment to improve their process. This move aligns with Tim’s transition to legal distillation, where he runs Tim Smith’s Climax Moonshine, while Tickle, who has dabbled in both legal and illegal operations, remains a loyal partner. This new equipment allows them to scale their production while maintaining the integrity of the traditional methods they hold dear.
One of the key benefits of the new machinery is its ability to streamline the distillation process. In traditional moonshining, small-batch operations require constant monitoring and adjusting, which can be both time-consuming and prone to error. The modern stills they’ve adopted are equipped with advanced temperature and pressure controls, which give Tim and Tickle greater control over the distillation process. This results in more consistent and higher-quality moonshine, ensuring that their product continues to meet the high standards their fans have come to expect.
While Tim has fully embraced the legal market, opening up legitimate distillation operations in Virginia, he has not forgotten the importance of his roots in illegal moonshining. The new equipment is part of a balancing act between preserving the heritage of old-school moonshine while using legal channels to ensure that the craft can be passed down to future generations. Tim’s Climax Moonshine, for example, is still produced using the recipe passed down by his grandfather, but the new stills allow him to produce it more efficiently on a larger scale.
Source: Discovery
For Tickle, the new gear is a game changer, particularly as he continues to operate in the shadows of both the legal and illegal moonshining worlds. The advanced equipment provides him the ability to make his batches faster and with more precision. This is crucial when working in the backwoods, where time is often of the essence, and every minute counts toward avoiding detection by authorities. While Moonshiners often portrays the more rebellious aspects of their operations, the introduction of this new machinery highlights how technology has become a vital tool in preserving the age-old craft in a rapidly evolving industry.
Despite the technological upgrades, both Tim and Tickle remain committed to the authenticity of their product. They have stressed that while the new equipment helps them scale their operations and ensure quality, it does not replace the craftsmanship and hands-on approach required to make true Appalachian moonshine. According to Tim, the human element—the knowledge passed down from generations—is still the most important ingredient in making a good batch of shine.
In recent episodes of Moonshiners, viewers have been treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of incorporating these innovations into their operation. The show has followed Tim and Tickle as they troubleshoot their new equipment, making necessary adjustments to ensure it works harmoniously with their tried-and-true methods. These moments highlight the duo’s adaptability and willingness to evolve, even as they stay true to their roots.
As with any major change, the new equipment has also come with its own set of challenges. The show documented some of the technical hiccups they encountered as they worked to fine-tune the machinery for optimal performance. However, both Tim and Tickle’s resourcefulness and deep understanding of the craft have allowed them to overcome these obstacles and continue producing high-quality moonshine.
For fans of Moonshiners, this shift toward new technology marks an exciting chapter in the duo’s story. It showcases how even in the secretive and often rebellious world of moonshining, innovation is essential for survival. Tim and Tickle’s ability to merge tradition with modernity not only secures their place in the future of moonshining but also ensures that the spirit of this centuries-old craft lives on. Whether operating legally or clandestinely, their passion for moonshine remains undiminished, and with the help of new technology, they are poised to continue producing the finest shine in Appalachia for years to come.
In conclusion, while the introduction of new equipment has allowed Tim and Tickle to increase efficiency and production, it has not replaced the heart and soul of their moonshining operation. The modern stills serve as a tool to preserve the craft’s authenticity, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the fruits of their labor. As they navigate the delicate balance between tradition and progress, one thing is clear: Tim and Tickle’s moonshine will always remain a true Appalachian treasure.
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