Ep 2. Hard Times Make the Best Shine

In Moonshiners season 10 episode 2, titled "Hard Times Make the Best Shine," viewers are taken back to the familiar setting of the Appalachian Mountains, where the moonshiners are facing some tough times. The episode follows the journey of Tim Smith and his team as they navigate the challenges of producing moonshine during a time of economic uncertainty.

The opening scene shows Tim and his partner, Tickle, meeting up to discuss the current state of the moonshining business in Virginia. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic causing a drop in demand for their product, they're struggling to keep their operation afloat. The team is faced with tough decisions, including whether to invest in expensive equipment upgrades or risk getting caught by the authorities by continuing to use outdated methods.

As they contemplate their next moves, the episode switches gears to follow Mark Ramsey and his crew in Kentucky, who are facing their own set of problems. Their distillery has been shut down due to a recent inspection, and they've been forced to move their operation to a new location. This move comes with a host of challenges, including finding a suitable site for their still and avoiding detection by the police.

Despite these setbacks, the moonshiners are determined to persevere. Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the intricacies of the moonshining process, from the selection of the corn mash all the way to the distillation of the final product. The team uses their vast experience to adapt to the changing market conditions, experiment with new techniques, and come up with creative solutions to the obstacles they encounter.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is the insight it provides into the interpersonal dynamics between the moonshiners. From Tim and Tickle's playful banter to Mark and Digger's serious discussions about the business, the relationships between the characters add a human element to the show. Viewers also get to see the supportive community that exists within the moonshining world, with various moonshiners offering each other advice and assistance as they face tough times.

Overall, "Hard Times Make the Best Shine" is a compelling exploration of the world of moonshining, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that arise in difficult economic conditions. Viewers will find themselves rooting for the moonshiners as they strive to keep their traditions alive while also adapting to the changing times.