Ep 1. Snake Bitten

In "Moonshiners" season 7 episode 1, titled "Snake Bitten," viewers are taken on a journey deep into the Appalachian Mountains where illegal moonshining is still thriving. The episode opens with a group of moonshiners deep in the woods, discussing their latest batch of moonshine and the risks involved in their illegal profession. They talk about the dangers of running shine, including everything from being caught by the law to being bitten by a deadly venomous snake, which sets the stage for the remainder of the episode.

We meet Tim Smith, a legendary moonshiner, who has a reputation for producing the highest quality moonshine in the region. With his trusty sidekick, Tickle, the two men begin the process of distilling a batch of 200-proof shine deep in the woods, far away from prying eyes. The process is dangerous and requires their utmost attention to detail, as a single mistake could result in a violent explosion. Tim speaks about his love of the craft, and how it's been passed down through generations in his family.

Meanwhile, Jeff is Tim's main competitor, and he is also in full production mode, distilling his own moonshine deep in the woods. He has become an expert in creating different flavored 'shine, and he talks about some of his latest creations, including cinnabon flavored moonshine. Jeff has a team of guys working with him, and they discuss the risks of running shine, especially since law enforcement is becoming increasingly sophisticated in identifying and capturing moonshine producers.

Back at Tim's distillery, they have a customer named Darrell, who has requested a special type of moonshine. He wants a variation of the classic white lightning called "Apple Pie Shine." Tim agrees to make the batch for him and sets about preparing the ingredients. He chooses a mixture of Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples to give the moonshine a real apple pie flavor. The result is a smooth, sweet moonshine that Darrell is thrilled with, and he makes a promise to come back for more.

The episode takes a dramatic turn when one of Jeff's team members, Mark, is bitten by a rattlesnake while working in the woods. In a heart-pounding scene, we see Jeff and his team scramble to get Mark out of the woods and to medical attention as quickly as possible. The situation is dire, as rattlesnake bites can be deadly, and Mark is in immediate need of anti-venom. We watch as the drama unfolds, and the outcome is unknown until the end of the episode, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

While Jeff's team deals with Mark's snakebite, Tim and Tickle face their own issues when a potential buyer shows up to purchase a batch of their moonshine. The buyer arrives with a sample testing kit, which they use to test the alcohol content of the 'shine. Tim and Tickle are nervous as the buyer tests their moonshine, but to their relief, it passes with flying colors, and they make a successful sale.

In conclusion, "Moonshiners" season 7 episode 1, "Snake Bitten," is an action-packed episode that follows the lives of illegal moonshiners in the Appalachian Mountains. It's an inside look at the dangerous and illegal world of moonshining, and the risks that these men take to produce the finest quality moonshine. The episode is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, as they await the outcome of Mark's snakebite and the struggle for survival that threatens to end his moonshining career forever.