Ep 9. Moonshiner's Apprentice

In "Moonshiner's Apprentice," the eighth season's ninth episode of the hit docuseries Moonshiners, we continue to follow Virginia's most notorious moonshiners and learn more about their unique trade. As the title suggests, this episode zooms in on a new apprentice who works under the watchful eye of a seasoned moonshiner to learn the tricks of the trade. Viewers are treated to an insider's look at the secretive world of producing illegal alcohol - a world where mistakes can be costly and dangerous.

The episode kicks off with Tim and Tickle on their way to meet Jock, the new apprentice. Jock is an old friend of Tim's and interested in learning the ins and outs of making moonshine. Tim is excited to take him under his wing, but he knows that being a moonshiner isn't for everyone. Tim explains that it's a world where secrets are everything, and trust is paramount. The new apprentice needs to be trustworthy, reliable, and willing to pay his dues.

Before Jock can get started learning the trade, he needs to earn Tim's trust. Tim takes him to the woods to collect ingredients for their next batch of moonshine. They collect a mix of corn, barley, and rye - the classic ingredients of a traditional moonshine recipe. Along the way, Tim quizzes Jock on his knowledge of moonshining, and Jock proves that he's no slouch. He's familiar with the process, and he's eager to get started.

The next step in the process is to cook the mash, and Tim is in charge of the pot. He explains that the key to a good batch of moonshine is getting the temperature and timing just right. Too hot, and the mash will scorch, ruining the batch. Too cool, and it won't cook at all. Jock watches as Tim carefully stokes the fire, checking the temperature and stirring the mash.

Once the mash is cooked, it's time to distill it, a process that concentrates the alcohol content. Tim and Jock fire up the still and wait for the first drips to start flowing. Tim warns Jock that the initial output, called the heads, is toxic and needs to be discarded. It's important to only collect the good stuff, also known as the hearts. Collecting the tails, the last part of the runoff, can also be hazardous.

Jock proves to be a quick learner as they work through the batch. Tim is pleased with his progress and decides to let him in on a secret - the "flavoring" that really sets Tim's moonshine apart from the competition. He shows Jock how to add in a handful of pine needles at the right moment, giving the moonshine a unique, piney flavor that's guaranteed to delight their customers.

Meanwhile, up in the hills, Mark and Digger are hard at work on their own moonshine operation. They've teamed up with their old pal JB, who knows the local area like the back of his hand. JB is helping them find the perfect spot to set up their still. Mark and Digger are impressed with JB's knowledge, and JB is excited to be back in the game. He explains that he's been out of the moonshining game for a while but is eager to get back into it.

After finding the ideal location, Mark and Digger get to work building the still. They know that time is of the essence - they need to get their operation up and running before the law catches wind of it. The stakes are high, and they can't afford any mistakes. They work diligently, setting up the condenser and ensuring that everything is in working order.

Finally, it's time to distill their first batch of moonshine. Mark and Digger wait anxiously for the first drip to come out of the still. When it does, they're ecstatic - they've done it! They've created a successful batch of moonshine. But they know that their work isn't done yet. They need to make sure that the product is top-notch before they start selling it.

Overall, "Moonshiner's Apprentice" is a fascinating exploration of what it takes to be a moonshiner. We see how trust, secrecy, and precision are all critical when it comes to making a quality batch of illegal alcohol. Whether you're a moonshiner yourself or just someone interested in the world of spirits, this episode is sure to entertain and inform.