Recap of Moonshiners: Shine On (Season 4, Episode 1. Original airdate Nov. 3, 2014). OK, so here’s the quick review of what went down in the Season 4 premiere of Moonshiners. First, let’s get you updated on the preshow and the moonshine taste testing that took place. In the Secret Summit preshow, fan favorite Tim Smith served as the final judge of three moonshine samples from Tickle, Josh, Bill, Jeff and Mark. Tim swirled the samples looking at color, consistency and texture, and gave each a good smell offering some tips. “You want to be able to smell what it’s made from. If you can’t, they were probably run to fast.” Despite sample No. 1’s lower proof, Tim selected it saying it had the best taste and texture, which ultimately set into motion bragging rights to its creators — winners Josh and Bill. Now on to the first episode.
Catching up with Tim Smith …
Last year Tim turned his back on 35 years of illegal distilling and went legal. Unfortunately, he starts the season with a setback. Someone started a fire at his now legal distillery and he’s not sure whom. “The whole point of going legal was not having to look back,” Tim says. Apparently some people don’t appreciate his venture to the legal side of distilling whiskey and they aim to cause some serious havoc on his production. The arson has put Tim on guard and concerned for his son and wife. “If it’s personal they may show up in Climax, Virginia, and try and burn my house down.” This time the law is working on Tim’s side to investigate the matter.
Tim’s at first cast blame on Chico (pictured), who he fired from the distillery last year. Chico’s now working with Tickle (Now who thinks that’s a scary combo?) and dedicating 100 percent of his time now to the craft. When Tim shows up at Chico’s house unannounced he’s clearly not real excited to see him. Tim begins with some small talk and then gets to the point asking Chico if had anything to do with the fire. OK, like Chico’s going to admit anything. “Well everybody got their enemies,” Chico candidly informs Tim. “I was hanging windows in Lexington. I didn’t have nothing to do with it.” But, if he hears of anything Chico says, Tim will be the first to know. Not really feeling that’s going to pan out.
… Josh & Bill
Last season started disastrous for Josh and Bill (pictured) whose moonshine was looking more like a watered-down Smurfy poolside cocktail. The guys were actually able to turn things around and ended with a surplus coming into this season. They even had a customer lined up to offload their supply, but it was a complete stranger so their apprehensions were high when they met at a prearranged exchange point. As Josh makes the exchange and Bill waits in the truck, the buyer – who had to be 30 years senior to Josh – reaches out and tries to grab Josh. Josh bolts like a rabbit, hops over a ditch and into the woods and starts to run. Bill’s not phased — but why would he as he set it up as a prank. The old guy/buyer was actually a friend of Bill’s. Josh wasn’t real happy about being punked, as he claimed he bruised himself in his less than eloquent escape.
…Tickle, Chico and Tyler
Tickle (pictured) was given the keys to the kingdom when Tim went legal. It’s doubtful he’ll actually be able to materialize much of it, as he usually drinks more than he can handle. Tickle headed down to Kentucky to form an alliance with Chico and Tyler with hopes of expanding into an inter-state moonshine dynasty. This season they plan to satisfy Tim’s former client base. Tickle’s got big plans and wants to run high volume. Tyler’s got a smaller set up in mind and thinks they need to crawl before they walk.
… Jim Tom
Jim Tom spent most of this episode yapping about nothing, until he declared he wanted to get back into selling shine. Oh gawd, this can’t be a good idea, can it? He called on a former outlaw, named Roy, who seemed to be peacefully retiring and making a noble effort at staying out of trouble. Looks like that life is over. Jim Tom yapped so much Roy couldn’t resist. The two brain trusts actually make a good team. One of the top highlights of the episode was Jim Tom’s squirrel interpretation. You’ll hear no other. That guy is wack – a – doodle, that’s why he’s so beloved.
…Deputy Sheriff Chuck Stewart
North Carolina’s Chuck Stewart has had a tough run. He’s been chasing moonshiners now for two years with no arrests. This episode, he made some progress. He discovered the bullet casings from the gun that was used to take out his motion cameras. He’s hoping he can track the casings to the owner and make some arrests.
… Mark and Jeff and Lance
Mark and Jeff (pictured) are working with one monstrous still. There’s no way they are going to be able to get that thing deep into the woods without someone noticing it, so plan B kicks in and they spend part of the episode looking for an abandoned warehouse to set up shop. Note they have no experience distilling indoors. Jeff’s son Lance is assigned to guard patrol, where he works surveillance. Lance is a bad ass; that dude has one impressive firearm collection. He puts one of his weapons to use while working surveillance, using the gun’s scope to watch the place. Now that’s not obvious.
So what did you think? You into the new season?
