Ep 7. Bang for the Buck
- December 14, 2022
Moonshiners: Master Distiller season 4 episode 7 titled "Bang for the Buck" showcases four master distillers, tasked with creating and tasting their homemade moonshine. The episode begins with Mike, Mark, JD, and Chico headed to a remote location to distill their moonshine without getting caught by the authorities while striving to make the perfect drink. The intensity of their production is exacerbated by the fact that it is a competition. Each of the distillers has a unique idea of what their moonshine should taste like, and they intend to win with it.
The distillers set up their stills and get straight to work. They contend with various hurdles, including unexpected delays in production, foul-tasting moonshine, and even an unfortunate encounter with a bear. However, these only serve to reinforce their determination to make something exceptional. The episode follows each of the master distillers making their moonshine and discussing the various flavor profiles they are trying to achieve.
Chico, for instance, has chosen to incorporate local fruits and spices into his moonshine, hoping to create a sweet flavor with a perfect balance of spices. Meanwhile, JD has selected peaches as his secret ingredient, focusing on creating a light, fruity moonshine with a sweet punch of flavor. Mark chooses to go for a sharp and complex flavor with his spice-infused moonshine. Mike is all about tradition and goes for a classic corn flavor.
After distilling their moonshine for hours, the distillers prepare to taste their creations. They each take turns sampling their moonshine, carefully judging it for clarity, aroma, palate, and balance. The judges rate each moonshine out of a possible 100 points, and the highest-scoring moonshine wins the competition. However, the tasting process is not as straightforward as it appears. The master distillers play a trick on JD, who they see as their main competition, by telling him that his moonshine has an off taste. He is handed a can of baked beans and is told that it will cleanse his palate and help improve the taste of his moonshine. Against all odds, JD takes the bait, and the other master distillers quickly turn the tables in their favor.
As the tasting concludes, the results reveal an unexpected winner. While all of the distillers' moonshine is excellent, they are not all equally good. There is one standout, and the judges are unanimous in their decision. The distiller who wins the competition is crowned the Moonshiners: Master Distiller of the season.
In conclusion, Moonshiners: Master Distiller season 4 episode 7 "Bang for the Buck" showcases the art of moonshine distilling and the passion that goes into creating an exceptional taste. The four master distillers demonstrate how they turn basic ingredients into fantastic moonshine, each with unique flavor profiles and blending techniques. The episode is a perfect example of the incredible creativity and knowledge that moonshine distillers possess. It is worth watching not only for the competition between the master distillers, but also for the journey through the suspense and excitement leading up to the tasting.