Ep 15. Ice Shine

In Moonshiners season 10 episode 15, titled "Ice Shine," the spotlight is on Tim Smith, a veteran moonshiner who has been in the business for over four decades. Despite the risks and notorious reputation that comes with moonshining, Tim continues to do what he loves and this episode shows just how brave he is.

Tim, who is known for making some of the best moonshine in the country, is trying his hand at something new in this episode. He's decided to make ice shine - a type of moonshine that's made by using ice during the distillation process to create a smoother and more refined taste.

However, making ice shine isn't as easy as it sounds. It requires precision, a certain level of expertise, and of course, a lot of ice. But Tim is determined to make it work, and he's not alone in his endeavor. He has his trusty team of shiners to help him, including his right-hand man, Tickle.

The team starts off by filling up their massive still with a mixture of water, cornmeal, and sugar - the basic ingredients needed to make moonshine. They then add in the bags of ice, which they've painstakingly collected and stored.

But making ice shine is a delicate process because too much heat or too little ice can ruin the whole batch. Tim and Tickle keep a close eye on the temperature and the amount of ice being used, making sure everything is just right.

As the distillation process continues, the team prepares for a visit from a special guest. Mark Ramsey, a whiskey expert from Kentucky, has agreed to come down to Virginia to taste Tim's ice shine and give his expert opinion.

Mark is not an easy man to please, and Tim knows that. He wants to impress him with his ice shine, but he's also nervous about the outcome. He knows that if Mark doesn't like his moonshine, it could tarnish his reputation as a master distiller.

The tension builds up as Tim and his team wait for Mark to arrive. When he finally does, they waste no time in getting down to business. Tim hands over a glass of his ice shine and waits nervously for Mark's verdict.

Mark takes a sip, and his face lights up. "This is the best moonshine I've ever tasted!" he exclaims, and Tim can barely contain his excitement. He's thrilled that his ice shine has passed the ultimate test and that his hard work has paid off.

But Tim's joy is short-lived as he receives some devastating news. The authorities have received a tip-off about his illegal moonshining activities, and they're planning a raid on his property. Tim knows that he's in trouble and that he needs to take action fast.

He says goodbye to his team and hands over his latest batch of ice shine to Tickle, telling him that he needs to go into hiding for a while. The episode ends with a dramatic scene as Tim faces off against the authorities, with everything he's worked for on the line.

Overall, "Ice Shine" is an intense and dramatic episode that showcases the hard work and determination of a master moonshiner. It's a testament to the risks and rewards of moonshining and highlights the passion and skill that goes into making the perfect batch of moonshine.