Ep 3. Swamp Shiners

In Moonshiners season 3 episode 3, titled "Swamp Shiners", the camera crew follows the exploits of shiners around the Louisiana swamps. This episode focuses on shiners Patti and David, who have a unique operation in the bayou. Unlike the other shiners in the show, Patti and David don't have a cabin or a still, but instead use a boat to distill their moonshine.

The episode begins with Patti and David heading out to check on their traps, which they use to catch crawfish. Crawfish is a main ingredient in their moonshine, and they need a good catch to keep their operation running. The bayou can be treacherous, and the duo's journey is peppered with scenes of alligators and snakes lurking in the water. Despite the danger, Patti and David are committed to their craft and confident that their moonshine is the best around.

As they continue their journey, the two shiners visit a moonshiner named Bobby, who Patti says is "like a brother" to her. Bobby's still is located in a more traditional setup, in a remote cabin in the woods. Bobby offers the couple some advice and a taste of his moonshine, which they sample and enjoy.

The next day, Patti and David set out to catch more crawfish, but are hindered by unexpected rain. The rain not only makes it difficult to maneuver the boat, but also dilutes the water and affects the crawfish population. The shiners are worried that they won't be able to get enough crawfish to make their moonshine, but they remain determined.

While they wait for the rain to pass, the focus of the episode shifts to a different shiner, Josh. Josh is an experienced shiner who uses homemade stills and has been making moonshine for over 20 years. In this episode, Josh is trying out a new recipe, using strawberries as a main ingredient in his moonshine. The camera crew follows Josh as he gathers the strawberries and mixes them with the other ingredients. The end result is a pink, fruity moonshine that Josh is thrilled with.

Back in the bayou, Patti and David are still struggling to catch crawfish. The episode focuses on their persistence and determination as they refuse to give up on their operation. Eventually, their hard work pays off and they catch enough crawfish to make a batch of moonshine. The camera crew captures their process of peeling and cleaning the crawfish before adding them to the still on their boat.

As the shiners begin the process of distilling their moonshine, the camera crew shows the various steps involved. From the initial cooking of the mash to the filtering of the alcohol, viewers get a detailed look at the moonshining process. Patti and David are confident that their moonshine will be the best yet, and eagerly await the final product.

The episode ends with Patti and David tasting their moonshine and declaring it a success. The pair reflect on the hard work and dedication it takes to be a shiner, and express their love and passion for their craft. The camera crew captures beautiful shots of the Louisiana bayou as the episode comes to a close.

Overall, Moonshiners season 3 episode 3 is an interesting and informative look at the world of moonshine. From the unique, boat-based operation of Patti and David to the traditional stills of Josh and Bobby, the episode provides a diverse range of moonshining techniques. The focus on the hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful shiner is inspirational, and viewers will likely be left with a newfound appreciation for the art of moonshining.