Ep 1. Shine On

The season 4 premiere of Moonshiners is titled "Shine On" and follows the familiar cast of bootleggers as they navigate a new year of illegal moonshining. Set in the hills of Appalachia, the episode begins with Tim Smith, a seasoned moonshiner, who has set up his new still site in a secluded location. He is joined by his friend, Tickle, who serves as his assistant in the moonshining operation. Things don't go as planned when a group of teenagers stumble upon the still site, forcing Tim and Tickle to come up with a quick and creative solution to avoid getting caught.

In another part of the Appalachian mountains, we meet Mark Rogers, a moonshiner whose family has been making moonshine for generations. Mark is known for his innovative and unique stills and this season he has created a new one that relies on mint leaves instead of traditional copper pipes. However, his operation is quickly threatened when he discovers that someone has been stealing his moonshine. The episode follows Mark as he sets up traps and surveillance equipment to catch the culprit.

Elsewhere in the Appalachian mountains, we meet a new moonshiner, Jeff. Jeff is a former construction worker who has recently turned to moonshining to provide for his family. However, his lack of experience and knowledge in the trade makes him a prime target for law enforcement. Jeff must navigate the dangers of being a rookie moonshiner, including avoiding the scrutiny of the authorities.

The episode also features a new factor in the moonshining business: the growing popularity of legal distilleries. Moonshiners are feeling the pressure as more and more legal distilleries pop up in the region. The legal distilleries not only provide competition but also attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. Moonshiners must adapt to this new reality if they want to keep their illegal trade alive.

"Shine On" is a thrilling episode that showcases the challenges and dangers of the moonshining business. The cast of colorful characters, including seasoned veterans and rookies, bring a unique perspective to the illegal trade. The Appalachian mountains serve as both a beautiful backdrop and a prime location for illegal activity. This episode sets the tone for another exciting season of Moonshiners, where the line between legal and illegal is blurred, and the stakes are higher than ever.