Ep 1. Back to the Woods

In the season 9 premiere episode of Moonshiners, titled "Back to the Woods," we are reintroduced to some old friends. Tim Smith, the kingpin of moonshiners, returns to the woods to resume his long-held passion. Despite facing several challenges in the past, Tim feels comfortable in his new home.

However, Tim is not alone this season. He is joined by a new partner – Tickle. The two set up a new operation in the woods with the hopes of producing more moonshine than before. Tickle is eager to work with Tim and prove that he has what it takes to be a successful moonshiner.

Meanwhile, Mark and Digger are also back for another season of moonshining. However, they must overcome a major challenge – their own personal rivalry. Mark and Digger have been friends for years, but their recent disagreements have put a significant strain on their relationship. Nevertheless, they are determined to put their differences aside and work together to achieve their goals.

In this episode, we see Mark and Digger set up a new distillery and begin their latest venture. Mark is confident that their new setup will allow them to produce even better moonshine than before. However, an unexpected issue arises when they learn that their current supply of sugar may not be enough to last the entire season.

At the same time, Tickle and Tim are struggling to get their operation off the ground. They face several setbacks as they try to locate and tap into a new water source. The situation starts to look grim, and the two begin to question whether they made the right decision to partner up in the first place.

As the season progresses, we see each of the moonshiners facing their own unique challenges. Tim and Tickle must contend with the elements and the local wildlife in the woods. Mark and Digger struggle to secure a steady sugar supply and find ways to increase their production capacity. All the while, they must evade the authorities and avoid getting caught for their illegal activities.

Overall, "Back to the Woods" sets up an exciting season for Moonshiners. The episode introduces us to new partnerships and rivalries while also showcasing the risks and rewards of the moonshining business. As always, the show provides viewers with an inside look at the process of making moonshine while also highlighting the determination and grit of those involved in the trade.