The world of moonshining has always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with its roots deeply embedded in American culture. For Tim Smith, the journey into the moonshine business began at the tender age of six, setting the stage for a life filled with daring escapades and entrepreneurial spirit. From skipping kindergarten to working with legendary moonshiner Tickle, these five key moments played a significant role in shaping Tim Smith's extraordinary path in the moonshine business.
Tim Smith and Tickle Moonshiners
Skipping Kindergarten and learning to count money
Tim Smith as a kid with his father. Photo by Discovery UK
Born on December 23, 1966, in Climax, Virginia, United States, Tim Smith spent his early years growing up in his hometown. Young Tim Smith had a different kind of education that would set the tone for his future endeavors. Instead of attending kindergarten, he spent his days accompanying his father to the still, learning the art of distillation and soaking in the age-old techniques of moonshine production. With the guidance of his father, Tim quickly became adept at numbers. His father, a second-generation Moonshiner, imparted the family tradition of brewing, which he had learned from his own father, passing down the knowledge to the next generation. Remarkably, by the age of six, Tim was already accompanying his father in a pickup truck for the distribution of Moonshine. Alongside the moonshining craft, Tim's father introduced him to the old-fashioned methods of bookkeeping, relying on a small pencil and a diary to maintain records.
Photo by Discovery UK
Hiding Moonshine from Law Enforcement
When the Police came to raid his house in search of illegal liquor and Tim successfully hid moonshine under his bed
Tim found himself in the role of a daring hero when the police conducted a raid at his house, searching for illegal liquor. Swiftly and cleverly, he managed to conceal the moonshine under his bed, earning praise from his father and a reward of 10 dollars. Throughout his upbringing, Tim was deeply immersed in the family craft, learning the traditional brewing methods that had been passed down for more than a century. Despite his involvement in moonshining, Tim also prioritized his formal education and attended a local school in Climax, Virginia.
Working with Tickle
Tim Smith and Tickle are two hillbillies from Virginia who make a living making moonshine
For an extended period, Tim had been assisting his father, who excelled in marketing and establishing connections within the moonshine business. Tragically, after his father's passing, Tim found himself taking on a more significant role to continue producing and distributing moonshine discreetly, evading the watchful eye of local authorities. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Camo, Tim would clandestinely distill illegal shine deep in the Backwoods of Virginia. He also hired a diverse range of employees, including one individual with a questionable past, who had never held a job before. Moreover, Tim extended employment opportunities to the renowned Tickle.
When television show producers decided to create a documentary centered around the topic of "People making Illegal moonshine in the mountains," Tim saw it as a golden opportunity. He was invited to be part of the show and readily accepted the contract, becoming a key figure in the show's inception.
Tim Smith and Tickle Moonshiners
After years of operating in the illegal moonshine trade, Tim made a pivotal decision to transition into the legal sphere. Acquiring the necessary license, he officially launched his brand, Climax Moonshine, in May 2013. The distribution began in Georgia, South Carolina, D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, and Tennessee, and has since expanded to numerous other locations.
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