8.2 / 10 (based on 27 reviews)
The best, often undiscovered, pit masters from around the country compete in a high stakes battle to determine whose heritage and skills produce the best tasting meat.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jeremy Schwartz, Tank Jackson, Steve Tickle, Ryan Mitchell
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1 season, 6 episodes
Shows Most Like Moonshiners: Smoke Ring (2021)
Master Distiller (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 82 reviews)
Three competitors will faceoff each week in a series of challenges focused on making a specific type of spirit, including American whiskey, rum, gin, mountain brandy, and mezcal among others.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
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Tickle (2013)
4.5 / 10 (based on 94 reviews)
Making moonshine is an American family tradition in which distinctive recipes and techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Each recipe is different and can act as a fingerprint to determine who created the shine, and people in Appalachia don’t take kindly to having their moonshine borrowed on a permanent basis. Now that Tickle has the new stash of moonshine, he needs a way to unload it, without getting caught. He enlists the help of his most trusted friends, Howard and Moe, as he finds new ways to cover his tracks and move his newly acquired batch of shine. Starting with a storefront designed to distract from the otherwise illicit business of distributing his newly acquired Moonshine, Tickle must remain careful to dodge the authorities, snooping townspeople and most importantly, the true owners who may or may not have serious criminal ties. As Tickle embarks upon a series of crazy schemes and outrageous adventures, he just might learn that when it comes to moonshine, making it is the easy part.
Genre: Reality-TV
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Moonshine (2021)
6 / 10 (based on 676 reviews)
Moonshine is a raucous one-hour dramedy that tells the story of the Finley-Cullens, a dysfunctional family of adult half-siblings battling to take control over the family business.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
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Creators: Sheri Elwood
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Moonshine (2021)
No reviews
Set against the backdrop of the 1920’s prohibition era, Moonshine tells the story of the Wolfe family, trying to survive and make a living while keeping their family secret. They are werewolves.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Lawrence Larry Walker, Ross Billard, Steve Lawrence
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1 season, 1 episode
Moonshiners: Whiskey Business (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 24 reviews)
Tim Smith helps struggling distilleries.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jeremy Schwartz, Tim Smith, Tim Jones, Devin Mills
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1 season, 4 episodes
Moonshiners: Shiners on Shine (2017)
7.8 / 10 (based on 8 reviews)
None
Genre: Talk-Show
Main Cast: Jeremy Schwartz, Steve Tickle, Tim Smith, Eric ‘Digger’ Manes
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1 season, 8 episodes
The Real World Homecoming (2021)
7.5 / 10 (based on 301 reviews)
The original cast return to the house and explore how Real World transformed their lives.
Genre: Reality-TV
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3 seasons, 15 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
In the world of reality TV, a new contender has stepped into the ring, blending the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue with the underground world of moonshining. “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” hit screens in 2021, offering a fresh take on competitive cooking shows. This series doesn’t just throw another shrimp on the barbie; it dives deep into the heart of American barbecue culture, all while paying homage to the tradition of moonshining.
The Premise
At its core, “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” is a quest to find America’s barbecue champion. But it’s not your typical cooking competition. The show is set against the backdrop of the moonshining world, with contestants needing to incorporate elements of this clandestine craft into their barbecue. It’s a fascinating twist that adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the competition.
The Host
Guiding us through this smoky journey is none other than barbecue expert and moonshiner, Steven Ray Tickle. Known simply as Tickle, his expertise and personality bring an authentic and engaging flavor to the show. Tickle’s deep knowledge of both barbecue and moonshining, combined with his charismatic presence, make him the perfect host for this unique series.
The Contestants
The heart and soul of “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” are, of course, the contestants. These aren’t your average backyard grillers. They’re seasoned pitmasters with a passion for barbecue that runs as deep as their love for moonshining. Each contestant brings their unique style and technique to the competition, making for a diverse and exciting showdown.
Examples of Contestant Diversity
- The Traditionalist: One contestant might stick strictly to time-honored methods, using only wood-fired pits and insisting on low-and-slow cooking techniques.
- The Innovator: Another might experiment with modern technology, incorporating sous-vide machines or even liquid nitrogen into their barbecue process.
- The Moonshiner: Then there’s the contestant who leans heavily into the moonshining theme, infusing their dishes with homemade spirits or using barrels as part of their cooking apparatus.
The Challenges
What sets “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” apart from other cooking shows are the challenges. Each episode throws a new curveball at the contestants, pushing them to innovate and adapt. These challenges are designed not just to test their cooking skills but also their knowledge and creativity in incorporating moonshine and its lore into their dishes.
Examples of Challenges
- The Secret Ingredient: Contestants might be given a mystery moonshine flavor they must use in their dish, challenging them to balance its potent taste.
- The Historical Challenge: Here, they could be tasked with recreating a historical barbecue dish, using only the tools and techniques available at a certain point in history.
- The Moonshine Pairing: Similar to wine pairing, contestants might need to create a dish that pairs perfectly with a specific type of moonshine, enhancing both the food and the drink.
The Impact
“Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” does more than entertain; it educates and inspires. It shines a light on the rich tradition of American barbecue and the craft of moonshining, showcasing the deep cultural roots and the community that surrounds these practices.
Educating the Audience
The show offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of moonshining, dispelling myths and highlighting the skill and craftsmanship involved. It also delves into the history and variety of American barbecue, from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork, celebrating the regional differences and the stories behind them.
Inspiring Home Cooks
For viewers at home, “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” serves as inspiration. It encourages experimentation with barbecue techniques and flavors, perhaps even sparking an interest in moonshining (where legal, of course). The show demystifies these crafts, making them more accessible to the average viewer.
The Reception
Since its debut, “Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” has garnered a dedicated following. Fans appreciate the show’s unique blend of competition, history, and culture. It’s not just about who can cook the best brisket; it’s about honoring tradition while embracing innovation. The show has sparked discussions in online forums and social media, with viewers debating their favorite contestants, techniques, and episodes.
Conclusion
“Moonshiners: Smoke Ring” is a breath of fresh air in the crowded landscape of cooking shows. It’s a celebration of American barbecue and moonshining, wrapped up in a competitive format that keeps viewers coming back for more. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado, a moonshine enthusiast, or just a fan of good, old-fashioned competition, this show has something for everyone. It’s a reminder of the rich tapestry of American culinary traditions and the innovative spirit that keeps them alive.