Meet Moonshiner Howard

Moonshiner Howard’s story is one of perseverance, redemption, and determination. Long before television cameras arrived and his name became known to moonshine fans across the country, Howard was living a very different life. Like many Appalachian moonshiners before him, he found himself on the wrong side of the law for bootlegging. His involvement in the moonshine trade eventually led to prison time, a chapter of his life that would ultimately become the foundation for an incredible comeback story.

After serving his sentence, Howard was granted parole and faced the challenge of rebuilding his life. To satisfy the requirements of the parole board, he needed steady employment. What seemed like a simple job opportunity would soon change everything. Howard went to work under the supervision of Tim Smith, who would later become one of the most recognizable faces on the hit television series Moonshiners. The two developed a friendship and mutual respect, and before long, Howard’s authentic moonshining background and larger-than-life personality caught the attention of television producers.

And so it began.

As Howard’s popularity grew through television appearances, he continued to embrace his roots while sharing the traditions and culture of Appalachian moonshining with audiences everywhere. Along the way, he established a friendship and then business relationship with Moonshiner Gary, creating a partnership that fans quickly came to love. Together, they rallied and helped preserve a way of life that had been passed down through generations.

With growing recognition came opportunity. As Gary steadily built Howard’s brand, he gained loyal followers, and transformed his past into a successful future. That journey eventually led to the release of his very own bottle of moonshine—a dream realized and a testament to his perseverance.

Mission Accomplished!