Meet Tim Smith

Before the television cameras, before the national fame, and before Climax Moonshine could be found on store shelves across America, Tim Smith was simply a Virginia moonshiner carrying on a family tradition.

Tim learned the craft from his father, the original moonshiner in the Smith family, who passed down the knowledge, techniques, and values that had been handed through generations in the Appalachian foothills of Virginia. Those lessons became the foundation of a legacy that would eventually reach far beyond the backwoods where it began.

Tim’s life changed when he became one of the original stars of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners. His authentic personality, traditional methods, and commitment to preserving moonshine culture quickly made him a fan favorite. As the show grew into a worldwide phenomenon, Tim became one of the most recognizable faces in the spirits industry and helped introduce millions of viewers to the rich history of Appalachian moonshining.

Recognizing an opportunity to bring authentic moonshine to a wider audience, Tim took the leap into the legal spirits business with the launch of Climax Moonshine. What began as a family tradition evolved into a nationally recognized brand, earning shelf space across the country and building a loyal following among moonshine enthusiasts everywhere.

The next chapter brought Tim together with Moonshiner Gary, creating a partnership focused on modernizing and expanding the brand’s reach. By combining Tim’s legendary story with innovative digital marketing, retail strategies, and point-of-sale initiatives, the brand experienced tremendous growth and reached new audiences around the world. Together, they helped transform Climax Moonshine from a successful spirits brand into a global moonshine icon.

That growth eventually culminated in the acquisition of the brand by MDWerks, marking a major milestone in Tim’s remarkable journey. After decades spent preserving a family legacy, building a business, and representing the moonshine industry on the world stage, Tim was finally able to step back and enjoy a well-earned retirement.

As of 2026, Tim has happily traded much of the moonshine business for the coffee business, while remaining the same down-to-earth Virginia mountain man fans have always known. These days, you’re likely to find him piddling around Culpeper or Climax, Virginia, spending time with family and friends, exploring the backwoods, chasing new adventures, and occasionally sharing a story or two from a life that helped shape modern moonshine history.

From family moonshiner to television star, entrepreneur, and industry legend, Tim Smith’s story remains one of the most influential chapters in the history of American moonshine.