Moonshiners stars dispute historical claims that illegal liquor causes blindness
Mark Ramsey and Eric "Digger" Manes, stars of the television series "Moonshiners," told Fox News Digital that the widespread belief that moonshine causes blindness stems largely from government propaganda during Prohibition rather than the distillation process itself. The duo argued that federal authorities deliberately poisoned industrial alcohol to deter consumption, creating a lasting misconception about the safety of traditionally distilled spirits.
Mark Ramsey and Eric "Digger" Manes, stars of the television series "Moonshiners," told Fox News Digital that the widespread belief that moonshine causes blindness stems largely from government propaganda during Prohibition rather than the distillation process itself. The duo argued that federal authorities deliberately poisoned industrial alcohol to deter consumption, creating a lasting misconception about the safety of traditionally distilled spirits.
Manes stated that during the 1930s and 1940s, the government added toxic substances to industrial alcohol, which was then diverted into the illegal market. He noted that this practice led to severe health consequences, but he maintained that this was distinct from the moonshine produced by Appalachian families. Historical records cited by the Smithsonian Channel confirm that the federal government required toxic additives in industrial alcohol during Prohibition. The channel reported that 66 people died in New York City on Christmas Day 1926 after consuming this poisoned alcohol. Charles Norris, the city's medical examiner at the time, attributed the deaths to methyl alcohol, or methanol, which can cause blindness and death.
Ramsey acknowledged that genuine health risks existed in earlier generations due to equipment failures. He explained that early distillers used solder containing lead to build their stills, unaware of the toxic effects. Once the lead content was identified, distillers moved solder connections to the outside of the pots to prevent contact with the mash. Ramsey described these incidents as accidental, stating that prior knowledge of lead toxicity was lacking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that methanol poisoning can damage the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss or death. While improperly produced spirits can contain dangerous levels of methanol, the "Moonshiners" stars contend that traditional methods do not inherently produce this toxic byproduct. The series, which is currently in its 16th season and premiered in 2011, follows people in Appalachia maintaining a 200-year-old tradition of making moonshine.
Legal challenges regarding home distilling have also emerged in recent years. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau notes that federal law generally prohibits producing distilled spirits at home for personal consumption. However, The Washington Post reported conflicting rulings from federal appeals courts concerning an 1868 restriction on home distilling. In April 2026, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that prohibiting distilled spirits plants in homes was unconstitutional. Shortly after, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the restriction as necessary for tax collection. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, with petitions filed by plaintiffs and the Justice Department seeking to resolve the conflict.
Ramsey also challenged stereotypes about moonshiners, describing them as hardworking individuals who produced liquor for survival and sold it to northern markets such as Ohio and New York. He stated that the industry flourished due to demand from these regions rather than local consumption in Appalachia. Manes added that the craft requires pride and skill, comparing the satisfaction of producing clear, quality moonshine to completing a fine painting. Both stars expressed optimism about the future of the tradition, noting a new generation of distillers eager to continue the practice.