For anyone who has spent time watching the Discovery Channel, the name Digger Manes probably brings to mind images of smoky mountain stills and, very possibly, a rather impressive beard. He is, to many folks, a real face of American moonshining, someone who has been a part of the show for quite a while now. This fellow, whose real name is Eric Manes, has really made a mark on viewers, and there is, you know, a lot more to his story than just making spirits.
Lately, a lot of people who follow the show have been wondering about Digger, especially since some personal news came out. It seems like everyone wants to know how he is doing and what is going on with his health. This interest, frankly, shows just how much people care about the folks they see on their screens week after week. He is, as a matter of fact, a big part of why many tune in.
We are going to take a closer look at the life of Digger from Moonshiners, covering everything from his background to the recent health updates that have caught the attention of so many fans. We will, you know, try to put together a picture of this interesting character, the kind of person who has truly become a household name for those who appreciate the craft and the stories from the backwoods.
- Lori Dawkins Twitter
- Santana Xxl Twitter
- Omegle Feet Twitter
- %C3%A6 %C3%A5%C3%A4%C5%93 %C3%A5
- Cloyd Rivers
Table of Contents
- Biography of Digger from Moonshiners
- Who Is Digger from Moonshiners Beyond the Show?
- What Is the Health Update for Digger from Moonshiners?
- The Early Days and the Roots of Digger from Moonshiners
- The Partnership of Mark and Digger from Moonshiners
- Business Ventures of Digger from Moonshiners
- How Did Digger from Moonshiners Learn His Craft?
- Fan Support for Digger from Moonshiners
Biography of Digger from Moonshiners
Eric Manes, widely known by his catchy nickname, "Digger," has really become a familiar face on the Discovery Channel's show, Moonshiners. He first appeared on the series back in 2014, and since then, he has been a consistent presence, showing up in more than a hundred episodes, which is quite a lot, you know, for a television personality. His look, particularly that beard, is almost as well-known as his name itself, making him a truly memorable person on screen.
He is someone who has, in a way, grown up around the tradition of making moonshine. It was just a part of everyday life for him from a very young age, almost like a family custom. While his nickname, "Digger," is pretty famous, how he actually got it is not, you know, entirely clear to everyone. He is a person who has always been connected to the world of distilling, and that connection runs deep, very deep indeed.
Born in Newport, Tennessee, Digger's story is, in some respects, tied to the very places where moonshining traditions have been passed down through generations. He is, you know, a true local, someone who understands the mountains and the ways of life there. His journey on television has allowed many to catch a glimpse into a culture that is often kept hidden, and he has done it with a certain amount of openness that viewers appreciate.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Digger from Moonshiners
| Full Name | Eric Manes |
| Nickname | Digger |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Hometown | Newport, Tennessee |
| TV Show | Moonshiners (Discovery Channel) |
| First Appearance on Moonshiners | 2014 (Season 4) |
| Known For | Moonshining, Distinctive Beard, Partnership with Mark Ramsey |
Who Is Digger from Moonshiners Beyond the Show?
Beyond his appearances on Moonshiners, Digger, Eric Manes, has a life that extends into other areas, showing he is a person with different interests. While he is certainly known for his distilling skills and the exciting, sometimes risky, activities shown on television, he also has a hand in a few other businesses. It is, you know, pretty interesting to see how he balances these different parts of his life.
For example, he helps run a grainery, which makes a lot of sense given his connection to making spirits, as grain is, of course, a key ingredient. He also has a clothing boutique, which might seem a little bit different from his usual image, but it shows a different side to him. These ventures, you know, suggest that he is not just about the moonshine business but has a knack for other kinds of work too.
He is also a part of Sugarland's Distilling, a legitimate operation that sells spirits. This is, you know, a pretty big step for someone who has spent so much time with the more traditional, often unspoken, side of distilling. It allows him to share his passion for making good liquor in a way that is open and legal, which is, in some respects, a nice contrast to the show's premise. He is, essentially, a person who wears many hats.
What Is the Health Update for Digger from Moonshiners?
Recently, a lot of talk has been going around about Digger's health, and it is something that has really made fans pay attention. On an episode of Moonshiners that aired in January, Digger shared some very personal news with his partner, Mark, and, by extension, with everyone watching. He openly spoke about dealing with a significant health challenge, which, you know, was a moment that really caught people off guard.
It came out that Digger was dealing with a blood condition, a rather rare kind called chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL for short. This kind of news, as you can imagine, caused a lot of worry among those who follow him and the show. People were, you know, very concerned about what this might mean for him and his future on television.
However, Digger himself has made it clear that his condition is not considered terminal. He has, you know, been quite open about his plans to continue being a part of Moonshiners. This clarification has, in a way, brought some comfort to his many supporters, letting them know that he intends to keep going and face this challenge head-on. It shows a lot of strength, actually, to share something so personal with so many people.
The Early Days and the Roots of Digger from Moonshiners
Digger Manes has, you know, been around the world of moonshine for his whole life. It was not just a hobby or something he picked up later; it was, quite literally, a part of his upbringing. From some of his very first memories, the process of making and dealing with moonshine was always there, a constant presence. This kind of background, you know, really shapes a person and their connection to a certain way of life.
He grew up in Newport, Tennessee, a place that has, you know, a long and storied history with the tradition of distilling spirits outside of official channels. This environment, undoubtedly, played a big part in how he learned the craft and understood the ins and outs of it. It is, in some respects, a skill that was passed down, not just learned from a book or a quick lesson.
His early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the methods and, you know, the quiet ways of the moonshining culture. It is not just about making alcohol for him; it is about keeping a tradition alive, a piece of history that has been a part of his family and his community for a very long time. This personal history is, actually, a big part of what makes his story on the show so compelling to watch.
The Partnership of Mark and Digger from Moonshiners
When you think about Digger on Moonshiners, it is almost impossible not to think about his partner, Mark Ramsey. These two have, you know, become a pretty well-known pair on the show, often working side by side on their distilling projects. Their working relationship is, you know, a big part of why many people enjoy watching the series. They just seem to click when they are together.
Mark joined the show in its third season, and Digger followed in the fourth season. From the moment they started working together, their combined personalities and their genuine approach to the moonshining process seemed to, you know, give the show a fresh burst of energy. This really helped to boost the viewership, as people seemed to connect with their dynamic. They are, essentially, a natural fit.
While they are a strong team in the moonshine business, it is worth pointing out that their relationship is strictly professional. They are not, you know, a couple in a romantic sense, despite how closely they work together and how much time they spend with one another. Their bond is built on a shared passion for distilling alcohol and their mutual involvement with Sugarland's Distilling, which is, you know, a pretty solid foundation for a partnership.
Business Ventures of Digger from Moonshiners
Beyond the illicit activities sometimes portrayed on Moonshiners, Digger, along with Mark, has expanded into other business areas. They have, you know, a legitimate presence in the spirits industry through Sugarland's Distilling. This move allows them to, in a way, bring their expertise to a wider audience, offering products that are legally made and sold. It is, actually, a smart way to bridge their traditional background with modern business.
You can even find them making appearances at stores in East Tennessee, where fans can meet them and, you know, get a jar of their product. This kind of direct interaction with their audience is, in some respects, a big part of their appeal. It shows that they are not just characters on a screen but real people who are involved in the community and the business.
Their shared enterprise includes a physical location, Mark & Digger Tennessee Moonshiners, found at 249 E Broadway in Newport, TN. This place is, you know, a hub for their operations and a spot where their fans can connect with the brand. It is, essentially, a tangible representation of their journey from the backwoods to a more public business presence. Digger also has a hand in a grainery and a clothing boutique, showing his varied interests.
How Did Digger from Moonshiners Learn His Craft?
Digger's skills in moonshining did not just appear out of nowhere; they were, you know, passed down through experience and mentorship. He had the chance to meet one of the most famous moonshiners in history, Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. Many people, even those involved with the Discovery Channel, believed that Popcorn Sutton took Digger under his wing and, you know, showed him the ropes.
This kind of direct teaching from a legend is, in some respects, invaluable for someone looking to truly understand the traditional methods of distilling. It is not just about following a recipe; it is about learning the feel, the timing, and the subtle tricks that only come from years of practice and guidance. Popcorn Sutton's influence on Digger's craft is, you know, pretty significant.
Both Mark and Digger, as a matter of fact, got their start working under Popcorn Sutton. This shared experience is, you know, a strong bond between them and likely contributes to their smooth working relationship on the show. It is, essentially, a lineage of knowledge, connecting them to a long line of distillers who have kept the tradition alive in the mountains.
Fan Support for Digger from Moonshiners
When Digger's health news came out, the response from fans was, you know, pretty overwhelming and incredibly supportive. People who watch Moonshiners came out in full force to show their care and concern for him. This kind of reaction really highlights the connection viewers feel with the people they see on television, especially when those people share something so personal.
On social media and elsewhere, there was, you know, a clear outpouring of good wishes and encouragement for Digger. It was a moment where the community of fans really rallied around one of their favorite figures. This support is, in some respects, a testament to the impact Digger has had on his audience over the years he has been on the show.
The care shown by the Moonshiners community is, you know, pretty remarkable. It goes to show that while the show is about distilling, it is also very much about the personalities involved and the human stories they share. Digger's openness about his health has, actually, only deepened that connection, making his journey something that many people are following with genuine interest and concern.
