Who Are Mark and Digger?
Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes—real name Eric Manes—are two of the most recognizable faces from the show Moonshiners. They first appeared in Season 3 and Season 4 respectively, and quickly became fan favorites. Their chemistry, humor, and knack for getting into (and out of) trouble made them stand out in a show already packed with colorful characters.
Mark grew up in East Tennessee, the heart of moonshine country. He learned the craft young, thanks to his uncles and a local moonshine expert who took him under his wing. Digger, on the other hand, was raised in Newport, Tennessee, and worked with his father, who owned a funeral home. It’s a unique combination of backgrounds that’s helped shape the dynamic we see on screen today.
Mark and Digger Age – The Numbers
So, how old are Mark and Digger, exactly? Well, as we mentioned earlier, it’s not something either of them have officially confirmed. However, based on available information and educated guesses, Mark is thought to be around 53 years old, while Digger is believed to be 51. That makes Mark the older of the two by about two years.
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Their estimated ages align with the timeline of their moonshining history. Both started dabbling in the craft as teenagers, and by their twenties, they were already deep into the world of illicit distilling. That kind of timeline makes sense when you consider how long they’ve been active in the business—both legally and otherwise.
What’s in a Name? Digger’s Real Identity
Digger’s real name is Eric Manes. He’s been on the show since 2014, and while he’s always been a bit more reserved than Mark, his presence has been just as important. Eric grew up around death, literally—his father owned a funeral home, and he spent time helping out with embalming. That’s a pretty heavy backdrop for someone who’d later become known for his role in a reality TV show about making illegal liquor.
It’s also worth noting that Digger left moonshining behind for a time after becoming a father. He wanted to focus on family, and for a while, he stepped away from the life that had defined him for so long. But, like many things in life, he eventually came back to it—this time, legally.
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Mark and Digger’s Backgrounds
Mark and Digger’s stories are as different as they are similar. Mark was raised by twelve uncles—yes, twelve—who taught him how to mix alcohol when he was just eight years old. That’s not the kind of childhood most people can relate to, but it laid the foundation for his deep connection to moonshine.
Digger, meanwhile, grew up in Newport, Tennessee, and worked with his dad at the family funeral home. That’s a pretty unusual upbringing, to say the least. But it gave him a work ethic and a perspective that would later serve him well in the moonshine business.
Mark Ramsey – A Life Rooted in Tradition
Mark’s life has always been tied to the traditions of East Tennessee. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of moonshine, thanks in large part to the influence of his uncles. He started learning the ropes early, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already making his own batches.
His journey from backyard distiller to TV personality has been a long one. He joined Moonshiners in Season 3, and his energy and charisma helped make him a standout from the get-go. Over the years, he’s become not just a fan favorite, but a legitimate distiller, thanks to his work with Sugarlands Distilling Company.
Digger Manes – From Embalmer to Moonshine Star
Eric Manes, aka Digger, has one of the more unusual backstories in the Moonshiners universe. Growing up in a funeral home environment gave him a unique perspective on life and death. That kind of setting might seem worlds away from the high-octane world of moonshining, but it’s part of what makes Digger such a compelling figure.
He joined the show in Season 4, and while he’s never been quite as outspoken as Mark, he’s always brought a steady presence to the screen. His decision to leave moonshining behind for a while after becoming a father shows a side of him that’s grounded and thoughtful—a contrast to the wild antics that often dominate the show.
Mark and Digger’s Moonshine Legacy
Mark and Digger didn’t just stumble into moonshining—they were born into it, in a way. The craft has been a part of East Tennessee culture for generations, and both men have deep roots in that tradition. Their mentor, Popcorn Sutton, was a legendary figure in the moonshine world, and his influence is still felt by both men today.
Mark and Digger learned from the best, and that knowledge has stayed with them. Even as they’ve moved into the legal side of distilling, their roots in the underground moonshine scene remain a big part of their identity. That’s something fans appreciate—they’re not just actors playing a role; they’re real people with real stories.
The Popcorn Sutton Connection
Popcorn Sutton was more than just a mentor to Mark and Digger—he was a legend. Known for his colorful personality and unmatched skill in the moonshine world, Popcorn helped shape both men into the distillers they are today. His death in 2009 was a major moment for both of them, and it marked a turning point in their careers.
They’ve often spoken about how much he meant to them, both personally and professionally. His passing left a void in the moonshine community, but it also inspired Mark and Digger to carry on his legacy in their own way. That’s something they’ve done, not just through their distilling work, but also through their appearances on the show.
Mark and Digger’s Distillery Work
In recent years, Mark and Digger have shifted from making moonshine in secret to running a legal distillery called Sugarlands Distilling Company. They’ve partnered with the company to create a line of specialty spirits, including a unique hazelnut rum that’s become a fan favorite.
Their work with Sugarlands has allowed them to bring their expertise to a broader audience. They’ve found ways to innovate while still honoring the traditions that made them who they are. Their ability to rapidly age Tennessee whiskey, for example, shows just how much they’ve adapted to the modern distilling scene.
Mark and Digger Age and Their Role in the Industry
So, how does Mark and Digger age play into their current roles in the distilling industry? Well, for one thing, their years of experience give them a kind of credibility that’s hard to fake. They’ve lived through the highs and lows of moonshine’s history, and now they’re helping to bring it into the mainstream in a legal, sustainable way.
Mark, at around 53, and Digger, at 51, aren’t just relics of a bygone era—they’re active participants in shaping the future of craft distilling. Their partnership with Sugarlands is a testament to that, and it’s clear they’re not done yet.
Mark and Digger’s Personal Lives
Mark and Digger’s personal lives are as intriguing as their professional ones. Mark was raised by twelve uncles, all of whom played a role in shaping his early years. Digger, meanwhile, had a father who ran a funeral home, which gave him a unique perspective on life from an early age.
Both men have families now, and they’ve spoken about how becoming fathers changed their outlook on life. For Digger, it meant stepping away from moonshining for a while. For Mark, it’s meant finding a balance between his old life and his new one.
What Lies Ahead for Mark and Digger?
Mark and Digger’s journey isn’t over. They’ve built a brand, a reputation, and a legacy that continues to evolve. Whether they’re distilling new flavors, appearing on the show, or engaging with fans, they’re still very much active in the world they helped bring to life on television.
As they continue to move forward, their ages—Mark around 53, Digger around 51—serve as a reminder of how far they’ve come. From the backwoods of Appalachia to the spotlight of reality TV, they’ve made a name for themselves in a way that few others have.
| Name | Age (as of 2023) | Birthplace | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Ramsey | ~53 | East Tennessee, USA | Moonshiner, Distiller, Reality TV Star |
| Digger Manes (Eric Manes) | ~51 | Newport, Tennessee, USA | Moonshiner, Distiller, Reality TV Star |
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