Biography & Early Wealth Journey
Tickle's popularity resulted in his own Discovery spinoff, "Tickle," and later additional television projects including "Moonshiners: Smoke Ring." He has remained part of the main "Moonshiners" franchise for more than a decade and was still appearing throughout season 15 in 2026. Outside television, Tickle has partnered with Sugarlands Distilling Company, which commercialized recipes associated with personalities from "Moonshiners" through its Legends line. His licensed products have included Tickle's Cinnamon Moonshine.
Early Life and Trades
Steven Ray Tickle grew up in Virginia and learned traditional distilling methods from older relatives.
Before reality television became his primary public career, Tickle worked as a carpenter. He spent time in the Washington, D.C., area working on commercial construction projects before returning to rural Virginia.
Primary Income Streams & Multi-Million Contracts
His knowledge of distilling developed through years of experimenting with small stills and traditional Appalachian recipes.
Moonshiners
Tickle became one of the personalities featured on Discovery's "Moonshiners," which premiered in 2011.
He initially appeared closely alongside Tim Smith, a longtime Virginia moonshiner who was attempting to move from illicit distilling into legitimate commercial spirits production.
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Tickle's combination of humor, unpredictable behavior, mechanical skills, and genuine knowledge of distilling made him one of the show's breakout personalities.
He remained part of "Moonshiners" across numerous seasons and eventually developed partnerships with several generations of cast members.
Tickle and Other Spinoffs
Discovery gave Tickle his own spinoff series in 2013.
Wealth Trajectory & Future Earnings Projections
"Tickle" followed him as he attempted to move a large quantity of moonshine while operating a small business called Tickle's Tackle.
His later television work included "Moonshiners: Smoke Ring," which followed Tickle as he traveled throughout the South exploring regional barbecue traditions.
He has also participated in other "Moonshiners" projects and specials.
Tickle remained part of the flagship series into season 15. Episodes airing in 2026 continued featuring him alongside Tim Smith, including storylines involving their commercial and illicit distilling activities.
Sugarlands Distilling
Tickle became one of several "Moonshiners" personalities to partner with Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Sugarlands developed its Legends line in collaboration with distillers from the television series, allowing fans to purchase legal commercial spirits inspired by recipes associated with the cast.
Tickle's products have included Tickle's Cinnamon Moonshine.
The relationship expanded his income beyond television appearance fees into commercial spirits licensing, promotional appearances, events, and merchandise.
Legal Issues
Tickle's real-life legal problems occasionally overlapped with his television persona.
He was arrested for public intoxication in 2013.
In 2015, authorities charged him with possessing an illegally modified sawed-off shotgun. He was convicted in 2016 and received a suspended prison sentence. Later probation violations ultimately resulted in jail time.
Following his release, Tickle returned to "Moonshiners" and resumed filming.
Personal Life
Tickle married Carol Ann in 2019 in a ceremony built around their shared connection to moonshine culture.
Their relationship was subsequently featured on Discovery, including updates about married life away from the still site.
Tickle has continued making public appearances and participating in events associated with both "Moonshiners" and the commercial spirits industry.
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Moonshiner
Tom Hedrick