Eric “Digger” Manes Bio: Age, Moonshiners Cast, Health Update, Wife, Kids, Net Worth & Career Timeline

With a beard nearly as recognizable as his name, Eric “Digger” Manes is one of the most enduring figures in American moonshining. Raised in Newport, Tennessee, and shaped by years of hands-on experience alongside legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, Manes has become a trusted face in traditional distilling.

Through his longtime role on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners and appearances on Master Distiller, Manes has introduced millions to the craft, culture, and character of backwoods whiskey-making. While many know him from television, there’s more to his story—including his family life, health journey, and business ventures—that continues to draw wide public interest. This biography explores the man behind the mash, beyond the camera.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 20, 1964, in Newport, Tennessee, Eric Manes grew up surrounded by small-town traditions and tight-knit community life. His father, Charlie Manes, worked as an undertaker at Brown Funeral Home. Eric spent many of his formative years there, often doing homework on the funeral home floor. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “Digger”—a reference to famed basketball coach Digger Phelps, suggested by a family acquaintance.

He attended Cocke County High School and played football as a guard in the early 1980s under coach Mike Proffitt. The two formed a lifelong friendship that extended into church activities and annual camping trips.

Moonshine Career and Partnership with Popcorn Sutton

Eric “Digger” Manes got interested in moonshining at a young age. When he was 14, he asked a friend’s father—who built stills—to teach him the trade. But the man said no, explaining that local moonshiners had strong morals and wouldn’t let a child get involved. He told Digger to come back when he turned 18 and had his father’s permission. On his 18th birthday, with his dad’s hesitant approval, Digger returned and officially began his moonshining journey.

By day, he worked in his father’s funeral home as a licensed embalmer. By night, he learned the art of distilling. Over time, he formed a close partnership with the legendary Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton. Although many saw Digger as Sutton’s protégé, he saw them as equals, and even helped Sutton build his first 500-gallon still. The two worked together for more than 20 years.

After becoming a father, Digger decided to leave illegal moonshining behind to focus on his family. He spent some time home brewing before returning to distilling—this time legally—with encouragement from his friend Mark Ramsey.

Rise to Television

Eric Manes officially joined the cast in Season 4, shortly after Mark Ramsey’s introduction in Season 3, and has since appeared in nine seasons as of 2025.

In addition to his central role on Moonshiners, Manes has participated in several related productions. He appeared in Master Distiller (2019–2025) across 75 episodes, serving as a judge and mentor. In 2022, he was featured in Master Distiller: Tournament of Champions for four episodes, and in 2021, he made a guest appearance on Expedition X. His television portfolio includes over 180 episodes of Moonshiners spanning from 2014 to 2025.

Filming for the series is known to be labor-intensive. Manes has described working under tough conditions, including trudging through mud and repeating distillation steps to accommodate multiple camera setups, sometimes logging over 40 hours to complete a single episode. His commitment to authenticity has helped define the show’s identity, emphasizing respect for the legacy of traditional moonshiners.

Distilling Style and Philosophy

Widely recognized as a master fermenter, Manes focuses heavily on yeast development, mash fermentation, and refining flavor profiles. He consistently favors the use of wood-fired stills over electric or steam models, believing this traditional method best preserves the essence of true Appalachian moonshine. His approach blends generational knowledge with personal experimentation, reflecting both respect for the craft and a scientific mindset.

Business Endeavors & Net Worth

Eric Manes has an estimated net worth of $800,000 to $1.2 million as of 2025. This estimate reflects his diverse earnings from a successful television career, commercial moonshine ventures, branded spirits, and retail operations in Newport, Tennessee.

In 2018, Manes and his wife opened The Back Alley Grainery, a local shop in downtown Newport that sells beer and wine-making supplies and hosts educational classes. The store opened in a part of downtown Newport that has since seen growth in small businesses, including salons, shops, and food vendors.

Beyond the storefront, Manes has partnered with Sugarlands Distilling Company to develop a line of commercially distributed moonshines. These products are based on his traditional Appalachian recipes and allow him to share his craft with a broader audience.

He and Mark Ramsey also launched their own branded series of flavored moonshines, expanding their reach across multiple states. These ventures reflect the same values of authenticity and heritage showcased on Moonshiners and have solidified their presence in the legal distilling market.

Manes and Ramsey also co-founded the Mark and Digger Shiners Club—an online community offering exclusive content, live video events, and updates about their public appearances. The club exceeded its original goal of 10,000 members and quickly grew to over 200,000 in its first year.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Eric Manes has been married to Allison Metcalf Manes since June 16, 2004. They met at a tax office, began dating shortly afterward, and married just four months later. Despite their six-year age difference, their relationship has remained strong for over two decades. Together, they have one son, Beck Manes, born in April 2005.

Allison, a Newport native and entrepreneur, also has two sons—Bo Denton and Jim Denton—from a previous marriage, forming a blended family that plays an active role in each other’s lives. Their home is built on a foundation of humor, mutual respect, and shared community values. Allison recalls Eric being the first to say “I love you,” a moment that happened while riding in Popcorn Sutton’s Jeep.

While they joke about being equally stubborn, they balance each other well: Allison tends to plan date nights, while Eric is known for his sense of humor and outgoing nature. The couple enjoys dining at local spots like Chop House and once traveled together to Eleuthera.

Outside their home life, they each run successful businesses —Eric with The Back Alley Grainery and Allison with Fruit Jar Alley, a boutique focused on women’s clothing and home goods. In 2025, Allison’s shop faced severe flooding, but she managed to restore it with determination and help from the local community.

Eric remains deeply rooted in his hometown. He’s active in church, maintains strong ties with friends like Coach Proffitt, and is known for his lighthearted storytelling—often sharing tales from camping trips in the Smoky Mountains.

Health and Resilience

In January 2024, Eric Manes publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The news came shortly after an episode of Moonshiners aired that had been filmed around the time of his initial diagnosis. He described the condition as treatable and non-terminal, and noted that he continued to work during testing and treatment.

Manes remained active in his business and television commitments throughout this period. Both he and his wife, Allison, acknowledged the public support they received following the announcement.

Eric “Digger” Manes – Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Eric Manes
Nickname	Digger
Date of Birth	February 20, 1964
Place of Birth	Newport, Tennessee, USA
Current Age (2025)	61 years old
Nationality	American
Profession	Distiller, TV Personality, Business Owner
Known For	Moonshiners, Master Distiller
Years Active on TV	2014–present
TV Debut	Moonshiners Season 4
Mentor/Influence	Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton
Business	The Back Alley Grainery
Commercial Partner	Sugarlands Distilling Company
Spouse	Allison Metcalf Manes (m. 2004)
Children	Beck Manes; Bo Denton & Jim Denton (stepchildren)
Health	Diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Estimated Net Worth	$800,000–$1.2 million (2025)
Residence	Newport, Tennessee