The Life and Legacy of J.B. Rader: Appalachian Moonshiner and Cultural Icon

By gerrardhayley May 20, 2025 Moonshiners Cast, TV Personality 0 Comments

J.B. Rader is one of the most respected names in the world of backwoods distilling, known for his authenticity, deep-rooted traditions, and long-standing friendship with the iconic moonshiner Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton. While Popcorn’s outlaw persona drew the spotlight, Rader’s quiet demeanor and steady hand behind the scenes helped keep the operation alive—and safe.

Among the foundational principles that guided J.B. Rader’s work in traditional moonshining was a rule he consistently lived by: don’t drink while making liquor. For Rader, this wasn’t just about discipline—it was a reflection of the professionalism and safety required when working with high-proof alcohol during the distillation process.

This principle came into sharp focus during an incident in which Rader injured his hand while working alone at the still. Rather than interrupting the operation or seeking help, he calmly treated the wound himself—a quiet act that captured his trademark self-reliance. It was only later that his longtime friend and moonshining partner Popcorn Sutton noticed something was amiss, a testament to the strong bond and mutual awareness forged through years of working side by side in the craft.

Now in his 70s, J.B. Rader continues to embody the legacy of Appalachian moonshining—living quietly, but never forgotten. His understated lifestyle has only added to the mystique surrounding his name, fueled in part by online speculation. Despite frequent Google searches suggesting otherwise, he remains very much alive as of 2025, a living bridge between old-world craftsmanship and modern curiosity.

Stories from the Road: The Infamous California Run

Among the many tales Rader has shared over the years, one unforgettable episode involves a spontaneous trip from Tennessee to California in a 1978 Ford Fairmont. Originally presented as a scenic three-week vacation, the journey turned out to be a high-speed round trip sparked by a bet that the aging car wouldn’t make it across the country and back.

With jars of liquor stashed under crates of tomatoes, Rader and Sutton dodged scrutiny at a California agricultural checkpoint. Rader recalled how quick thinking and a calm demeanor got them through, even though the car was loaded with more than just produce. “I knew he had liquor but didn’t know how much,” Rader later said.

Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean, it became clear that the vacation had never been the goal. Popcorn’s priority was to return quickly and get the stills running again. Rader, however, insisted on one stop for himself—the Grand Canyon. “You might as well do something for yourself when you’ve driven that far,” he reasoned.

Television Appearances: Moonshiners and Beyond

J.B. Rader became more widely known to television audiences through his appearances on the Discovery Channel’s hit series Moonshiners. His role in the show stood in contrast to some of the more boisterous characters—offering a quieter, reflective voice rooted in genuine experience. He appeared alongside modern-day moonshiners who looked up to him as a living link to the past, particularly in tribute episodes honoring Popcorn Sutton.

Rader’s appearances served to ground the show in its historical roots. He wasn’t just a TV personality—he was a mentor figure, bridging the past with the present. In one episode, J.B. offered guidance on traditional recipes and shared old-school distilling techniques that resonated deeply with the audience.

Full List of TV and Documentary Credits

According to IMDb, J.B. Rader’s onscreen appearances span over two decades, showcasing his lasting influence on Appalachian culture and moonshining history:

Moonshiners (TV Series, 2015–2022): Appeared as himself in 30 episodes as a respected moonshiner
Master Distiller (TV Series, 2020–2022): Credited in 3 episodes as Self – Judge, Moonshiner, and Legendary Moonshiner
Popcorn Sutton: A Hell of a Life (2014): A documentary honoring the legacy of Popcorn Sutton, featuring J.B. as himself
The Last One (2008): A documentary capturing Popcorn’s final illegal distillation run, where J.B. appeared as his trusted partner
This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make (2002): A cult-favorite home video featuring Popcorn Sutton and J.B. Rader documenting the final illegal liquor run in the hills of Tennessee

Documented Traditions: The 2008 Film The Last One

In the 2008 documentary The Last One, J.B. Rader is shown working closely with Popcorn Sutton during what was billed as Sutton’s final illegal moonshine run. Filmed deep in the Appalachian woods, the documentary captures the practical labor of a two-man distilling crew—digging the furnace pit, prepping the clay, setting the cap, firing the still, and collecting high-proof alcohol.

Rader’s involvement is subtle yet significant. Viewers see him applying bran-and-flour paste to steam connections, responding to leaks, and monitoring the liquor’s proof by taste and bead test. At one point, he’s praised by Sutton for quickly catching on—despite it being his first time helping on a wood-fired still. His calm attention to detail and deep-rooted knowledge underscore why he remains one of the most trusted names in Appalachian moonshining.

While Popcorn Sutton declares this his “last damn run,” the film doubles as a visual record of Rader’s craftsmanship—quiet, precise, and grounded in tradition. The Last One preserves more than a run of moonshine; it captures the cultural legacy that J.B. Rader helped carry into the modern era.

Legacy and Loyalty

Beyond the humor and grit of bootlegging, J.B. Rader’s life reveals a quiet devotion to Appalachian values and personal integrity. Whether helping run the stills or trading jars of shine for firewood or old car parts, Rader operated by a kind of code—one where loyalty outweighed profit.

One memorable exchange involved trading the old Ford to a man from Jack Daniel’s in return for eight bags of firewood. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t for headlines. But it spoke volumes about the self-reliance and resourcefulness that defined Rader’s way of life.

In recent years, he has partnered with South Mountain Distilling Company in North Carolina to produce small-batch legal moonshine based on his time-tested recipes. Among his notable offerings are the Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine, known for its use of real apples and honey, and a 103-proof expression that reflects the raw, high-proof character of traditional shine. His involvement extends beyond branding; Rader is actively engaged in quality control and public education, lending his name to custom stills and participating in workshops that promote legal distillation practices.

A Cultural Icon in His Own Right

While Popcorn Sutton became a household name, J.B. Rader remained a quiet but essential figure in the story of American moonshining. He didn’t seek television fame or commercial success, yet his contributions and character quietly shaped the craft’s survival into the 21st century.

Stories attributed to Rader—such as selling cherry shine on the streets of Sevierville or trading with folks from Jack Daniel’s—reflect not only colorful anecdotes but a broader cultural context rooted in mutual respect, resourcefulness, and oral tradition. These recollections carry weight not just because of their content, but because of who’s telling them.

Today, Rader is increasingly recognized not just for his close association with Popcorn Sutton but for preserving the customs and values of Appalachian distilling. His presence in documentaries and television adds dimension to a practice that’s often sensationalized—bringing dignity and depth to a fading craft.

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