Jerry Benson Moonshiners Age, Career, Net Worth & What Happened to Him

From the hollers of Appalachia to the screens of millions, Jerry Benson has become a recognizable figure in modern-day moonshining. As a regular on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners since 2019, Benson is known not just for producing backwoods spirits, but for bringing technical mastery and craftsmanship to every still he builds. With a weathered beard, rolled-up sleeves, and an eye for copperwork, he represents a blend of old-school tradition and hands-on innovation.

This biography of Moonshiners star Jerry Benson traces his journey from his roots in Flat Rock, North Carolina, through his career as a television moonshiner, still builder, and founder of Maggie Valley Still Company. It covers key topics frequently searched online, including his age, job, family, net worth, and what happened to him on Moonshiners. Along the way, it explores the personal and professional milestones that have shaped his public identity and his role in American craft distilling.

Early Life and Background

Jerry David Benson was born on March 5, 1973, in Flat Rock, North Carolina, where he spent his formative years. He is the son of Harley Benson (1947–2017) and Elaine G. Benson (1945–2015).

His father, Harley, worked at Ecusta and was an active member of Dana Baptist Church. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing and had a fondness for Western films. Jerry’s mother, Elaine, was also deeply involved in the church and devoted time to Bible study.

Benson grew up with one sibling, his sister Holly B. Turner. Life in Flat Rock provided a rural backdrop shaped by hands-on work, family traditions, and a connection to the outdoors. These early influences played a key role in his eventual path into traditional distilling, a practice later showcased during his time on Moonshiners.

Career and Television Appearances

Jerry Benson is a moonshiner, fabricator, and copper still builder. He began working with copper at a young age and gradually developed skills in designing and constructing distillation equipment. His work includes building still columns and complete home distillation systems using a variety of copper-working techniques.

He established the Maggie Valley Still Company, where he manufactures custom copper stills. He has stated that working with copper is both technically engaging and personally relaxing, describing it as a way to focus and work through ideas.

Benson joined the Discovery Channel series Moonshiners in 2019 during season 9 and has appeared in over 80 episodes through 2025. He is often shown collaborating with fellow moonshiner Mike Cockrell, assisting in the building and operation of distillation setups in rural locations.

In 2021, he appeared as a contestant on Master Distiller, a competitive reality series associated with Moonshiners. His television appearances have focused on the technical process of distilling and the cultural significance of legal moonshine production.

Benson also participates in public events such as the Appalachian Moonshine, Music, and Makers Festival and National Moonshine Day, where he interacts with fans and supports the broader legal distilling community.

Marriage, Children, and Current Relationship

Jerry D. Benson has two children from his marriage to Tonya Benson and is currently in a relationship with Keira Crane.

During their marriage, Jerry and Tonya raised two children—Courtney and Dawson Benson. Courtney, their eldest daughter, is a mother of three. On National Daughters Day in 2020, Jerry publicly acknowledged her by describing her as hardworking and family-oriented, expressing appreciation for her role as a mother and daughter.

Dawson Benson, their son, was born on September 22, 2003. Jerry marked his 18th birthday in a 2021 social media post, referring to him as a fine young man and sharing his pride in Dawson’s growth and future.

By June 2021, Jerry had entered a new relationship with Keira Crane. In a public post, he referred to her as his “sweetheart” and shared that they had traveled over 2,600 miles together, suggesting that their partnership had become an important part of his personal life.

Despite the separation from his former wife, Jerry appears to maintain a united family dynamic. In May 2024, he shared a photo from a large family breakfast at the beach, which included Tonya, both his children,  and Keira Crane. The gathering highlighted a sense of continued connection and shared moments among extended family members, including both past and present partners.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Jerry Benson’s estimated net worth is between $250,000 and $400,000. This estimate accounts for his income from multiple sources, including:

• His appearances on Moonshiners (over 80 episodes between 2019–2025), which likely contributed regular earnings from reality TV contracts.
• Participation in Discovery Channel’s Master Distiller.
• Revenue from his business, Maggie Valley Still Company, where he builds and sells custom copper stills.
• Public events and appearances, such as moonshine festivals and promotional engagements.

While exact financial details are not public, Benson’s continued television presence, business operations, and festival involvement suggest a steady and diverse income stream typical of public-facing personalities in the craft distilling industry.

Journey on Moonshiners: From Debut to Innovation

Building a Reputation (Seasons 9–10)

Jerry first appeared in Season 9, when he teamed up with Mike to confront turf competition and expand their operations. Their efforts to double output were met with new threats as rival liquor began circulating through their established customer base. Jerry was often seen working through complex logistical and territorial challenges, helping Mike maintain their foothold in the backwoods liquor trade.

A standout early effort was their attempt to make fig-based moonshine. Jerry and Mike harvested fresh figs and crafted a sweet, high-sugar-content mash. The process required creative improvisation—including battling hornets drawn to the fig mash, troubleshooting excessive pressure in a custom-built rig, and ultimately stabilizing it with sandbags and seal adjustments. Despite multiple failures and equipment issues, they successfully distilled a smooth, flavorful fig shine that both partners were proud of, proving their resilience under pressure.

However, the market response to the fig shine was underwhelming, forcing Mike and Jerry to pivot quickly. Realizing they needed a product with broader appeal, they decided to develop an apple brandy—a reliable favorite among consumers. To adapt, they re-engineered their rig by installing a crossover pipe that allowed them to bypass the thumper jars for a more traditional brandy flavor. They sourced Stamen apples, known for their high sugar content and tart-sweet balance, and built a makeshift gurney to transport heavy baskets up the mountain still site efficiently.

Using a French fry cutter to thinly slice apples and extract juices faster, they halved their cooking time and produced a rich, cider-like mash. The innovation paid off, resulting in a high-quality apple brandy that reinvigorated their sales strategy and helped get their season back on track.

The apple brandy laid the groundwork for another innovation: caramel apple moonshine. In a Season 9 highlight, Mike and Jerry fused sliced apples with hard caramel candies and reused backings from previous runs to elevate the flavor and boost alcohol content. With 25 gallons produced, they targeted a 50-gallon sale—by far the largest order of their season. After rejecting a bootlegger’s high 50% commission demand, they chose to deliver the shipment themselves. This risky bootleg run, taken across state lines, paid off when they successfully sold all 50 gallons for $7,000—helping them regain momentum and proving they could market their shine independently.

In Season 10, Jerry faced one of his most serious setbacks when a medical emergency took him off the field temporarily. This absence exposed just how much Mike relied on Jerry’s skills and stability. Upon his return, Jerry resumed work with increased urgency as they tackled large-scale runs, even risking confrontation with law enforcement and rival crews.

Health Crisis and Emotional Reunion (Season 11)

Later in Season 11, Jerry faced a life-altering moment. He was hospitalized with symptoms of a potential stroke—vomiting, weakness, and bleeding on the brain—prompting his transfer to a larger facility in Asheville. The health scare was serious enough to force Mike to carry on operations alone, particularly as they finished bottling a champagne-style brandy. Although Jerry remained in touch over the phone, offering guidance and encouragement, the emotional toll was evident. Mike completed the run in Jerry’s absence, crediting his partner’s influence and dedication. Despite uncertainty about Jerry’s ability to return to work, Mike made it clear: Jerry was irreplaceable.

In a powerful conclusion to the arc, Jerry defied expectations and appeared at Mike’s wedding in Season 11. Mike had hoped for his partner’s presence but was unsure if his recovery would allow it. Jerry’s arrival—just minutes before the ceremony held on September 11, 2021—brought emotional closure and became a highlight of the season. The blueberry champagne, completed in Jerry’s honor, was served at the reception, both as a celebration and a fundraiser to help Jerry cover his medical bills. The moment underscored their bond—not just as business partners, but as lifelong friends and brothers in spirit.

Innovation, Theft, and Redemption (Season 13)

Season 13 saw a continuation of their creative approach, as Jerry and Mike launched a blueberry lemonade recipe—an ambitious and expensive run that marked their first of the season. Despite high blueberry prices, Jerry supported the vision and helped troubleshoot the mash’s delicate pH balance with baking soda. To preserve the distinct flavors of blueberry and lemon, the team conceptualized a unique still design that would separate and reblend the fruit profiles using steam fusion rather than traditional mixing. Though expensive and complex, the plan reflected Jerry’s commitment to craftsmanship and market appeal.

In Episode 3, Jerry’s mechanical expertise was on full display as he led the design and construction of a groundbreaking four-chamber still. This rig allowed blueberry and lemon mashes to be heated independently and blended via steam at the molecular level—giving them precise control over flavor. As the team monitored vapor profiles in real time, they fine-tuned burner positions to strike the perfect fruit ratio. Jerry’s ability to troubleshoot and adjust on the fly ensured their expensive mash wasn’t wasted. The resulting blueberry lemonade moonshine was a success and provided financial momentum.

However, the business climate in Maggie Valley became increasingly volatile. Jerry stood firm when their crew was confronted by an enforcer claiming an additional $700 tribute was owed to a local boss named Robert. When tensions escalated, Jerry refused to back down, confronting the man face-to-face and refusing to pay beyond their agreed-upon terms. The scene underscored Jerry’s personal integrity and resolve—he wasn’t just a craftsman but a man unwilling to be bullied.

In Episode 5, Jerry continued to demonstrate practical ingenuity by teaming up with Richard to source overripe fruit from a local farmers market. They acquired cantaloupes, sugar babies, and sangria melons through barter instead of cash, cleverly sidestepping rising ingredient costs. Jerry helped prepare a multi-melon mash and ran it through their four-chamber still. Once distilled, the liquor carried strong cantaloupe notes with a watermelon finish—deemed “top shelf” by the team. Jerry’s urgent focus on turning that batch into fast sales echoed a recurring theme: making money to repay debts and stay ahead in a volatile trade.

In Episodes 10–12, Jerry’s most ambitious experiment yet unfolded. When their still site ran dry, threatening a $2,800 wedding order, Jerry engineered an air-cooled condenser system featuring eight copper coils. After a failed trial wasted mash, he enhanced the design with peltier-cell-powered fans—creating one of the most advanced stills on the show. They used it for a batch of Mike’s top-selling clear apple pie shine, sourcing free apple pomace from a cider mill.

Just as production was set to begin, the still was stolen. Jerry’s grief turned to resolve. He mobilized their network, located a video showing the stolen still, and—with help from Roger—recovered it in a tense exchange involving a known criminal. The thief, who had tried to trade the still for a few jars of fake liquor, was ultimately caught after a high-speed pursuit that ended in front of law enforcement. The still was returned intact, thanks largely to Jerry’s determination, quick thinking, and refusal to be defeated.

Veteran Stability and Quiet Resilience (Season 14)

In Season 14, Jerry rebounded from the theft with remarkable focus. He helped scout a new site inside a secluded barn, meeting with a landowner and negotiating a deal: a gallon of shine per run in exchange for safe use of the property. Jerry and Mike quietly moved their recovered still into the barn’s loft, now protected under lock and key.

They returned to distilling Mike’s popular clear apple pie recipe using the free pomace—leftover pulp from a cider mill. Jerry managed the setup and burn, rechecking all valves and fittings after their still had been previously tampered with. When the still produced a batch with excellent clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple notes, the group celebrated a rare win in a tough season.

Their return to profitability brought immediate relief. Jerry emphasized the importance of paying debts—especially to Digger—and restoring momentum after a series of setbacks. The restored still, running better than ever, represented both innovation and perseverance.

Jerry Benson – Wiki Bio Facts

Field	Detail
Full Name	Jerry David Benson
Known For	Moonshiners (2019–2025), Master Distiller (2021)
Date of Birth	March 5, 1973
Age (as of 2025)	52 years old
Place of Birth	Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Moonshiner, Copper Still Builder, Television Personality
Business	Founder of Maggie Valley Still Company
TV Debut	Moonshiners, Season 9 (2019)
Other TV Appearances	Master Distiller (2021, 1 episode)
Estimated Net Worth (2025)	$250,000 – $400,000
Parents	Harley Benson (1947–2017), Elaine G. Benson (1945–2015)
Siblings	Holly B. Turner (sister)
Ex-Spouse	Tonya Benson
Children	Courtney Benson (daughter), Dawson Benson (son)
Current Partner	Keira Crane
Residence	Flat Rock, North Carolina / Waynesville, North Carolina.
Notable Projects	Custom copper still fabrication, Apple Brandy & Blueberry Lemonade runs on Moonshiners
Health Issues	Hospitalized in Season 11 for brain bleed symptoms
Years Active on TV	2019–2025