Justin Meredith is an American distiller and artisan spirits competitor from Benton County, Iowa (growing up in the Garrison area and living near Mount Auburn) who rose to national prominence as a winner on Discovery Channel's hit series Moonshiners: Master Distiller.

He captured attention and won his episode—titled the "Chef-Distiller Showdown"—presided over by celebrity guest judge and chef Robert Irvine. His winning performance showcased his deep expertise in culinary flavor profiles and high-proof distillation. During the episode's intense challenges, he successfully engineered three distinct moonshines designed to taste like a full "meal in a jar," which included:

• An appetizer moonshine featuring a complex fruit salad flavor profile.
• A main course moonshine built around a rich, savory brisket flavor.
• A dessert moonshine highlighting a strawberry rhubarb cheesecake profile.

Meredith earned widespread praise from the judges for his bold, expertly balanced flavors and precise proofing, combining a traditional passion for home-brewing and distillation with professional-grade culinary creativity.

rod from drop zone distillery and ronnie from blood stripe brewery

We're just talking likker and busting balls

Ohio Shine Co. is a locally owned craft distillery in downtown Mansfield, Ohio, specializing in small-batch moonshine and a house vodka. It focuses on handcrafted spirits that highlight Ohio ingredients and traditional moonshine-making with a modern approach.

Key details:

• Location: 126 N. Franklin Ave., Mansfield, OH 44902.
• What they make: A core lineup of traditional clear moonshine, flavored moonshines (including fruit and dessert-inspired varieties), and Cold Spring Vodka, their premium unflavored vodka.
• Experience: The distillery operates a tasting room where visitors can sample spirits before purchasing bottles to take home. Under its Ohio distillery license, it is not a traditional bar—its focus is tastings and retail bottle sales.
• Atmosphere: Ohio Shine Co. aims to provide a welcoming experience for both moonshine enthusiasts and first-time visitors while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Mansfield's food and beverage scene.
• Hours: According to current business listings, it is open Fridays from 4:00–8:00 PM and Saturdays from 12:00–7:00 PM. Hours may change seasonally.

Jon Umstead is an American business executive, consultant, author, and educator with over 30 years of leadership experience spanning private sector operations, IT services, and executive leadership. self taught moonshiner. check out Against the Grain on amazon or www/champaignshine.com

Mary Kutter is an American country music singer and songwriter originally from Springfield, Kentucky. Known for her raw, gritty, and deeply honest storytelling, her music fuses classic country roots with rock influences.

Key Accomplishments & Career Shifts

• Prolific Songwriter: Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Kutter built a major reputation behind the scenes in Nashville. She co-wrote several massive hits for major country artists, including Bailey Zimmerman’s "Never Leave" and "These Nights," as well as Nate Smith’s "Wreckage" and "Sleep". Her work as a songwriter has also been featured in Netflix movies, television shows, and national commercials.
• Viral Solo Success: She successfully transitioned to a solo career after sharing an unfinished clip of her music on TikTok. Her breakout track, "Devil's Money"—a song inspired by the true story of her bootlegger great-grandfather—went viral, racking up over 30 million views.
• Record Deal & Releases: Her relentless work ethic and songwriting success caught the attention of major labels. She is signed to a publishing deal with Reservoir Media and officially signed a major record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Her singles include "Devil's Money," "The Devil Wore a Lab Coat," and her 2026 release, "Bed of Roses".

The distiller you are looking for is Alan Bishop (often preferring the title "Head Alchemist").

A highly respected and colorful figure in the craft spirits industry, Bishop is renowned for his deep knowledge of pre-prohibition style distilling, historical spirits (like authentic absinthe), and his roots in southern Indiana's illicit distilling heritage.

Career & Old Homestead Connection

• Spirits of French Lick: Before his time at Old Homestead, Bishop spent eight highly acclaimed years as the Head Alchemist at Spirits of French Lick in southern Indiana, where he built a major reputation for innovative whiskeys and brandies.
• Old Homestead Distilling Co.: In April 2024, Bishop left French Lick to become the Head Distiller and partner at the newly unveiled Old Homestead Distilling Co. in Birdseye, Indiana (located in the Patoka Lake / "Alcohol Acres" area).
• The "Alchemist" Style: At Old Homestead, he leaned heavily into historical and terroir-focused spirits. He gained particular attention there for creating "Sunshine Spirits"—a unique, moonshine-style spirit crafted from malted and roasted sunflower seeds rather than standard grains.
• Current Ventures: True to his restless and independent spirit, Bishop eventually parted ways with the daily operations at Old Homestead to continue contract distilling, consulting, and launching independent spirit lines

The Annual Tin-Man Benefit Run, is a community charity motorcycle event held in and around the Mechanicsburg area. Based on information available from the page and related community references, the event's purpose is to raise money for A Heart for a Child, a nonprofit that assists children and families dealing with serious medical and heart-related challenges.

Ohio Shine Co. is a locally owned Ohio craft distillery known for producing small-batch moonshine and vodka that blend traditional Appalachian distilling heritage with modern craftsmanship. Based in Mansfield, the company specializes in smooth, approachable spirits, including classic corn moonshine and a variety of flavored offerings such as apple pie, peach, blackberry, and toasted coconut. Ohio Shine Co. emphasizes quality ingredients, local pride, and hands-on production, creating spirits that appeal to both casual drinkers and enthusiasts. With a focus on authenticity, community, and innovation, the distillery has built a reputation for delivering flavorful, Ohio-made products that celebrate the state's rich distilling traditions.

Black Diamond Brewery & Distillery - Waverly, a restaurant, bar, and tasting venue that showcases the spirits and beers produced by the company's main distillery operation in Nelsonville. It is part of the broader Black Diamond brand, which focuses on celebrating Appalachian Ohio's coal-mining, railroad, and industrial heritage through craft bourbon, whiskey, moonshine, rum, beer, and food.