Eric "Digger" Manes has spent over a decade on the Discovery Channel docudrama Moonshiners, turning illicit Appalachian distilling traditions into mainstream television entertainment. While speculative internet trackers frequently peg Digger's personal net worth between $300,000 and $500,000, exact financial figures remain private. Reality television salaries, commercial legal liquor partnerships, and a long career in the family funeral industry combine to form the foundation of his financial standing.
Understanding how reality stars accumulate wealth requires looking beyond rough estimates. Viewers often wonder how much cast members earn per episode, how legal brand ventures change their income, and what background Digger brought to the screen before reality television made him a household name.
Early Life and Background Before Television
Long before cameras started following his copper stills through the Smoky Mountains, Digger lived a completely different professional life. Raised in Newport, Tennessee, he grew up immersed in the local culture of eastern Tennessee where backwoods distilling was an established, albeit illegal, craft.
As a teenager, he worked inside his family’s funeral business, eventually earning a license to handle mortuary services and embalming. This traditional trade provided a stable, blue-collar income for decades. At the same time, he crossed paths with legendary figures of the craft, including the late Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, who served as an informal mentor. Distilling started for Digger as a pursuit of local heritage and hands-on mechanical skill rather than a commercial enterprise.
Entering the Moonshiners Franchise
Digger joined the cast of Moonshiners during its fourth season, quickly establishing a chemistry-driven partnership with fellow distiller Mark Ramsey. Unlike transient cast members, their pairing relied on genuine technical know-how and a deep respect for historical distilling apparatuses.
Cast compensation on docuseries of this nature varies widely based on tenure and contract negotiations. While top-tier cable veterans can command substantial per-episode fees, ensemble cast members typically earn steady baseline salaries that scale with the show's ratings longevity. For Digger, the television platform transformed a localized subculture pursuit into a nationwide brand.
Legal Commercial Ventures and Partnerships
Television exposure paved the way for legitimate commercial avenues that dwarf standard reality TV salaries. Digger and his partner Mark teamed up with Sugarlands Distilling Company as part of their "Craft Legends" series.
Through this legal partnership, they developed branded spirits available in liquor stores across multiple states, including:
- Mark and Digger's Hazelnut Rum
- Apple Rye Brandy
- Special seasonal small-batch releases
Additionally, the duo opened a retail storefront in Tennessee called The Back Alley Grainery, which caters to home-brewing and winemaking hobbyists by selling equipment and supplies. These commercial streams generate continuous revenue that persists independently of television production cycles.
Health and Personal Life
Financial discussions often overlook the personal challenges behind the public persona. In recent seasons, Digger shared details regarding his diagnosis with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a blood and bone marrow condition. While social media speculation occasionally exaggerated the severity of his prognosis, Digger clarified that he manages the condition proactively while continuing his work and family life alongside his wife, Allison Metcalf Manes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digger's real name?
His legal name is Eric Manes, though he is universally known by his childhood nickname across the backwoods community and television landscape.
How much do cast members make on Moonshiners?
Discovery Channel does not publicly disclose talent salaries. Industry estimates suggest veteran main cast members earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands per episode depending on their seniority.
Is the moonshine on the show legal?
While the show depicts historical and illicit techniques for entertainment value, Digger and Mark transitioned into fully legal commercial distillation through partnerships with licensed distilleries like Sugarlands.
Where is Digger from?
He was born and raised in Newport, Tennessee, remaining deeply connected to the Smoky Mountain region where he learned the trade.
