Tickle Honors Late Moonshiner Amos Law with Stunning Submarine Still Built to Carry On a Family Legacy

In the misty hollows of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where moonshine runs as deep as family ties, Steven Ray “Tickle” Womack has joined forces with Henry and Kenny Law to craft a heartfelt tribute to the late Amos Law, a legendary figure in their tight-knit community. Using materials handed down by Amos himself, the trio has constructed a breathtaking submarine-style still, blending stainless steel and a battle-scarred copper cap to produce moonshine that honors a multi-generational tradition. The project, fraught with challenges from a finicky branch worm to the specter of legal risks, culminated in a triumphant first run of 15 gallons of crystal-clear liquor—described as tasting like “Mom’s peach cobbler”—a poignant moment for Henry and Kenny as they carry on their father’s legacy with Tickle by their side.

The submarine still, a design rooted in the Blue Ridge’s moonshining heritage, is a marvel of ingenuity. Capable of holding up to 800 gallons of mash, it’s built for high-volume production at a fraction of the cost of traditional copper pot stills. Tickle, Henry, and Kenny opted for a hybrid approach: a sturdy stainless steel base to withstand the weight of grains and solids, topped with a copper cap to purify the liquor by leaching out sulfides. “The copper helps pull out the bad stuff,” Tickle explained, noting that stainless steel’s durability makes it ideal for the base, while the copper cap—passed down through generations and scarred by countless raids from the ATF and ABC—adds both function and folklore. “This cap’s been cut so many times, it’s practically a relic,” Tickle said, marveling at its history. “It’s made a whole lot of liquor, and we think it brings luck.”

For Henry and Kenny, the still is more than machinery—it’s a sacred link to their father. Amos Law, who passed away recently, left behind not just materials but a legacy of craftsmanship that defined their family. “This is our first run since Dad passed,” Henry said, his voice thick with emotion as Tickle lit the fire under the still for its inaugural batch. The act was symbolic, with Tickle describing it as an honor that made him feel “like they’re bringing me into their family.” The still, perched beside a creek for natural cooling, was designed to blend into the landscape, its branch worm condenser—a tube running through the creek to cool the vaporized liquor—eliminating the need for pumps or motors. “It’s got to be angled just right so the liquor doesn’t run too fast,” Tickle noted, adjusting the worm with precision honed by years in the woods.

The process wasn’t without hiccups. As the first run began, the liquor emerged too warm, a sign the branch worm wasn’t cooling effectively. “It’s coming off too hot,” Tickle warned, explaining that vaporized alcohol wasn’t fully condensing, costing them precious yield. The crew diagnosed the issue: the worm’s positioning allowed water near the surface to heat up, reducing its cooling power. “The more it runs, the hotter it’s gonna get,” Henry said, frustration mounting. With 800 gallons of mash and their profits at stake, the team couldn’t afford to lose the run. “Nobody’s in a position to lose mash,” Tickle stressed, recalling his own brushes with the law that make every batch a high-stakes gamble. After a tense huddle, they extended the worm by five feet and added sandbags to raise the creek’s water level, ensuring colder flow over the condenser. “The more footage you’ve got, the cooler your liquor,” Tickle said, banking on the spring-fed creek to save the day.

The fix worked. As the liquor began to flow, it came out “ice cold,” a perfect balance that had Tickle whooping with joy. “We did it!” he exclaimed, tasting the shine and likening it to a dessert straight from childhood. The run yielded 15 gallons—short of the hoped-for 18 due to the worm’s early issues—but for a first attempt on a new still, it was a victory. “I was looking for 18, but 15 gallons, I’m still happy,” Henry said, raising a jar to toast their success. For Kenny, the moment was bittersweet: “It’s a family tradition, and I’m glad I’m right here keeping it on with y’all.” The still, which Tickle jokingly said “might as well have a mini skirt on, it’s that pretty,” stood as a testament to their resilience and Amos’s enduring influence.

The project carried deep personal weight for Tickle, who’s no stranger to the risks of moonshining. “This is my first run since I’ve been locked up,” he admitted, referencing past legal troubles that landed him behind bars. “It’s a scary feeling, knowing I could get in real trouble, but there ain’t no place on Earth I’d rather be.” The woods, with their whispering creeks and hidden hollows, are Tickle’s sanctuary, a place where he feels “closer to who I am.” For Henry and Kenny, including Tickle in the build was a gesture of trust, a way to weave him into their family’s story. “It feels good to be back,” Tickle said, pasting up the still’s joints to prevent leaks, a meticulous task that underscored his commitment to quality.

Social media erupted with support, as fans on X celebrated the tribute under hashtags like #MoonshineLegacy and #AmosLawTribute. “Tickle and the Laws building that still for Amos—pure heart,” one user posted, while another quipped, “That copper cap’s got more stories than a barstool!” The still’s design, blending tradition with practicality, has sparked buzz among moonshine enthusiasts, with some calling it a “game-changer” for its efficiency and low cost. Yet, the specter of law enforcement looms, as Tickle’s history reminds them that every run is a roll of the dice.

The successful run is just the beginning. With the still now operational, the team plans to refine their process, aiming for higher yields in future batches. The branch worm, now properly angled and cooled, promises smoother runs, and the copper cap—battered but blessed—continues to work its magic. For Tickle, Henry, and Kenny, this isn’t just about liquor; it’s about honoring a man who shaped their craft and their lives. As the Blue Ridge Mountains cradle their secret, the trio’s work ensures Amos Law’s spirit flows through every jar, a legacy as potent as the shine itself.