“Where makin' moonishine's an art”
Our families were among the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains - they came to the Smokies through Virginia and North Carolina. They honed the art of whiskey making in order to survive during tough economic times. Most families from this area share a history of a family member making, running or selling whiskey. Today, the true moonshiners and bootleggers still consider it taboo to tell stories or brag about moonshine glory. Because of the consequences, talking about your craft or trade was something you just didn’t do. This is a local family business. Our whiskey is born in the fertile soil of East Tennessee farms where our corn is raised and then transported to our family’s mill to be ground for Tennessee’s original moonshine. At the distillery, you can see the grains converted into the clear corn liquor this part of the country is famous for.
This was one of the highlights of our trip. There was a bluegrass band playing on the patio. The space has rocking chairs set around the stage and a concession stand with popcorn and cotton candy for the family. The Distillery store offers tastings for 21+ and the staff is fun, friendly and knowledgable. They make the experience very memorable and do not skimp on the Moonshine so go on a full stomach!
Much like bourbon distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, if you've ever been curious about the ins and outs of moonshine then this is the place for you. Super unique in that sense...can't think of anywhere else that provides the opportunity to do a moonshine tasting!
Went here back in March and of course, I loved it. Had several tastings. Staff was super friendly and knowledgable. Also, loved the self guided tour of how they make the moonshine
Ok not what I expected at all. Its in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, which is a nightmare, do not attempt to pull a rig thru there or drive an RV thru there. The distillery is in the middle of a strip mall, it is a store. We did do the moonshine tasting and that was fun. I'm glad we went and even brought home some moonshine but just not the Moonshine Distillery I was expecting.
The moonshine here tastes good, considering what it is. The staff is always really friendly and upbeat, and it is always a fun experience to drink with other people and see the looks on faces when they get some 'shine on. Only thing that is a downer is how crowded it usually is, in the heights of tourist seasons. And of course there is always some young buck or something to that effect trying to get alcohol when they know better. But if you can stomach the crowd, this place is great.
Fun time. They set you up for 13 mini tastes for $5 and then give you a $5 off coupon off your purchase. So if you buy anything it is a wash on the cost of the tasting. There are two locations in town. Each one has different flavors. We went to the smaller one and felt they had the better overall choices. The “bartender” who did the tasting flight for us was great. We bought a lot and loved it. Definitely worth going.
Fun "tour" with John! The tour is just tasting, not actually a tour of the process. Very touristy. Smack in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg (they have a Pigeon Forge location as well). Lots of fun flavors to try!
This place has really good moonshine and there server was funny - this place is the best tasting place - I loved the rocking chairs and music that was played throughout the afternoon and night
So much fun!! Definitely worth checking out and you can't beat the $5 taste testing...everyone's so great!
Got to try a lot of moonshines for free, a variety of flavours and strengths. There's music outside and it's got a nice atmosphere. The salted caramel whiskey was my favourite.
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Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
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Pets Allowed
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
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