Moonshine has been an Appalachian tradition since the Scottish and Irish brought it over the Atlantic in the mid-1700s. While it was considered an illegal substance until 2009, today the moonshine business is booming in the Smokies. With various places to partake in tastings and even get a closer look at how this drink is made, you need to head to Gatlinburg. Here are the top 3 places to find moonshine in Gatlinburg:
1. Ole Smoky Moonshine
Perhaps the most popular moonshine establishment in the Smokies, Ole Smoky Moonshine offers flavors and experiences that everyone will love! With two locations in downtown Gatlinburg, The Holler and The Barrelhouse, you won’t be far from this Smoky Mountain specialty whenever you’re walking The Strip. For a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery and live production of their moonshine, stop into The Holler. Enjoy a 13 sample tasting on the tour of their most popular flavors, including Blackberry, White Lightnin’ and the Moonshine Cherries. Ole Smoky also has a location at The Island in Pigeon Forge, so make sure you swing by if you’re in the area.
2. Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Also located in downtown Gatlinburg, Sugarlands Distilling Co. has brought in the best of the best to craft their unique shine flavors. A proud partner of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners Legends, Sugarlands is bringing traditional and one-of-a-kind recipes directly to you. For only $5, enjoy an awesome tasting experience led by an expert TasteMaker who can walk you through all their flavors. Sugarlands is also known to host live music events with some well-known country music artists in the area. Make sure to check their events calendar to see when they’ll be hosting their next live show. Their quality drinks and entertainment definitely make Sugarlands one of the best places to get moonshine in Gatlinburg!
3. Tennessee Shine Company
With locations all throughout the Smoky Mountain area, you’ll have easy access to Tennessee Shine Company wherever you are. Using their family recipes and small-batch distilling methods, Tennessee Shine produces some of the most unique shine flavors in the area. We recommend trying any of the flavors from their Moon Pie series, including Banana Cream, Pumpkin Spice and Mint Chocolate. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, try the Straight Off the Still or Small Batch Corn Whiskey. Tennessee Shine also offers incredible whiskey and wine options if you’ve had your fill of moonshine.
Other Moonshine in the Smokies
Old Forge Distillery
Next time you’re visiting the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, head across the street to Old Forge Distillery where you’ll find premium craft distilled spirits, including some traditional and unique flavors of moonshine. Keep it classic with options like 1830 Original Distiller’s Blend or branch out with Elderflower, Key Lime and Oatmeal Cookie shines.
Junction 35 Spirits
Situated in the Mountain Mile of Pigeon Forge, Junction 35 Spirits offers a wide selection of top-shelf options, including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, rum and moonshine. While they also offer some fan-favorite options, we suggest trying their eccentric flavors like the Sour Gummy Worm Moonshine or Bomb Pop Moonshine.
Now that you know a little bit more about the best places to find moonshine in Gatlinburg, you can plan to visit a few of these locations on your next Smoky Mountain vacation. Still looking for a place to stay? Check out all of our luxury cabins located all throughout the Smokies. Whenever you stay, you won’t be far from these amazing moonshine distilleries! We look forward to seeing you!
