All You Need to Know About Ole Smoky Moonshine and Its History
Other than its gorgeous views and exciting attractions, there’s another thing that the Smoky Mountain area has become known for: moonshine. Whenever you visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can’t miss the numerous distilleries. Of course one moonshine distillery that has taken the towns by storm is Ole Smoky Moonshine. To help you learn more about it, we’ve put together a guide to all you need to know about Ole Smoky Moonshine and its history.
1. Appalachian Born and Bred
Ole Smoky Moonshine has deep roots in Smoky Mountain history. The Ole Smoky families are actually among the first to step foot in the Smoky Mountains. To survive through tough economic times, the families mastered the art of whiskey making.
2. First Federally Licensed Distillery in East Tennessee
Ole Smoky Moonshine in Gatlinburg opened its doors to the public the weekend of July 4, 2010. It became the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee, following the change in Tennessee law to allow the distillation of spirits in 2009. Now, Ole Smoky has locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and its moonshine is available selectively in 49 states!
3. Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler is America’s Most Visited Distillery
The original Ole Smoky Moonshine in Gatlinburg, also called “The Holler,” is America’s most visited distillery! In 2018, it welcomed over 2 million visitors. Here, you can find all of the company’s signature flavors, including White Lightnin’ and Apple Pie Moonshine. You’ll be able to see authentic-working moonshine stills and see the process from beginning to end. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with the distillers and ask any questions you have about the history of moonshining.
4. Family Recipe Dates Back to the Late 1800s
We’re sure you’ve heard of Ole Smoky’s signature flavors, and maybe even tried some when you visited, but did you know the moonshine is made from a family recipe that dates back to the late 1800s? Ole Smoky Moonshine was built from passed-down secrets and traditions in Tennessee. Visitors love sampling their Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, Moonshine Cherries, White Lightnin’ and world-famous Apple Pie flavors.
5. Offers Free Bluegrass Music
When you visit Ole Smoky Moonshine, you can do more than just sample and buy moonshine! Whether you go to the Gatlinburg or the Pigeon Forge location, you can relax in the chairs outside the distillery and listen to live bluegrass music for free!
6. Get $5 Moonshine Tastings
Your visit to Ole Smoky Moonshine wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of their famous shine! For just $5 you can taste their most popular flavors, as well as some seasonal flavors. That $5 can go toward the purchase of a jar of moonshine or another Ole Smoky item! Sample everything from Mountain Java to Blue Flame.
More About Ole Smoky Moonshine
When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you don’t want to miss the chance to stop by Ole Smoky Moonshine. If you’re in Gatlinburg, visit The Holler downtown, or head to Ole Smoky Whiskey Barrelhouse to sample some of their whiskey. If you’re in Pigeon Forge, stop by Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn at The Island! All locations offer $5 samplings for visitors to try, and you can purchase some of their famous shine to take with you. See all their locations below:
The Holler
903 Parkway Suite 128,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Barn
131 Island Drive,
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
The Barrelhouse
650 Parkway,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Start planning your visit to Ole Smoky Moonshine today to sample their famous moonshine! To learn more about the history of moonshine, read our blog, “The History of Smoky Mountain Moonshine.”
