Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky Distillery was the first legal moonshine distillery in the state of Tennessee. The distillery is located at The Holler, a complex that also houses a tasting room, a retail store, and the company’s corporate offices.
From the moment you step into the tasting room at Ole Smoky Distillery, you will be transported back in time to the days of Prohibition, when moonshiners had to work in secret to avoid getting caught by the authorities. The room is decorated with antique barrels, copper stills, and old-fashioned moonshine jugs, and the staff members wear vintage clothing and speak in accents that are native to the region.
Visitors to the distillery can sample a variety of moonshine flavors, including classic flavors like Original, White Lightnin’, and Apple Pie, as well as more innovative flavors like Pineapple, Hunch Punch, and Moonshine Cherries. You can also try Ole Smoky’s line of flavored whiskeys, which includes options like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mango Habanero, and Salty Caramel.
One of Ole Smoky’s most popular products is their Moonshine Flights, which allow visitors to try five flavors of moonshine of their choice. And if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you can even purchase a moonshine jug and have it filled with your favorite flavor of moonshine to take home with you.
In addition to their tasting room, Ole Smoky Distillery also offers tours of their facility, where you can learn about the history of moonshine and how it’s made. You’ll see the distillation process up close, from the mash cooker to the fermenting tanks to the stills. And you’ll learn about the company’s commitment to sustainability, as they use recycled water in their cooling tanks and donate their spent grains to local farmers to use as feed for their livestock.
Ole Smoky Distillery has also expanded beyond their Gatlinburg location, with additional distilleries in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Nashville, Tennessee. Each location has its own unique atmosphere and offerings, but all three are committed to producing high-quality moonshine and whiskey using traditional Appalachian techniques.
In addition to their flagship moonshines and whiskeys, Ole Smoky also offers a line of canned cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The line includes options like Mountain Mai Tai, Mudslide, and Hunch Punch, all made with the same high-quality ingredients as their moonshine and whiskey products.
Another unique aspect of Ole Smoky Distillery is their commitment to giving back to the local community. They partner with local nonprofits and charities to support a variety of causes, from animal welfare to disaster relief to education. And they even have their own charity, the Shine On Fund, which supports small businesses and individuals who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, Ole Smoky Distillery is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether you’re a longtime moonshine connoisseur or just looking for a fun and unique experience, Ole Smoky Distillery is sure to impress with their high-quality products and commitment to sustainability and community involvement.