Tennessee has long been a hotbed for moonshine making. Eastern Tennessee specifically boasts a long legacy of moonshiners, hiding out and making shine under moonlight in the backwoods hollers, ridges, and coves of the Great Smoky Mountains.
On your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, you can take part in an age-old tradition and learn more about the heritage of Moonshine by visiting a local moonshine distillery in Gatlinburg, taking a tour, and even buying some authentic moonshine as a treasured souvenir. As an added bonus, most of the distilleries in the Smokies are part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, simplifying your quest to conquer the distilleries on your checklist. Here are our top 6 recommendations for moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Ole Smoky is one of the most famous moonshine distilleries with locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, offering a wide range of flavors and a lively atmosphere. Tastings start at 5$ per person to sample a variety of flavors.
Guests can expect to see moonshine stills working away as well as talk with master distillers and sample some of the famous Ole Smoky Moonshine. Their locations also feature live music in Gatlinburg and a variety of events.
Old Forge Distillery is considered one of the best places for moonshine tasting in Pigeon Forge. They continue the tradition of making moonshine by using fresh stone ground quality grains in their distillation process. This combined with modern distiller knowledge and tried and true recipes (passed down for generations) has helped create their can’t-miss quality product.
Guests of this moonshine distillery can saddle up to the Old Forge Tasting Bar, open daily, to taste some of this craft moonshine with unique flavored kinds such as chocolate, french toast, and coffee.
And as an added bonus they offer 10 free ‘shot-sized’ tastings.
Sugarlands Distilling Company is conveniently located in downtown Gatlinburg, next to many family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg. Its authentic spirits, barn-house location, and first-class entertainment offer visitors the complete Tennessee moonshine experience. Sugarlands Distilling Co. is a proud, locally owned, community–minded, “give-back” brand.
This moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg is guided by a seasoned “TasteMaker,” ready to address your inquiries and share fantastic cocktail recipes. Beyond moonshine tasting, they offer whiskey samplings led by a whiskey expert.
With locations spanning Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, and Sevierville, the Tennessee Shine Company stands as a prominent destination for moonshine enthusiasts. While their Severville location offers full moonshine tours, providing an insightful journey through moonshine’s crafting process and storied history, the other locations offer moonshine-tasting experiences.
Whether you’re in Gatlinburg for a romantic honeymoon or a group excursion, Tennessee Shine Company is guaranteed to create lasting and unforgettable memories
Nestled in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Junction 35 Spirits Co. is a renowned distillery celebrated for its premium moonshine and spirits. This industrial-style gem boasts more than just spirits – it’s home to a delectable restaurant offering an All-American menu featuring BBQ plates, wings, gourmet burgers, and more.
For those in your group with varying tastes, Junction 35 Spirits also crafts a range of other spirits, including vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila.
Tennessee Legend Distillery, located in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a renowned destination for moonshine enthusiasts. Their moonshine-tasting experience is both informative and enjoyable. Visitors can sample a diverse selection of moonshine flavors, including peach, mango margarita, blackberry, and coffee.
The staff at Tennessee Legend Distillery is known for its friendly and knowledgeable approach, making it an excellent place to explore the world of moonshine while learning about the craft’s rich history in Tennessee.
Fall in love with one or all of the samples on your Gatlinburg moonshine distillery tasting and tour, then buy a variety to bring back to your luxury cabin rental with you. Feel like you are a part of history as you sit on your porch with a gorgeous view of the Great Smoky Mountains enjoying one of the oldest traditions that Gatlinburg has to offer – legitimately! Don’t forget to pick up an extra bottle or two for friends and family back home, or you can throw an impromptu party at your cabin and make some new friends from Elk Springs Resort.