Appalachia is known for its history of moonshining and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have embraced that history by creating some of the best moonshine distilleries in the south! Since the legalization of moonshine distilling in 2009, the Smoky Mountains have brought this traditional drink out of the shadows! Sample genuine Smoky Mountain moonshine and taste the history for yourself! Here are the top 4 best distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
1. Ole Smoky Moonshine
You can find Ole Smoky Moonshine all around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. For your first stop, head to The Island to the Ole Smoky Barn, located across from Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Enjoy live music while you sip on your samples! Some of the most popular flavors are Apple Pie and the Blue Flame. Next stop is the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler just up the road in Gatlinburg. At this location you can tour the facility to see how the moonshine is made. All samples at Ole Smoky locations are $5 per person and you will also receive a $5 coupon that applies for the gift shop.
2. Old Forge Distillery
Located at the Old Mill, the Old Forge Distillery is a fan-favorite distillery in Pigeon Forge. Distilling for over 200 years, they have mastered their moonshine technique and have won multiple awards for their product, making them easily one of the top 4 best distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Old Forge Distillery also offers bourdon, rum, vodka, cream liquor, and more for those who’d rather skip the moonshine. Some of their most popular flavors include Oatmeal Cookie and Vanilla Bean. All samples at the Old Forge Distillery are free!
3. Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Sugarlands Distilling Co. offers an awesome experience for customers while they sip on their samples! There is frequently live music from local and touring groups and there are various hands-on tours and workshops available. Sugarlands Distilling has also partnered with Discovery Channel’s Moonshine Legends to bring traditional recipes to the people. Some of the most popular flavors include Blueberry Muffin and Apple Pie. All samples are $5 with a $5 coupon in return.
4. Tennessee Shine Company
With four distillery locations in the Smoky Mountains there is plenty of Tennessee Shine Company to go around! Similarly to Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, Tennessee Shine Company is offering a behind the scenes moonshine tour at their Sevierville location. On this tour you can learn how the moonshine is made, as well as, the history of the drink. They offer Moon Pie flavors such as Strawberry Cream and Mint Chocolate Cream, in addition to Tennessee specific flavors like Orange Dreamsicle.
All of these distilleries will provide a genuine one-of-a-kind moonshine experience on your next trip! Explore more area attractions here and visit the top 4 best distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg today!
