Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Gatlinburg
Get ready to explore up close and personal America’s most visited distillery, the Ole Smoky Mountain Moonshine Distillery. More tenderly known as The Holler, this signature historic Tennessee distillery gives an insight on a true moonshine experience, the Gatlinburg original distillery producing all of Ole Smokey’s signature flavors. Before you even enter the doors of this lively Parkway-bound distillery you will be able to smell the fermenting grains coming from the authentic working moonshine stills and see for yourself the entire process of production in motion, the establishment providing free tours daily. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have and learn all about the history and lore of East Tennessee moonshining. During a tour of the 12,000 square foot facility you will learn all about how this was the first and only federally licensed distillery in the state upon opening, and also the first to sell the famous brand in 2010 (if you're lucky you'll even hear some tales about their family history in the business, school time moonshine antics, and even hanging out with the boys of Moonshiners and teaching them a thing or two).
After a tour, you and your group will have the option of heading to the sample room or to the live music stage outdoors which features daily local and bluegrass bands in the summer. For those in your group who are of age, you will have free samples of some of the company's absolute best flavors, such as the original unaged corn whiskey, white lightnin', famous apple pie, peach, or any other seasonal flavors (you HAVE to try the Huckleberry). You will almost be able to taste the rich history in every sip, a past of 100 years of dedicated spirit making, tracing all the way back to the first families in the mountains. Hear stories of these "Appalachian born and bred" during your sample session and also how whiskey making was a way of survival in the tough economic past of the country, a mountain tradition that has evolved from hiding to bragging. You’ll even get to see the white oak barrels aged four years to perfect the taste and color before you go!
If you can’t make it to the Holler head to Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood setting, a new 2010 Ole Smoky Distillery created here to imitate the one in Gatlinburg. This 6,000 square foot building sits at half the area but all the same accommodations, from the distillery to the tasting bar, the outdoor stage to the retail store. Enjoy all the great Ole Smoky apparel, gifts, and of course, moonshine and whiskey at the store before you go!
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