Maybe it’s the crystal clear water flowing from the mountaintops. Maybe it’s the years and years of fine-tuning processes and recipes. Whatever it is, distilleries in the Smokies have been crafting some of the best homemade moonshine in the nation since the end of the Prohibition. And they’re continuing this centuries-old tradition so visitors like you can take a swig and be taken back to the culture, flavor, and down-home good taste of the South when you come the Smoky Mountains.
Try handcrafted Smoky Mountain moonshine at any one of these four distilleries found in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You’ll have the chance to taste some of the best-kept recipes in the Smokies—and even some new and exciting flavors that have been developed in recent years. We only ask two things—please drink responsibly, and have a lip-smackin’ good time!
Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery
519 Parkway | Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Set up like an old-fashioned mercantile store, Doc’s Shine Shop at the Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery is a step back in time. You’ll get the chance to sample any of their moonshine flavors before you make your purchase. You’ll also get the chance to see some of the equipment used back in they day when William “Doc” Collier and his family first made moonshine in the mountains many years ago. The distillery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Old Forge Distillery
170 Old Mill Avenue | Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
In an old farm supply store that’s more than 100 years old, the Old Forge Distillery is serving up handcrafted spirits the same way the early settlers used to make it. Using freshly ground grain from The Old Mill and pure mountain spring water, this distillery makes some of the freshest moonshine in the Smokies, including its 1830 Original. You’ll also find unique moonshine flavors like French Toast and Chocolate—inspired by recipes from The Old Mill kitchens. The Old Forge Distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 pm. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ole Smoky Distillery
903 Parkway | Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler | Gatlinburg, TN 37738
131 The Island Drive #9115 | Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
After becoming America’s most visited distillery in Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky Distillery opened a brand new facility in The Island in Pigeon Forge, so you have even more opportunity to try their signature moonshine flavors. When you visit, you can choose from samples of their Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightin’, Moonshine Cherries, Blackberry, their world-famous “Apple Pie” flavor, and so much more! You’ll find all the same flavors and atmosphere at the Pigeon Forge location, but you’ll also get to enjoy live bluegrass music on their outdoor stage! The Ole Smoky Distillery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (moonshine sales from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Another new distillery in the Smokies, open since 2014, is Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you can sample authentic spirits and enjoy first-class entertainment in their barn-like atmosphere. At Sugarlands, you’ll also get the unique opportunity to tour their facility and see the moonshine-making process firsthand. This locally owned distillery aims to please with its fine Sugarlands Shine, from the 100-proof Silver Cloud to Butterscotch Gold. Try samples and take home your favorite on Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sugarlands is also open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
