The state of Tennessee is world-famous for its whiskey and moonshine. In fact, whiskey is one of Tennessee’s top 10 exports! To help promote our state’s thriving whiskey culture, the Tennessee Distillers Guild recently launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Stretching from the Smoky Mountains all the way to Memphis, the whiskey trail includes about 30 distilleries that are open for tours and tastings.
Right here in Sevier County, we are lucky enough to have eight awesome Smoky Mountain distilleries on the trail! To help you make the most of your next vacation, Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to all of the distilleries in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
Sevierville
1. Old Tennessee Distilling Co.
Old Tennessee Distilling Co. used to be known as Thunder Road Distillery and is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains right off Exit 407. Every bottle is handcrafted from scratch. The whiskeys start with heirloom corn that’s grown and ground right in Tennessee! The whiskey is distilled in a pot still to maintain the full grain flavor, and the distillate is controlled to a very narrow proof range to guarantee only the best product is released to their customers!
2. Tennessee Legend Distillery
Tennessee Legend Distillery uses tried and true recipes to produce traditional, handcrafted spirits in the Smoky Mountains. Some of their most popular products include Salted Caramel Whiskey, Cinnamon Whiskey, and Coffee Moonshine. The distillery’s friendly staff is always happy to pour a sample or give guests a behind-the-scenes look at the whiskey making process.
Pigeon Forge
3. Junction 35 Spirits
One of the newest Smoky Mountain distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is Junction 35 Spirits. This distillery brings a long-time family tradition to the public. Junction 35 offers high-quality and unique spirits that you won’t find anywhere else. You can sample and buy gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, moonshine, bourbon, and tequila at this distillery! Not only will you find spirits, but this distillery also has a kitchen and bar area where you will find unique signature dishes in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
4. Old Forge Distillery
Old Forge Distillery takes inspiration from Pigeon Forge’s famous iron forge, from which the city derives its name. Situated next to The Old Mill (near where the historic iron forge once stood), this distillery grinds its own grain to make some of the finest moonshine and bourbon in the Smokies. Old Forge Distillery’s 1830 Original Moonshine has been honored by the Sip Awards, ADI Craft Spirit Awards, and Micro Liquor Spirit Awards.
5. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at the Barn
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn is a can’t-miss stop along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail! Located at The Island shopping and entertainment complex, the Barn is a fun place to sample some shine, listen to live bluegrass, and chat with moonshine experts. The Ole Smoky Barn has been known to host free concerts from big-name musical acts, such as Easton Corbin, the Soggy Bottom Boys, and Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters.
Gatlinburg
6. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at the Holler
The Ole Smoky Holler is America’s most visited distillery! As the flagship location for the Ole Smoky brand, the Holler produces all of the company’s signature flavors, including a few special varieties that you won’t find anywhere else. For a $5 fee, you can sample moonshine that tastes like Apple Pie, Lemon Drop, Strawberry, or another flavor. Guests who participate in tastings receive a $5 coupon that can be applied to any purchase made at the distillery. Like their sister location in Pigeon Forge, the Holler hosts free live music for visitors to enjoy and it is one of the great stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
7. Ole Smoky Whiskey Distillery at the Barrelhouse
In addition to their excellent moonshine, Ole Smoky also makes traditional whiskey at their Barrelhouse location. Aged in white oak barrels, this whiskey comes in a number of creative flavors, including Mango Habanero, Salty Watermelon, and Root Beer. As with all of the Smoky Mountain distilleries in Gatlinburg, samples are $5 (in exchange for a coupon) and tours are free.
8. Sugarlands Distilling Company
Visiting Sugarlands Distilling Company is ranked on TripAdvisor as the #1 thing to do in Gatlinburg, and it’s easy to see why! This awesome distillery features moonshine flavors developed by the stars of the hit Discovery Channel show “Moonshiners” along with Sugarlands Shine originals. Whether you sample some moonshine, take a tour, or just sit and listen to the wonderful music, you’re sure to have a blast when you stop by this favorite of the Smoky Mountain distilleries.
We can’t wait to see you along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail! To prepare for your trip, read up on the fascinating history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains.
