Moonshine and the Smoky Mountains have a history that goes back centuries. Long before craft spirits became fashionable, Appalachian distillers were making corn whiskey deep in the hollows and ridges of these mountains — largely off the books, often in defiance of tax collectors, and almost always with considerable skill. Today, that tradition lives on through a thriving legal distillery scene that has made Gatlinburg one of the best small cities in America for spirits tourism.
A Brief History of Appalachian Moonshine
The roots of Appalachian moonshining trace back to Scots-Irish settlers who brought whiskey-making traditions to the mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries. Corn was plentiful, grain was hard to transport, and converting it to whiskey made both practical and economic sense. When federal excise taxes on spirits were introduced — and especially during Prohibition — unlicensed distilling became deeply embedded in the mountain culture. The remote hollows of East Tennessee were ideal: hidden by dense forest, watered by clean mountain streams, and far from the reach of revenue agents. The moonshiners who operated here weren't seen as criminals by their neighbors — they were craftsmen keeping an old tradition alive.
From Illegal to Icon: The Legal Distillery Era
Tennessee legalized craft distilling in 2009, opening the door for the Smoky Mountain moonshine revival. Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine opened in Gatlinburg in 2010 as the first legal distillery in the history of East Tennessee — a milestone that helped launch an industry. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, and the distillery has since grown into one of the most visited in the country. Others followed, and Gatlinburg now has multiple distilleries operating in and around the city, each with its own approach to the craft.
Where to Go: Gatlinburg's Distilleries
Ole Smoky Distillery (The Holler)
The original location on the Parkway remains one of the most fun stops in Gatlinburg regardless of your interest in spirits. Free tastings cover a wide range of flavors — from traditional white lightning to apple pie moonshine and beyond. Live bluegrass music plays on the porch on most days and evenings, giving the whole experience a genuinely festive feel.
Ole Smoky Barn
A second Ole Smoky location with a more spacious setting, a full bar, and an expanded event space. This is a good choice if the original Holler is crowded or if you want a slightly more relaxed atmosphere to sit and sample.
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Named for the Sugarlands valley that leads into the national park, this is the more refined option for serious spirits drinkers. Sugarlands produces a wide range of moonshines and craft spirits, including an award-winning lineup of flavored whiskeys. Their tasting room is sleek, the staff is knowledgeable, and their Appalachian Sippin' Cream has developed a devoted following. Free tours of the distillery floor are offered throughout the day.
What to Expect at a Moonshine Tasting
- Tastings are typically free: Most Gatlinburg distilleries offer complimentary samples of their core lineup. You're under no obligation to buy, though most visitors do.
- The range of flavors is wide: Modern craft moonshine is a far cry from the harsh clear liquor of legend. Expect everything from lightly sweetened fruit flavors to complex, barrel-aged expressions.
- You can ship home: Most distilleries ship to states where that's permitted. If you fall in love with a bottle, ask about shipping options before you haul it through airport security.
- It's a social experience: These aren't stuffy tasting rooms. The vibe at most Gatlinburg distilleries is relaxed, friendly, and welcoming to first-timers. Don't be intimidated if you don't know a lot about spirits — the staff are used to guiding newcomers.
Beyond Gatlinburg: The Broader Moonshine Trail
The moonshine revival extends well beyond Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and even Townsend have distilleries worth visiting, and the state of Tennessee has published an official Spirits Trail that maps legal craft distilleries across the region. If you find yourself genuinely captured by the history and culture of Appalachian spirits, a dedicated road trip through the broader trail is a memorable way to spend a day.
Moonshine in the Smokies isn't just a novelty — it's a living piece of Appalachian heritage. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or just curious about the history behind the mason jars, the distilleries of Gatlinburg offer a window into something genuinely rooted in this place.
