Quick Facts
About Ole Smoky
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is America's most visited and top-selling moonshine distillery. What began as a way to preserve and celebrate the Appalachian moonshining tradition has become one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountain region. The distillery combines authentic heritage with modern production methods, creating spirits that honor the past while meeting today's quality standards.
The company was founded by local families with deep roots in Tennessee moonshining culture. When Tennessee legalized distillery operations in 2009, Ole Smoky became the first legal moonshine distillery in the state's history. Today, they produce over 15 million jars of moonshine annually from their Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge locations.
Approx drive time from our cabins: 15 minutes to the Gatlinburg location (The Holler) in downtown Gatlinburg. The Pigeon Forge Barrelhouse location is approximately 20 minutes away.
Visiting Ole Smoky is free, including tastings and live music. There is no obligation to purchase anything, though after sampling dozens of flavors, most visitors find a favorite or two to take home. The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to spend an hour or two just enjoying the music and the scene.
Locations
The Holler (Downtown Gatlinburg)
The original location on the Gatlinburg Parkway is called "The Holler," a nod to mountain terminology for a small valley where moonshine operations traditionally hid from authorities. This location features the working distillery where you can watch moonshine being made through large windows. The rustic atmosphere includes rocking chairs on the porch, live music stages, and an extensive tasting bar. This is the most popular location and gets quite crowded during peak times.
The Barrelhouse (Pigeon Forge)
The Pigeon Forge location is Ole Smoky's whiskey distillery, featuring a different focus on aged spirits including Tennessee Whiskey and bourbon. The facility includes barrel aging warehouses, a large tasting room, and a full-service restaurant. While the Gatlinburg location emphasizes moonshine, the Barrelhouse offers a more refined whiskey experience alongside the moonshine lineup.
Free Tastings
Both locations offer complimentary tastings of their extensive product lineup. The tasting experience is casual and self-paced at walk-up bars where friendly staff pour samples and answer questions. You can try as many varieties as you like, making it possible to discover unexpected favorites among the dozens of options available.
Moonshine ranges from traditional unflavored white lightning (around 100 proof) to sweeter, lower-proof flavored varieties that appeal to casual drinkers. The staff can guide you through the options based on your taste preferences and suggest cocktail ideas for favorites you discover.
Tastings are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older with valid ID. Those under 21 can still visit, shop, and enjoy the music, but cannot participate in tastings.
Moonshine Flavors
Ole Smoky produces an impressive variety of moonshine flavors. Here are some popular options:
Traditional Moonshine
- Original Unaged Corn Whiskey: The classic, unflavored moonshine at 100 proof
- White Lightnin: Traditional moonshine at 100 proof
- Blue Flame: Their highest proof offering at 128 proof
Fruit Flavors
- Apple Pie: Their most popular flavor, sweet with apple and cinnamon
- Blackberry: Real blackberries infused for a fruity taste
- Peach: Southern peach sweetness
- Strawberry: Bright berry flavor
- Cherries: Real cherries in moonshine
Specialty Flavors
- Butter Pecan: Dessert-like sweetness
- Banana Pudding: Southern dessert inspired
- Hunch Punch: Tropical fruit blend
- Mountain Java: Coffee-infused moonshine
- Seasonal and limited edition flavors rotate throughout the year
Stay Close to Downtown
Our cabins put you just 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and all its attractions. No need to worry about a designated driver!
Check Cabin AvailabilityLive Music
Live music is a cornerstone of the Ole Smoky experience. Both locations feature musicians playing traditional Appalachian, bluegrass, country, and Americana music throughout the day. The Gatlinburg Holler location typically has music on the porch and indoor stage, creating an authentic mountain atmosphere.
Check the Ole Smoky website or social media for current performance schedules. Weekend evenings tend to have the liveliest music scene. The combination of free music, free tastings, and comfortable rocking chairs makes it easy to spend more time than planned.
The rocking chairs on the front porch of The Holler are some of the best seats in downtown Gatlinburg for people watching. Grab a cocktail from the bar, settle into a rocker, enjoy the music, and watch the Parkway stroll by. It is a quintessential Gatlinburg experience.
Tours and Experiences
Beyond free tastings, Ole Smoky offers several enhanced experiences:
- Distillery Tours: Go behind the scenes to learn about the moonshine production process
- Whiskey Tours: At the Barrelhouse, tour the barrel aging facilities
- Cocktail Classes: Learn to make moonshine cocktails
- Private Events: The venues can be reserved for special occasions
Check the website for current tour availability and pricing. Walk-up visits for tastings do not require reservations.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring ID: You must be 21 with valid ID to taste
- Pace yourself: With dozens of flavors available, it is easy to over-sample. Take your time.
- Designated driver: Plan accordingly if you intend to taste
- Best times to visit: Weekday mornings are least crowded. Evenings and weekends are busiest but have the best music atmosphere.
- Kids welcome: Under-21 visitors can enter, shop, and enjoy music, just not taste
- Free entry: No admission charge, no obligation to buy
- Gift shop: Unique moonshine-themed merchandise and cocktail accessories
- Hours: Generally 10 AM to 10 PM (varies seasonally)
Nearby Attractions
The Holler's central downtown location makes it easy to combine with other activities:
Approx Drive Time from Our Cabins
| Location | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Our Cabins to The Holler (Gatlinburg) | Approx 15 minutes |
| Our Cabins to The Barrelhouse (Pigeon Forge) | Approx 20 minutes |
