When it comes to world-class whiskey, few states can rival Tennessee! The Volunteer State has a long history of distilling spirits, and whiskey is actually one of Tennessee’s top 10 exports. In 2017, the Tennessee Distillers Guild launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a collection of roughly thirty distilleries that stretch from Memphis to the Smoky Mountains.
Four of the most popular distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail are located right here in downtown Gatlinburg! When you stay at The Appy Lodge, you can take a tour of these distilleries and sample some of their handcrafted moonshine and whiskey. Read on to learn about all of the excellent distilleries in Gatlinburg TN.
1. Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is the most visited distillery in America! Known as “The Holler,” this awesome distillery produces all of Ole Smoky’s signature moonshine flavors. For $5, guests can sample a variety of unique flavors of white whiskey. Guests who participate in a tasting will receive a $5 coupon in return that can be applied to any purchase made in the Ole Smoky giftshop (This deal applies to all of the distilleries in Gatlinburg).
Some of the moonshine flavors available for tasting at The Holler include Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightnin’, Moonshine Cherries, Blackberry, Apple Pie, Strawberry, Peach, and Lemon Drop. The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery frequently hosts live music that visitors can enjoy regardless of whether they buy anything or are over the age of 21.
2. Ole Smoky Barrelhouse
While The Holler specializes in unaged whiskey (a.k.a. “moonshine”), the Ole Smoky Barrelhouse is dedicated to traditionally aged whiskey. All of the spirits at this distillery are kept in white oak barrels, which adds a unique taste to the whiskey. Guests at the Barrelhouse can sample some whiskey and chat with the distillers to learn more about the aging process.
3. Sugarlands Distillery
Sugarlands Distilling Co. runs another one of the best distilleries in Gatlinburg TN. This fantastic distillery partners with the famous moonshiners who appear on the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners Legends to bring their secret recipes to the masses.
In addition to the standard $5 tastings that you’ll find at all the distilleries in town, Sugarlands also offers special behind-the-scenes tours, including a $12 “Blended Cocktails Tour” and a $40 “Meet the Distillers Workshop.” Sugarlands Distillery is also well-known for its phenomenal free concerts, which typically showcase touring Americana bands.
4. Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery
Doc Collier Moonshine takes its name from William “Doc” Collier, a legendary bootlegger in the Smoky Mountains that created the area’s most popular moonshine recipe. The spirit of Doc Collier is alive and well at this great distillery, which features an old-timey mercantile appearance and a varied selection of moonshine flavors to try. Guests at Doc Collier’s can enjoy a standard $5 tasting and have the option of paying extra for a special “Premium Tasting,” which comes with a shot glass and samples of brandies.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Guests at The Appy Lodge will be near all of these awesome distilleries in Gatlinburg TN. Offering free parking, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, walk-in showers, and complimentary breakfast, The Appy Lodge has everything you need for a superb vacation. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms!
