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Taking the Ole Smoky Distillery Tour in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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If you're planning a trip to Gatlinburg, one attraction that deserves a spot on your itinerary is the famous Ole Smoky Distillery.

Known as “The Holler,” this iconic destination is where Ole Smoky first began producing legal moonshine in East Tennessee and has since become one of the most visited distilleries in America.

ole smoky distillery

There are several locations called “Ole Smoky” in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but there is only one location that has the actual distillery. Since we were staying in The Appy Lodge, we decided to skip the trolley and walk to downtown. It was about a 20 minute walk.

For more Gatlinburg fun, be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Gatlinburg.

What is Ole Smoky Distillery?

Located right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky opened in 2010 as Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery. Today, visitors can explore the history of Appalachian moonshining while enjoying tastings, live music, and behind-the-scenes tours of the production process.

The atmosphere feels more like a mountain gathering place than a tourist attraction. You'll find rustic wooden buildings, rocking chairs, live bluegrass music, and plenty of Southern hospitality throughout the property.

Taking the Tour of Ole Smoky Distillery

It's called Ole Smoky Moonshine — and you will find it in downtown Gatlinburg right between Mellow Mushroom and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. 

During our tour, we learned all about the legal moonshine that Ole Smoky makes. In fact, Ole Smoky is the only place where moonshine is legally made. 

Now — for me, I grew up on the illegal stuff. My daddy, for as long as I can remember, has kept a mason jar full of the clear stuff — the 160 proof from a friend of his, under the kitchen counter. 

But here at Ole Smoky, you will only find the legal stuff!

During the tour, Tim took us through each step of the process for making moonshine. We started with the oldest of the machines there.

When you walk into the distillery room, you may notice a very familiar smell — it smells like bread baking. That is because yeast is used to bloom the moonshine!

We were also shown the barrels where the moonshine is stored and — we were allowed to taste the final product once it had finished going through the entire process!

Tours are available daily and include a tasting experience for guests who are 21 and older with valid identification. Reservations are recommended for the guided tour.

The Moonshine Tasting Experience

Even if you don't take the full tour, tastings are available throughout the day. Visitors can sample a variety of moonshine and whiskey flavors, ranging from classic white lightning to dessert-inspired favorites.

Some of the most popular flavors often include:

  • Apple Pie Moonshine
  • White Lightnin'
  • Blackberry Moonshine
  • Butter Pecan Cream
  • Banana Pudding Cream
  • Peanut Butter Whiskey

Flavor selections may vary, which makes every visit a little different.

More Than Just Moonshine

What makes Ole Smoky stand out is the overall experience. During your visit, you'll often hear live bluegrass music playing in the courtyard while guests relax with friends and family. The atmosphere captures the spirit of the Smoky Mountains and makes it easy to spend an hour or two simply enjoying the surroundings.

After your tasting, browse the gift shop for moonshine, whiskey, apparel, jams, sauces, and unique Smoky Mountain souvenirs to take home.

Insider Tips for Visiting

  • Visit earlier in the day to avoid the busiest crowds.
  • Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to participate in tastings.
  • Allow at least an hour for the tour and tasting experience.
  • Stay for the live music if a band is performing.
  • Consider stopping by Ole Smoky Distillery The Barrelhouse afterward to sample some of Ole Smoky's whiskey offerings.

Is the Ole Smoky Tour Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun thing to do in Gatlinburg, the Ole Smoky Distillery tour delivers a memorable Smoky Mountain experience. Between the fascinating history, entertaining guides, generous tastings, and lively atmosphere, it's easy to see why millions of visitors make it a must-stop attraction every year.

If you're visiting Gatlinburg for the first time, taking a tour at Ole Smoky is one of the best ways to experience a piece of authentic Appalachian culture while having a whole lot of fun.

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