Bourbon has become a popular spirit being distilled across the country, and like wineries, they offer entertaining and educational tours. We've toured the Evan Williams Distillery in Louisville and sampled their variety of Kentucky Bourbon. And on our recent trip to Tennessee we discovered the first licensed distillery in the state, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Did You Know? - The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, at the "The Holler", is the most visited distillery America!
The Holler has a great location along the Parkway in Gatlinburg - just around the corner from the Hilton Garden Inn, where we stayed. It's close to all the attractions like the Ober Gatlinburg, shops, and dining options, and there's actually another location just down the street from The Holler that offers more tasty flavors of moonshine to sample - and there are so many of them. Plus, there's another location at The Island in Pigeon Forge, and each location of the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery has its own unique style and samples to try.
What makes Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg a must see on your trip is the experience. Their staff is treated like family and it shows in the way you're greeted - with the warmth and hospitality of the Smoky's.
On the day of our visit the first thing we noticed was the smell of the moonshine fermenting. Everything is right there - you can see the corn mash - and the air is filled with an earthy scent. Take a tour of the distillery, and you'll learn this spirit was created from corn by the light of the moon - Moonshine - which allowed them to see anyone coming, and avoid being caught by the local law. In fact, you could say that the family recipe used to create Ole Smoky Moonshine is as old as the hills.
After your tour you can sample some of the Ole Smoky Moonshine. This is the fun part. The friendly and knowledgeable folks, like Red, who are in charge of your moonshine tastings are defiantly entertaining. We were all laughing as he shared the history of moonshine, a few tips for recipes, along with some hilarious jokes.
We couldn't believe how many different flavors of moonshine there were to sample. There's the Original and Blue Flame that were some of our favorites. They’ve also created some splendid moonshine with fruit like their Apple Pie Moonshine that is delicious as well as Mulberry, and Peach, which is popular in Georgia. We also loved the Mountain Java that is perfect for adding to coffee, and Some Beach Moonshine - a smooth coconut shine, and perfect for mixed drinks or on the rocks. And, there is a Mango Habanero Whiskey that has a kick.
If you check out the Ole Smoky Moonshine website you'll find recipes for mixing up all kinds of delicious drinks like a Moonshine Margarita, or Mocha Almond that includes: 3 oz. Ole Smoky® Mountain Java Moonshine .5 oz. Half & Half 1 oz. Amaretto Mix up in a glass, pour over ice, and enjoy! (There are some great recipes for the holidays too!) Along with all the flavors moonshine and whiskey you can also bring home a taste of the Great Smoky Mountains by selecting from a assortment of tasty jams, sauces, peppers, or try some Smoky Mountain Taffy Logs. From sampling moonshine to free concerts with artists like Monroeville, you're certain to have a memorable time when you visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg!Plan Your Tasting Adventure At The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery In Gatlinburg
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at The Holler is located at 903 Parkwayin Gatlinburg. It won't be hard to find because you can smell the moonshine fermenting as you come around the corner. To explore their extensive collection of moonshine and whiskey available visit the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery website. For a tasty selection of recipes to try for your next party use this link. Ole Smoky Moonshine is sold across the nation and beyond, so look for it in your local liquor store as well if you cannot make the trip down to their Smoky Mountains Tennessee locations.
