Smokies guide
Smokies Distilleries & Moonshine Tastings
Moonshine distilleries and tasting rooms in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and beyond: what to expect, the 21+ rules, and how to taste responsibly.
13 entries across 4 locations checked against official sources.
Moonshine tastings are one of the easiest rainy-day plans in the Smokies. Most distilleries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville run a tasting counter where a pourer walks you through small samples, often in flavors you would not expect from a jar of white lightning. You usually leave knowing a bit about how the stuff is made and with a bottle or two in a bag.
Everyone tasting must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID, and you should expect to be carded. Tastings are small pours, but they add up across several stops, so choose a designated driver before you go. If you plan to carry bottles across the state line into North Carolina, ask at the counter about the rules.
Fees, hours and what is poured change by season. Check each distillery's own site before you go, and give yourself a little time: popular counters get crowded on weekend afternoons and in October.
Plan smarter
Pick a designated driver
Tastings are small, but stops add up. Name a driver before you start, or walk between tasting rooms in downtown Gatlinburg. Some venues offer a perk for designated drivers, so ask.
Bring a photo ID
Everyone sampling must be 21 or older. A driver license or passport is the safe choice.
Go on a weekday afternoon
Counters are calmer before the evening rush, so you get more time with the pourer and shorter lines.
Pair it with a meal
Several distillery stops have a restaurant or barbecue nearby. Eating first makes the tasting easier on everyone.
Gatlinburg 4 entries
Gatlinburg, TN
Ole Smoky Barrelhouse
The Barrelhouse is Ole Smoky's whiskey-focused tasting room on the Gatlinburg Parkway, where you can sample moonshine and whiskey in small cups. Kids and dogs are welcome, though only guests 21 and older can taste.
Gatlinburg, TN
Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
The Holler is Ole Smoky's Gatlinburg tasting room and the home of its guided distillery tour. Come for a small-cup tasting of moonshine and whiskey, live bluegrass, and a look behind the scenes at the brand's first still house.
Gatlinburg, TN
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Sugarlands Distilling Company runs its working distillery on the Gatlinburg Parkway, with a 12-flavor tasting, still house tours, and whiskey and cocktail experiences. Walk-ins are fine for tastings, and the staff is happy to talk you through the lineup.
Gatlinburg, TN
Tennessee Shine Company Gatlinburg
Tennessee Shine Company's Gatlinburg store is a downtown stop for a rowdy tasting of up to 8 moonshines and 5 bourbons. It stays open late on weekends and all summer long, so it fits an evening Parkway stroll.
Pigeon Forge 4 entries
Pigeon Forge, TN
Junction 35 Spirits Pigeon Forge
Junction 35 Spirits in Pigeon Forge pairs a working distillery with a full-service kitchen and bar at the Mountain Mile. It makes bourbon, rye, moonshine, vodka, gin, tequila and rum, so mixed groups can all find something.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Old Forge Distillery
Old Forge Distillery stands next to the historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, with free moonshine tastings, a cocktail bar, a bottle shop and stills you can watch working. It is family friendly, but only guests 21 and older can sample.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Ole Smoky Barn at The Island
The Barn is Ole Smoky's Pigeon Forge tasting room at The Island, with live country music, small-cup moonshine and whiskey samples, and a dog-friendly, family-welcome atmosphere. It is an easy add-on to a day at The Island.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Tennessee Shine Company Pigeon Forge
Tennessee Shine Company's Pigeon Forge store is just off the Parkway, with moonshine and wine tastings, a bourbon add-on, and an active still in the back you can watch work. Stop in for a sample and a bottle to take home.
Sevierville 4 entries
Sevierville, TN
Junction 35 Spirits Sevierville
Junction 35 Spirits in Sevierville is a second distillery and full-service restaurant at Tanger Outlets. A handy stop after shopping, it makes bourbon, rye, moonshine, vodka, gin, tequila and rum.
Sevierville, TN
Tennessee Legend Distillery Newport Highway
Tennessee Legend Distillery's Newport Highway store in Sevierville offers free sips of its whiskeys, moonshine and cream liqueurs in the afternoon and early evening. It is a handy stop on the east side of Sevierville.
Sevierville, TN
Tennessee Legend Distillery Winfield Dunn
Tennessee Legend Distillery's Winfield Dunn store in Sevierville offers free sips of whiskey, moonshine and cream liqueur. It is an easy stop on the road to Pigeon Forge and a simple way to find a bottle to take home.
Sevierville, TN
Tennessee Shine Company Sevierville
Tennessee Shine Company's Sevierville store is its largest, conveniently off Exit 407 on the way to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Come to see the active still, shop the merchandise, and sample the moonshine.
Wears Valley 1 entry
Where to stay
Near Gatlinburg moonshine district
Downtown Gatlinburg packs several tasting rooms within walking distance, which makes it an easy place to stay if you plan to sample.
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