About Old Forge Distillery
Old Forge is the Pigeon Forge distillery that puts a lot on the table for free. The official FAQ says you can take up to 10 free moonshine tastings, which makes it a good first stop if you are comparing distilleries on a budget.
Tasting and what is extra
Anyone 21 or older who wants to sample must present a valid photo ID. The moonshine tastings are free, and the Harvest Gin and Blended Bourbon Whiskey samples cost a $3 fee. The lineup on the website covers moonshine, Rocky Top, bourbon whiskey, rum, vodka and gin, and cream liqueurs, so there is more than white lightning to try.
Watching the stills
There are no formal tours, but guests can see the operation from the main area of the distillery, and the site invites you to watch the stills in action. That suits people who want a look at the equipment without scheduling a session.
Cocktails, shopping and Sundays
Beyond the tasting counter, the distillery has a cocktail bar with seasonal drinks and a bottle shop that stocks a wide range of spirits. The site notes that live music plays on the patio on Saturdays. It also says the distillery is open on Sundays. Shipping is not available, so plan on carrying bottles home in your luggage or the trunk.
Family and dog notes
Children are welcome if they are with an adult, and the site states a zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking. Dogs are welcome too. Groups of any size can come on a first-come basis, though special events and weddings are not offered.
Finding it
Old Forge is at 170 Old Mill Ave in Pigeon Forge, next to the historic Old Mill and its restaurant and shops. That makes it easy to pair with a meal or a stroll through the Old Mill area. The phone number listed for general information is 865-774-4126, and posted hours are daily 10am to 9pm, with Friday and Saturday running until 10pm, so call if you are planning a holiday visit.
Making it a stop, not a detour
The Old Mill area is one of the more pleasant corners of Pigeon Forge, with the mill, the creek and plenty of places to eat within a short walk. A free tasting here fits easily between a meal and a stroll, and the patio is a good spot to sit afterward. If you are heading home with bottles, ask about packing tips, since shipping is not offered.
Plan the ride home
Tasting is 21 and older only. Name a designated driver before you go, or line up a rideshare, because a full flight of high-proof samples is not the moment to find out you have a long drive back up the mountain.
