About Ole Smoky Barn at The Island
The Barn is the Ole Smoky stop that comes with a soundtrack. The official site describes it as a place to tap your toe to live country music while you work through a tasting, and because it is at The Island, it fits neatly into an afternoon of rides, shops and snacks.
The tasting
Daily tastings need no reservation. The regular tasting is $5 per person and includes moonshine and whiskey samples and a $5 off coupon. The premium tasting is $8 and adds three more samples. Flavors available to sample may vary, so ask what is pouring that day.
You have to be 21 or older to taste and show a valid ID. The site calls the distilleries dog and family friendly, so the rest of your group is welcome to browse the shop and listen to the music while the adults sample.
No tour here
The Barn does not run distillery tours. The official page points you to The Holler in Gatlinburg for that, where tours go behind the scenes at the brand's first distillery. If you want both a tasting and a tour in one trip, plan the tour for a Gatlinburg day and keep the Barn for a Pigeon Forge evening.
Hours and parking
The official site lists daily hours from 10am to 11pm, so it works as a late stop after dinner. The address is 131 The Island Drive, and The Island's own parking lots are the easiest option, usually with a fee in busy seasons. On a summer weekend or a fall Saturday the Parkway backs up near The Island, so build in extra time or use the Fun Time Trolley, which costs $1 a ride.
Hooch Hop passport
Ole Smoky's Hooch Hop passport program lets you collect a stamp at three East Tennessee distilleries with a purchase at each. A finished passport earns a free t-shirt. The Barn, the Holler and the Barrelhouse count among the locations.
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.
Good to know
- Tastings: 21+ with a valid ID.
- No reservation needed for daily tastings.
- No tours at this location.
- Live country music is part of the draw, so expect it to be lively in the evening.
