It had been a few years since my husband and I had vacationed without the kids. So when I was invited to check out the Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee I came up with a plan to make it happen. Especially when it was close to my husband’s birthday and figured we could celebrate it while we were there. Never having been to a moonshine distillery, I wasn’t sure of what to expect.
The Ole Smoky Distillery – known as “The Holler” – is America’s most visited distillery and offers a fascinating look at this local lore. Here are 3 reasons why we loved our time there (my husband said it was his favorite part of the whole trip).
Taste Real Moonshine
Naturally, the highlight of visiting a distillery is getting to sample the finished product after you get a look at how it’s made! Ole Smoky Distillery offers $5 samplings of all of their signature “Shine”, from their world-famous flavors such as Apple Pie to the drink that started it all, the Original Unaged Corn Whiskey made with a 100-year-old recipe! You’ll also find special, seasonal flavors that aren’t available anywhere else, making this the perfect place to get a drink – and stock up on souvenirs, while you’re at it! What better way to figure out what your favorites are. My husband loved the experience!
Never having been a moonshine drinker before, my husband now loves it. So much so that if he decides to share some of the 3 bottles we brought home, he uses the smallest glasses we own. His philosophy when it comes to the moonshine, a little goes a long way.
Music & Heritage
Ole Smoky Distillery is also home to free live music from fantastic bluegrass artists, so even if you’re not much of a moonshine drinker, it’s still a perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of Appalachian heritage. Families are welcomed to come sit in a rocking chair and listen to some good old fashioned fiddle music!
One of the best parts of visiting a new area is the opportunity to absorb unique local culture, and The Holler offers just that with its fascinating history. The families that started Ole Smoky were some of the first to arrive in the Smoky Mountains, and began making whiskey to survive through lean economic times. After bootlegging and prohibition ended, moonshine evolved from a secret process to a handcrafted local specialty.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery Offers A Truly Authentic Appalachian Experience
A tour of Ole Smoky Distillery offers a perfect opportunity to learn about a slice of East Tennessee history while enjoying a top-notch local drink. Stop in for a spell, visit with the friendly distillers, and enjoy a jar of the most delicious moonshine around!
Having now experienced it, I can say that a visit to Gatlinburg wouldn’t be complete without a little Tennessee moonshine! For a truly authentic experience, you can’t beat The Ole Smoky Distillery, where you can learn the history behind this iconic drink and watch the process of making moonshine in authentic stills from start to finish. For more information, be sure to visit their website.
Tip: Visit their website and download the brochure to get a coupon for 10% off merchandise, tours and tastings.
