If there’s one stop that captures the fun, flavor, and easy spirit of the Smokies, it’s Ole Smoky Moonshine. With moonshine tastings in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it’s earned its spot near the top of any list of things to do in the Smoky Mountains — and it’s where a lot of folks get their first real taste of moonshine.
The vibe is laid-back, the mason jars are full, and the folks behind the bar always have a story to share. Whether it’s your first sip or you’ve already picked your favorite flavor, Ole Smoky feels less like a tour and more like a friendly stop where you’ll want to stay a while.
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A Quick Pour of Moonshine History
Long before Ole Smoky put moonshine in pretty mason jars, folks in the Smoky Mountain hollers were quietly running their own stills out behind the barn.
Mountain moonshine started as a way to stretch a corn crop, get through tough winters, and (let’s be honest) sidestep a tax man or two. Recipes were passed down like family heirlooms, and every family had their own little twist.
When Tennessee changed its small-batch distilling laws, Ole Smoky was one of the first federally licensed distilleries to open in East Tennessee. Today, sipping a little mountain shine has become one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains — and that long tradition is still the heart of every jar they pour.
Want more of Tennessee’s moonshine story? → Explore our Tennessee Moonshine Guide
Ole Smoky: A Smokies Moonshine Favorite
The distillery has been serving up moonshine in Gatlinburg since 2010 — right after Tennessee legalized small-batch distilling and opened the door for spots like this one.
Ole Smoky uses old family-style recipes but keeps everything fun and easygoing — relaxed tasting bars, creative flavors in mason jars, and plenty of live music when the season’s right.
Today, it’s one of the most popular places to stop in the Smokies and a favorite for first-time sippers and longtime fans alike.
Where to Find Ole Smoky in the Smokies
Ole Smoky has several spots scattered across the Smokies, and each one has its own personality. Whether you’re wandering downtown Gatlinburg or hitting up The Island in Pigeon Forge, there’s a tasting room nearby.
Downtown Gatlinburg — The Holler
The original Ole Smoky spot, known for its lively outdoor courtyard, live music, and people-watching at its best. This is also the only East Tennessee location that offers daily distillery tours.
→ Visit The Holler in Downtown Gatlinburg TN
Gatlinburg — The Barrelhouse
Just up the Parkway from the Holler. This one’s whiskey-forward, with a cozy indoor tasting room where you can sample aged Tennessee whiskey alongside a few moonshine favorites.
→ Visit The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg TN
Pigeon Forge — The Barn at The Island
A fun open-air spot tucked right into The Island, surrounded by shops, rides, and music. Easy stop for families since the Ferris wheel and games are right there.
→ Visit The Barn in Pigeon Forge TN
What to Expect at Ole Smoky
A visit to Ole Smoky is more than just a moonshine tasting — it’s a whole little experience.
Tastings
You’ll grab a spot at the bar where a friendly host walks you through the lineup. The Regular Tasting is $5 for several samples and a $5-off coupon toward a purchase. The Premium Tasting is $8 and adds a few extra pours, including some of their higher-proof favorites.
Live Music
Most days you’ll find live music spilling out from the Holler in Gatlinburg, especially on weekends and during peak season. Bluegrass and country are the usual lineup, and the rocking chairs out front are some of the best people-watching seats in town.
Distillery Tours
If you want to peek behind the scenes, the Holler in Gatlinburg offers daily Behind the Scenes tours where you’ll see the stills in action and get a 13-sample tasting at the end. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy seasons.
Shopping & Souvenirs
The shops are stocked with mason jars in every flavor, moonshine-soaked cherries and pickles, mini sampler packs, and Ole Smoky merch. They also carry a few exclusive flavors you won’t find at your local liquor store, so it’s worth picking up a jar or two while you’re there.
Free Ole Smoky T-Shirt? Yes, Please.
Want a free souvenir from your Ole Smoky adventure? Grab the Hooch Hop passport at any Ole Smoky location and start collecting stamps as you sip your way through the Smokies.
- Make a purchase at any Ole Smoky distillery and grab your Hooch Hop passport.
- Visit the other locations, make a small purchase at each, and get your passport stamped.
- Once it’s full, turn it in for your free Ole Smoky T-shirt.
🌲 Trekkn Tip: You have to be 21+ to taste, but only 13+ to join the Hop and collect stamps — making it a fun afternoon for families with teens too.
More Tasting Fun in the Smokies
Popular Ole Smoky Moonshine Flavors
Ole Smoky makes every kind of moonshine you can dream up — light and fruity sippers, classic high-proof corn whiskey, and dessert-style pours that taste like pie in a jar. They’ve also got a full lineup of Tennessee whiskey and some of the cutest souvenir gifts you’ll find.
Fruity Faves
Bright, sweet, and easy to sip — perfect for first-timers or summer cocktails.
- Apple Pie — Sweet, cinnamony, and the perfect first sip.
- Peach — Light, fruity, and made for sunshine sippin’.
→ Try our Peach Moonshine Cocktail
Bold & Classic
Old-school mountain shine for those who like a little kick.
- White Lightning — The classic 100-proof corn whiskey.
- Blue Flame — High-proof and made for confident sippers.
Cozy & Sweet
Dessert-style pours that taste like a treat in a jar.
- Salted Caramel — Like dessert in a jar. A serious crowd-pleaser.
- Moonshine Cherries — Plump red cherries soaked in shine.
Want a deeper dive into the flavors we love most?
→ See Our Favorite Tennessee Moonshine Flavors (Coming Soon)
Ole Smoky Moonshine FAQs
Planning your first Ole Smoky stop? Here are a few common questions answered before you go.
Yes! Walking into any Ole Smoky distillery is free, including live music and the gift shop. Tastings cost about $5–$8 per person, and the fee usually comes with a coupon toward a purchase.
You must be 21+ to taste, but anyone is welcome to walk through and shop. Kids are welcome in the tasting rooms, they just can’t sample.
Most tastings are quick — usually less than 30 minutes, depending on how busy the bar is.
The Holler in Gatlinburg is the original and the only spot that offers daily distillery tours. The Barn at The Island in Pigeon Forge is the easiest stop for families.
Absolutely. Each location has a full shop stocked with mason jars, sampler packs, and souvenir gifts — including a few exclusive flavors you won’t find at your local liquor store.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Jar Extras
These fun extras are great for any moonshine jars you bring home from Ole Smoky.
→ Mason Jar Pour Spouts — For smooth, no-spill pours from those classic jars.
→ Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker Top — Turns any mason jar into a ready-to-go cocktail shaker.
→ Mason Jar Shot Glasses — Cute, sturdy, and just right for sharing with friends.
Mix up some cozy cocktails or share a little Smoky Mountain shine with friends — these make every pour a little more fun.
Happy Sippin’, Trekkn Friends
There’s something about a little mountain moonshine that makes a Smokies trip feel extra special — and Ole Smoky is one of our favorite ways to soak it all in.
So tell us: are you team Apple Pie, White Lightning, or those famous Moonshine Cherries? Drop your favorite flavor in the comments — we love hearing from y’all.
And if you head out for a tasting, tag us at @TennesseeTrekkn or use #TennesseeTrekkn so we can come along for the sippin’.
Happy Trekkin’, friends! 🌲
Explore a Bit More
If Ole Smoky has you ready for more, here are a few Tennessee favorites to sip, see, and explore.
Ready to Plan Your Smokies Trip?
Find the perfect place to stay, book your travel, and turn your Ole Smoky stop into a full Smokies adventure.
Disclosure: This post contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through theese we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!