Top Distilleries in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg

Last updated: August 2025

Whether you’re craving moonshine’s fiery bite or sipping smooth Tennessee whiskey, the distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg serve up more than a buzz. They deliver a flavorful experience steeped in Southern hospitality, history, and craft. With live bluegrass, scenic views, and jars of unique flavors, the experience at Smoky Mountain distilleries is just as much about the vibe as it is about the pour.

Seasonal tip: Fall is a favorite time to visit, especially for limited-time flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie moonshine.

Ole Smoky Moonshine – The Barn at The Island (Pigeon Forge)

If you’re kicking off your Pigeon Forge moonshine tour, Ole Smoky’s outpost at The Island is the place to start. Known as The Barn, this open-air tasting room is filled with energy, live bluegrass echoes from the stage, copper stills bubble behind glass, and the staff hands out samples with a smile and a story.

Popular flavors like White Lightnin’, Apple Pie, and Butter Pecan are staples, but seasonal jars like Pumpkin Spice make each visit unique.

Need-to-know details:

• Tasting size: 5 to7 samples for $5 (includes $5 credit toward purchase)
• Tour format: Self-guided still viewing
• Reservations: Not required
• Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon
• MobileBrochure offer: 10% off merchandise and tastings
  

Take home a jar or two,you’ll want something to remember the music, the energy, and the shine.

Ole Smoky Distilleries in Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is home to not one, but two Ole Smoky locations. They’re just steps apart, so you can easily visit both and experience the best of Smoky Mountains moonshine and Tennessee whiskey all in one stroll.

The Holler – Ole Smoky Moonshine

The Holler is Ole Smoky’s original distillery and still one of the most visited in the country. Set right in the heart of Gatlinburg, it brings mountain roots to life with live music, rustic decor, and free tastings that showcase decades of family tradition.

You’ll find a deep lineup of flavors here, from smooth Peach to spicy Blue Flame; along with a row of copper stills and plenty of mountain-made souvenirs.

Need-to-know details:

• Tasting size: 5 to7 samples for $5 (includes $5 credit toward purchase)
• Tour format: Self-guided still viewing
• Reservations: Not required
• Best time to visit: Mornings or late evening to avoid peak crowds
  

If you can’t make it to The Island in Pigeon Forge, The Holler delivers the same great shine with a downtown twist.

The Barrelhouse – Ole Smoky Whiskey

Located just around the corner from The Holler, Ole Smoky’s Barrelhouse is dedicated exclusively to whiskey. This quieter tasting room trades the rowdy energy of the moonshine bars for a cozy, small-batch atmosphere.

You’ll see the crew bottling whiskey right on site while sampling rich flavors like Salty Caramel, Straight Bourbon, and the seasonal Mud Pie Cream Whiskey, a smooth caramel‑chocolate liqueur best enjoyed over ice or as a dessert cocktail. It’s a refined stop on the Tennessee whiskey trail and a great way to wind down the day.

Need-to-know details:

• Tasting size: 4 to5 pours for $5 (includes $5 credit toward purchase)
• Tour format: Watch live bottling
• Reservations: Not required
• Best time to visit: Late morning or early evening
  

Together, The Holler and The Barrelhouse make Gatlinburg a must for both moonshine first-timers and seasoned whiskey lovers.

Tennessee Shine Co. – Gatlinburg

Just a few blocks down from Ole Smoky, Tennessee Shine Co. has taken over the former Doc Collier location and brought in a more playful, modern take on moonshine. While the rustic, old-school feel has changed, the friendly service and bold Southern flavors are still going strong.

Inside, you’ll find a lively atmosphere with bright displays, branded merch, and a tasting lineup full of flavored options like White Chocolate Raspberry, Watermelon, and Root Beer Float. Unlike traditional moonshine distilleries, this stop leans into the sweet and sippable side of things. Tastings come with a small fee but include a $5 credit toward your purchase.

Need-to-know details:

• Tasting size: 5 to6 samples for a small fee (includes $5 coupon)
• Tour format: Self-guided walk-through
• Reservations: Not required
• Best time to visit: Early to mid-afternoon for smaller crowds

If you’re in the mood for fun flavors and a casual tasting experience, this spot delivers with charm and a bit of candy-shop flair.

Sugarlands Distilling Company – Gatlinburg

Sugarlands brings a modern twist to the Smoky Mountains distilling scene. Since opening in 2014, they’ve made a name for adventurous flavors, immersive tours, and one of the most generous tasting flights around;up to 12 samples for just $5.

The space blends rustic with fun, and the energy is always buzzing. Try everything from Maple Bacon Moonshine to the creamy Butter Pecan Liqueur, then join a guided tour of the production facility to see how the shine is made from start to finish. 

Are you looking for something a little more elevated? Sugarlands recently introduced two new guided experiences at The Hidden Stave, their speakeasy-style tasting room tucked behind the main distillery.

• Roaming Man Whiskey Experience: Includes a tour of the still house and a guided tasting of three unique Roaming Man Whiskey expressions (0.5 oz pours). You can even bottle your own at the end.
  
• Cocktails Behind the Stave: This Prohibition-inspired tour includes a full distillery walkthrough followed by a four-cocktail flight made with Sugarlands’ whiskey, moonshine, and vodka.
  

Tickets are $20 per guest. If you’re visiting before August 19, 2025, take advantage of the limited-time $10 introductory rate celebrating the opening of The Hidden Stave.

Need-to-know details:

• Tasting size: Up to 12 samples for $5
• Tour format: 30-minute guided production tours available + special Hidden Stave experiences
• Reservations: Recommended on weekends
• Best time to visit: Mid-afternoon to early evening
• MobileBrochure offer: Free Sugarlands shot glass with purchase of any jar

With live music, cocktail flights, and moonshine by the jar, Sugarlands is the kind of place where you’ll want to stick around for a while.

Top 3 Must-Try Drinks

Visitors and locals alike rave about these standout spirits:

• Blue Flame – Ole Smoky Moonshine
• Butter Pecan Cream – Sugarlands
• Salty Caramel Whiskey – Ole Smoky Whiskey
  

Book your tastings or shop your favorite jars here.

More Sips & Stops in the Smokies

Still thirsty? Explore even more local flavor with these guides:

• Gatlinburg Wine Tasting Tour
• Wineries in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
• Smoky Mountain Brewery & Distillery Crawl Checklist
• Distillery Tours: A Taste of the Smokies
  

Final Sip

The distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer more than tastings. They’re filled with stories, songs, and the spirit of the Smokies, literally. Whether you’re a moonshine first-timer or a whiskey connoisseur, you’ll find something worth sipping and sharing.

Planning a tasting crawl?
Use this map to find your favorite distilleries in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

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