Overview
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of moonshine distilleries. With several distilleries in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, visitors can explore the art of moonshine production, taste a variety of flavors, and learn about the region’s rich heritage.
History of Moonshine in the Smoky Mountains
Moonshine distilling in the Smoky Mountains dates back to the days of bootlegging and prohibition. The legalization of moonshine has lifted the veil of mystery, allowing visitors to experience the tradition and culture of the region. Today, distilleries in Gatlinburg offer tours and tastings, showcasing traditional family recipes and innovative flavors.
Distillery Tours
Several distilleries in the Smoky Mountains offer tours, including Ole Smoky Moonshine, which has locations in Gatlinburg and Nashville. These tours provide an in-depth look at the craft of moonshine production and allow visitors to sample a range of flavors. Ole Smoky Moonshine offers daily tours at both locations, with gift cards available for those who want to surprise a loved one.
Are Children and Pets Allowed on the Distillery Tours?
While the specific policies may vary between distilleries, it is generally recommended that children and pets are not brought on the tours. The focus of the tours is on the production and tasting of moonshine, which may not be suitable for minors. Additionally, some distilleries may have age restrictions or other guidelines in place.
Types of Moonshine Flavors and Products
Visitors to the Smoky Mountain distilleries can expect to find a wide range of moonshine flavors and products. Ole Smoky Moonshine, for example, offers a collection of moonshines infused with fruits and vegetables, such as pickles, peaches, cherries, and pineapples. They also have award-winning flavors and innovative products like moonshine canned cocktails.
Cost and Timings
The cost and timings of distillery tours vary depending on the specific distillery and the type of tour. Smoky Tours, for instance, offers walking tours in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, with prices and schedules available on their website.
Directory and Hours
Here is a directory of some popular distilleries in the Smoky Mountains:
| Distillery | Location | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ole Smoky Moonshine | Gatlinburg: 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37863 Nashville: 423 6th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219 |
Daily tours available | Gatlinburg: 865-436-6995 Nashville: 615-270-3999 |
| Smoky Tours | Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge locations | Varying tour schedules | 865-436-6995 |
Value
The Smoky Mountain distillery tours offer a unique and memorable experience, combining history, culture, and entertainment. Visitors can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s moonshine heritage while enjoying a fun and engaging tour.
References
- Ole Smoky Moonshine. (2024). Distillery Tours. Retrieved from https://olesmoky.com/pages/distillery-tours
- Gatlinburg. (n.d.). Moonshine & Distillery Tours. Retrieved from https://www.gatlinburg.com/food-and-drink/distilleries/
- Ole Smoky Moonshine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://olesmoky.com
- Elks Springs Resort. (n.d.). Moonshine Tasting in Gatlinburg: Top 6 Tasting & Distillery Tours. Retrieved from https://www.elkspringsresort.com/things-to-do/moonshine-tasting-gatlinburg/
- Smoky Tours. (n.d.). Moonshine Distillery Tours. Retrieved from https://smokytours.com