3 Distilleries to Visit for a Taste of Authentic Moonshine in Gatlinburg

Ole Smoky Holler in Gatlinburg
August 28, 2018

If you always wanted to try a taste of authentic Southern moonshine, there is no better place to visit than the Smoky Mountains! There are several excellent distilleries in Gatlinburg where you can sample this unique white whiskey in the Smokies, including the famous Tennessee white lightnin’! Here are the top distilleries where you can enjoy a taste of authentic moonshine in Gatlinburg:

1. Sugarlands Distillery

The Sugarlands Distillery has not only been ranked as the #1 top destination in Gatlinburg, but as one of the best distilleries in the country! They opened their unique barn house location in March of 2014 to perform the traditional craft of distilling fine Sugarlands Spirits. While visiting, you can taste samples of their award-winning spirits, enjoy behind-the-scenes production tours and purchase spirits, apparel and mountain merchandise! For those folks who are moonshine enthusiasts, consider signing up for the Distiller For The Day Workshop where you spend the day with the head distiller and participate in making a batch of Sugarlands Shine!

2. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery

For another great destination to sample authentic moonshine in Gatlinburg, head over to the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery! As soon as you approach the entrance to this distillery, which is also known as “The Holler,” you can smell the distinct aroma of cooking and fermenting grains. While inside, visit with the friendly distillers as you learn all about the moonshine process and the history of moonshining in eastern Tennessee. While you are at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, be sure to treat yourself to samples of their signature flavors, including Original Unaged Corn Whiskey, White Lightnin’, Moonshine Cherries, Blackberry, Apple Pie, Strawberry, Peach and Lemon Drop.

3. Doc Collier Distillery

The Doc Collier Distillery, offers some of Gatlinburg’s finest moonshine, including the one-of-a kind Moonshine Brandy! This distillery gets its name from William “Doc” Collier, a Smoky Mountain bootlegger who was known throughout the region for his signature moonshine recipe. During your visit, you can see some of the equipment that Doc and his family have used for generations to create their moonshine up in the mountains! Enjoy browsing through Doc’s Shine Shop, which is set up just like an old fashioned country Mercantile Store. This is a great opportunity to pick up a gift to help you remember your authentic moonshine experience in Gatlinburg!

Where to Stay

The deck of the Alpine View cabin in Gatlinburg.

Stay just minutes from these wonderful distilleries with a vacation at Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals! We have cabins of all sizes that can easily accommodate couples, families and large groups! While staying with us, enjoy all types of incredible amenities such as private decks with scenic views, fully equipped kitchens, soothing hot tubs, fireplaces and more! The best part is that our cabins are not only situated among the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, but are also only a short drive from the distilleries and other attractions of downtown Gatlinburg!

Check out all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today to plan your vacation near these distilleries where you can enjoy a taste of authentic moonshine in Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing you soon at Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals!