The Great Smoky Mountains region has a rich history of moonshining and whiskey production. Distilleries from East Tennessee to North Carolina offer visitors a chance to learn more about the tradition of moonshining while sampling some delicious spirits!
Top Distilleries in the Smoky Mountains
Tennessee Legend Distillery: This distillery is located in Sevierville, Tennessee. They specialize in producing moonshine and whiskey, including flavors like strawberry, blackberry, and lemonade.
Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery: Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Doc Collier produces moonshine and other spirits. They use traditional recipes and methods. Their moonshine is available in a variety of flavors, including peach and blackberry.
Sugarlands Distilling Company: Sugarlands is also located in Gatlinburg and produces a range of moonshine flavors. Flavors include, maple bacon and peanut butter and jelly. They also offer tours and tastings at their distillery.
Ole Smoky Distillery: Ole Smoky is another popular distillery located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They produce a variety of moonshine flavors, as well as whiskey and other spirits.
Old Forge Distillery: Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Old Forge produces a variety of spirits, including moonshine, whiskey, and gin. They use locally-sourced ingredients and offer tastings and tours of their distillery
The History of Distilleries
in the Smoky Mountains
Tennessee has a rich history of distilling! Dating back to the late 1700s when settlers began producing whiskey as a way to use up their excess grain crops. Over time, whiskey production became a major industry in the state. By the mid-1800s, Tennessee was producing more whiskey than any other state in the country.Â
Undeniably, one of the most famous types of whiskey produced in Tennessee is known as “Tennessee whiskey.” This whiskey is made using a unique charcoal filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process. The process involves filtering the whiskey through maple charcoal before it is aged in barrels. This gives it a distinct flavor and color.Â
During Prohibition in the 1920s and early 1930s, the production and sale of alcohol was banned in the U.S. However, many distilleries in Tennessee continued to operate illegally. As a matter of fact, this is where the term “Moonshining” came from!
Moonshining
Moonshining is the act of producing illicit distilled spirits, such as whiskey, gin, or rum, without the proper license or government oversight. As a result, the term “moonshine” comes from the fact that production of these spirits often took place at night or in remote, rural areas, out of sight of authorities during the Prohibition.
After Prohibition was lifted, the industry saw a resurgence, and many of the historic distilleries that had shut down during Prohibition were reopened.
Today, Tennessee is home to several notable distilleries as listed above. Other notable distilleries include Jack Daniel’s, which is located in Lynchburg and is one of the best-known whiskey brands in the world. George Dickel, located in Tullahoma, and Old Forge Distillery, located in Pigeon Forge.Â
Continuing the tradition, the state has a growing craft distilling scene, with many smaller producers making a variety of spirits, including moonshine, gin, and rum.
Without a doubt, during your stay at The Smoky Woods Lodge, near Gatlinburg Tennessee, you MUST experience the taste of this history.Â
Book Your Trip To The Smokies!
Nestled in a valley surrounded by stunning mountain views, the Smoky Woods Lodge is the perfect space to escape and find peace and quiet, immersed in the tranquility of the Smoky Mountains.
Introducing the Smoky Woods Lodge, a brand new cabin in Cosby near Gatlinburg. Close to Pigeon Forge and all that Gatlinburg has to offer, but far enough away to take a deep breath and really feel it! When looking for a cabin near Gatlinburg, we wanted something outside the crazy packed tourist areas. We chose a cabin in Cosby, to provide a place where our guests can enjoy space, a backyard, and privacy! The Smoky Woods Lodge sits on an acre in a valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains.Â
