Moonshine in Gatlinburg: History and Heritage

Moonshine has its roots in Ireland and Scotland. When immigrants from these countries settled in the Smoky Mountains, they brought the craft with them, using locally grown corn to distill high-proof whiskey. When produced illegally, this whiskey earned the name “moonshine” because it was often made under the secrecy of moonlight.

For farmers in the Smokies, moonshine became a vital economic lifeline. They turned surplus corn into the sought-after spirit, selling it locally to supplement their income. This practice gained even more traction during Prohibition, when alcohol sales were outlawed across the U.S., giving rise to a thriving black market. Appalachia, including the Smoky Mountains, became synonymous with moonshine, with tales even claiming that notorious gangster Al Capone hid his personal stash in the region!

In 2009, changes to Tennessee law legalized moonshine production as a nod to the region’s cultural heritage. Today, visitors can explore Gatlinburg’s local distilleries, sample authentic moonshine, and learn about our area’s storied connection to this iconic spirit!

At Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, book a moonshine tour in Gatlinburg to learn about moonshine’s local history and how it’s made. Visitors over 13 can go on the tour, and those 21 and older can taste their whiskey and moonshine varieties, with flavors that range from apple pie to peppermint, butterscotch, and more. Check out one of Ole Smoky’s two locations in town, where you can bring the whole family (dogs included) to hang out and listen to live music!

Another place for a moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg is the Tennessee Shine Company, a family-owned and operated distillery that opened in 2015. Here, you can attend a moonshine tasting to sample flavors like pumpkin spice or apple pie alongside classic Tennessee bourbon and whiskey. Their craft moonshine cocktails are a must-try—hang out in their tasting room and discover why they’ve become a local favorite!

At Sugarlands Distilling Co., you can savor daily tasting sessions featuring 12 unique moonshine flavors, offering some of the most distinctive spirits around! Take a behind-the-scenes tour of their stillhouse to see the entire process in action, transforming Tennessee white corn into bold, flavorful moonshine. Afterward, explore their shop, which boasts over 20 house-made products, including moonshine, rum, whiskey, vodka, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Or, sit back at their bar with a refreshing cocktail made from local ingredients and connect with new friends along the way!

Looking to savor more of Gatlinburg’s spirited offerings? Explore the local nightlife with visits to bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and live music venues. Don’t forget to check our events page for the latest happenings and exciting experiences in town. Cheers!