This ain’t your grand-daddies moonshine folks.
The first legal moonshine distillery in Tennessee when it opened its doors in 2010, Ole Smoky Moonshine “The Barn” has taken its brand of corn mash liquor National and established itself as an industry leader in authentic Tennessee whiskey. While the Pigeon Forge location is about half the size of its first storefront (The Moonshine Holler in Gatlinburg), this 6,000 sq/ft storefront is still enough to get your moonshine fix during your visit to the Smokies.
During your visit, you can expect the scent of fresh corn mash to create a sensory experience long before you make it to the front doors. The smell of the corn mash production inside the store pours outside, drawing customers to its sweet aroma from all over The Island. Once inside, you’re immediately immersed in an authentic country visual experience as the build-out is all reclaimed lumber accented with rustic highlights from tin roofs to vintage lighting fixtures.
While you’re at Ole Smoky Moonshine “The Barn”, get ready to raise your glass and toast their signature series of Moonshine flavors with a stranger or your pals as your bartender host will guide you through a flight of shots. Before the night is over you will be led through an authentic redneck tasting of every flavor of moonshine they offer, along with some mixed concoctions they say make it all too easy to get carried away.
Some of our personal favorites:
Original Moonshine (Of course!) –
This 100 Proof Shine is just like your grandpappy’s pappy made it. Made from a mix of at least 80% corn mash and ‘super-secret ingredients’, their Original Moonshine is the boldly flavored moonshine you remember (without the risk of being poisoned of course!).
Moonshine Cherries
Admittedly you can’t necessarily drink this one, but this 16 oz jar of cherries soaking in 100 Proof Corn Whiskey will give any drink a 1-2 punch. Or for the risk takers, eat ’em right out of the jar. You better pace yourself though as these little gems are deceivingly sweet, even if you are man enough to choke them down.
Hunch Punch
A sweet concoction of their original Moonshine and a variety of natural fruit flavors, Hunch Punch is a delight to drink or mix in with your favorite chaser. But don’t go too hard on this elixir – it’s smooth going down but packs a heck of a ‘punch’ later on.
Once you’re done inside, mosey on outside to enjoy some of the best bluegrass pickers in the area. A makeshift arena of rocking chairs fills the courtyard area while the band takes the stage all day, and long into the night, playing everything from original tunes to some of the very best classic bluegrass tunes you love and remember.
If you’re the sort of person that loves taking a drink with enough power to clean a diesel engine, then Ole Smoky Moonshine “The Barn” is a must-do attraction during your Smokies adventure. While the are walls lined with products to buy for your consumption back home, the tasting and music are completely free, making it a great activity to work into your schedule while trying to remain on a budget.