Ole Smoky Distillery - A Taste Of Tennessee Tradition

Have you ever wondered what goes into making that special kind of spirit, the one with a long story rooted deep in the mountains? Ole Smoky Distillery, a truly unique spot in East Tennessee and Nashville, offers a chance to get up close with the craft of creating moonshine and whiskey. It's a place where history, good times, and delicious sips come together, giving folks a real feel for Appalachian traditions.

This isn't just about a drink; it's about an experience, you know? When you step onto the grounds of an Ole Smoky location, you're pretty much walking into a lively celebration of southern hospitality. You can learn a lot about how these spirits are made, try different flavors, and maybe even catch some live music while enjoying a bite to eat. It's a whole day out, really, and quite a fun way to spend some time.

The story of Ole Smoky is, in a way, tied to the very essence of the Smoky Mountains. It's a tale of families who kept a proud tradition alive, eventually becoming the first legally licensed distillery in this part of Tennessee. So, when you visit, you're not just seeing a business; you're connecting with a piece of regional heritage that's been brought into the light for everyone to appreciate, as a matter of fact.

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Table of Contents

• What Makes Ole Smoky Distillery So Special?
• The Ole Smoky Distillery Story
• Where Can You Experience Ole Smoky Distillery?
• Exploring Ole Smoky Distillery's Tennessee Spots
• What Can You Do at an Ole Smoky Distillery Location?
• Beyond the Bottle - Your Ole Smoky Distillery Visit
• How Does Ole Smoky Distillery Make Its Spirits?
• The Craft Behind Ole Smoky Distillery's Offerings
• Is There More to Ole Smoky Distillery Than Just Tasting?
• Fun and Festivities at Ole Smoky Distillery
• Connecting with Ole Smoky Distillery
• The Roots of Ole Smoky Distillery
• Plan Your Visit to Ole Smoky Distillery

What Makes Ole Smoky Distillery So Special?

You might be asking yourself, what sets Ole Smoky apart from other places that make spirits? Well, for starters, it holds the title of being the leading producer of top-quality moonshine across the globe. That's a pretty big deal, you know? Plus, it was the very first distillery in East Tennessee to get a federal license, which is a significant part of its story. This means they paved the way for others to follow, bringing a long-held tradition out into the open for everyone to enjoy. It’s a place that, in a way, bridges the past with the present, making something that was once made in secret now available for all to appreciate.

The Ole Smoky Distillery Story

The tale of Ole Smoky Distillery began in 2010, but its origins stretch back much further, reaching into the early days of the Smoky Mountains settlers. These were families who, for generations, made moonshine with a deep sense of family pride and a true Appalachian spirit. It’s a heritage that runs deep, and you can feel that connection when you visit. In 2009, a shift in state rules meant that Ole Smoky could become the first legally permitted distillery in Tennessee. This marked a truly important moment in bringing back the region’s long-standing moonshine making ways. It’s a story of perseverance and a real love for their craft, honestly.

Where Can You Experience Ole Smoky Distillery?

If you're thinking about dropping by, you'll be happy to know that Ole Smoky Distillery has four distinct spots where you can get a taste of their offerings. These locations are spread out across East Tennessee and Nashville, making it fairly easy to find one that fits into your travel plans. Whether you're in the heart of Gatlinburg, enjoying the attractions in Pigeon Forge, or soaking up the city vibe in Nashville, there’s a place waiting for you. Each location has its own feel, but they all share that signature Ole Smoky welcome, you know?

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Exploring Ole Smoky Distillery's Tennessee Spots

Specifically, you can find Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville. The Holler in Gatlinburg is a popular choice, offering daily tours that give you a peek behind the scenes. Then there's the Ole Smoky Barn Distillery in Pigeon Forge, which also offers a great experience. In Nashville, the 6th & Peabody location is a big hit, providing not just spirits but also a lively atmosphere with food and entertainment. And don't forget the Barrelhouse Distillery, also in Gatlinburg, where they focus on making their whiskey the Tennessee way. Each spot, pretty much, has something a little different to offer, inviting you to come and see what they're all about.

What Can You Do at an Ole Smoky Distillery Location?

So, you've arrived at an Ole Smoky Distillery location, and you're probably wondering what there is to do besides just looking around. Well, there's quite a lot, actually! You can sign up for a guided tour, where friendly guides will walk you through the process of making their famous moonshine. It’s a chance to learn about the traditions that shape their products. After the tour, you can sample a wide array of their spirits. They have, in fact, 25 moonshine flavors and 17 whiskey flavors, so there's definitely something for nearly every taste bud. You might even find a new favorite, who knows?

Beyond the Bottle - Your Ole Smoky Distillery Visit

Your visit to an Ole Smoky Distillery can be much more than just a tasting session. At places like 6th & Peabody in Nashville, you can enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat, and even play some cornhole in their outdoor beer garden. They also offer Yeehaw beer flights, so there's a good variety of drinks. Food options include tasty White Duck Tacos and Nashville's well-known Daddy’s Dogs, which is pretty cool. You can also browse their beer and bottle shops to take home some souvenirs or your preferred spirits. Plus, they even host a "Hooch Hop" scavenger hunt, which sounds like a fun way to explore and learn about the Appalachian moonshine story at each spot, so.

How Does Ole Smoky Distillery Make Its Spirits?

Ever been curious about the specific steps involved in making moonshine? At Ole Smoky Distillery, you can get a glimpse into the actual craft behind their spirits. For example, their downtown Gatlinburg facility, which focuses on corn whiskey, has two working copper stills. These stills are central to the process, turning simple ingredients into the clear spirit moonshine is known for. The guides on the tours are pretty knowledgeable and can share details about these southern distilling traditions, giving you a real appreciation for the effort that goes into each batch, as a matter of fact.

The Craft Behind Ole Smoky Distillery's Offerings

While they are called Ole Smoky Moonshine, they certainly make a very fine barrel of whiskey too. If you're keen to try their whiskey, you'll want to head over to the Barrelhouse Distillery in Gatlinburg. This is where they make their whiskey in the true Tennessee fashion, using methods that honor the region’s long-standing distilling practices. It’s a chance to see how they produce both their popular moonshine and their whiskey, which are, you know, both a big part of their identity. The dedication to their methods is pretty clear when you see it all in action.

Is There More to Ole Smoky Distillery Than Just Tasting?

Beyond the guided tours and the opportunities to sample their wide range of moonshines and whiskeys, Ole Smoky Distillery locations offer a lot more. They truly aim to create a welcoming and entertaining environment for everyone who visits. For instance, at 6th & Peabody in Nashville, besides the tastings and tours, you'll find large screen TVs for watching sports or other events, and a spacious outdoor beer garden that’s just right for hanging out and playing games like cornhole. It’s a place where you can easily spend a few hours, just enjoying the atmosphere and the company, you know?

Fun and Festivities at Ole Smoky Distillery

The commitment to providing a good time extends to their family-friendly policies as well. Kids and even dogs are always welcome at their locations, though, of course, the tasting part is reserved for the grown-ups. This makes it a great destination for families traveling together, as there's space for everyone to relax and enjoy the setting. The presence of live entertainment adds another layer of enjoyment, turning a simple visit into a memorable outing. It’s pretty clear they want everyone to feel comfortable and have a good time while they're there, actually.

Connecting with Ole Smoky Distillery

If you’re keen to stay updated on all things Ole Smoky, there are easy ways to connect. You can head over to their website, olesmoky.com, where you can learn even more about their history, explore all the different flavors they offer, and see their full line of products. It’s a great resource for anyone wanting to get a deeper sense of what they do. And if you’re someone who likes to be in the know about new promotions, interesting flavors, and generally good times, you can sign up for their email updates. This way, you can bring a bit of the Ole Smoky experience right to your own inbox, which is pretty convenient.

The Roots of Ole Smoky Distillery

The story of Ole Smoky is deeply connected to the history of moonshine making in the Appalachian region. For generations, families living in the Smoky Mountains crafted their own spirits, often out of necessity and with a strong sense of self-reliance. This tradition was passed down, keeping the methods and the spirit alive. Ole Smoky Distillery, founded in 2010, really brought this heritage into the modern day. A key moment came in 2009 when a change in state rules made it possible for them to become the first legally licensed distillery in Tennessee. This was a very big step, signaling a revival of the region's long-standing moonshine heritage, you know?

Plan Your Visit to Ole Smoky Distillery

Thinking of making a trip? Tours are available every day at The Holler in Gatlinburg and at 6th & Peabody in Nashville, so you have options. If you're looking for more details, like directions or information about other nearby distilleries and restaurants, the distillery trail website is a good place to check. It helps you map out your adventure and find other interesting spots in the area. Also, for those looking for work, the Nashville distillery is often looking for retail associates and bartenders, which is pretty cool if you’re in the area and seeking a job. Just remember that samples available for tasting, particularly at 6th & Peabody, might change based on what’s in stock, so flavors could vary a little.

Here are some of the Ole Smoky Distillery locations and their addresses:

• Ole Smoky Holler Distillery: 903 Parkway, Unit 128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Ole Smoky Barn Distillery: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• 6th & Peabody Distillery: 423 6th Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Ole Smoky Barrelhouse Distillery: 650 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Newport Warehouse (Mailing Address): 100 Tevet Way, Newport, TN 37821

This article has explored Ole Smoky Distillery, a prominent maker of moonshine and whiskey, highlighting its four locations in Tennessee, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Nashville. It covered the various experiences available at these sites, such as guided tours, tastings of numerous moonshine and whiskey flavors, live music, and food options. The piece also touched on the distillery's history, its status as the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee, and its connection to Appalachian traditions. Details about specific locations like 6th & Peabody, the Barrelhouse, and The Holler were provided, along with information on connecting with Ole Smoky online and planning a visit.