Ole Smoky Distillery - The Holler
restaurantTaste - Distilleries & Tastings

Ole Smoky Distillery The Holler: Gatlinburg's Original Moonshine Experience

starstarstarstar½ 4.7 (6,045 reviews)
location_onGatlinburg schedule10 AM - 11 PM timer30-60 min
Date Night Scenic Views Tasting Trail

About

Ole Smoky Distillery The Holler is the original Gatlinburg location where Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery began. Visitors can enjoy free tastings of more than 20 unique flavors, from traditional moonshine to fruit-infused varieties. Large viewing windows provide an inside look at the distillation process, adding an educational element to the visit. The open-air setting features live music on an outdoor stage and plenty of rocking chairs to relax between sips. This attraction is strictly for guests aged 21 and over.

Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky Distillery helped revive the long-standing tradition of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains region. The distillery celebrates the Appalachian culture of craft spirits that dates back generations, when homemade moonshine was a common part of mountain life. Located in Gatlinburg, the Holler pays tribute to this heritage while operating legally under state regulations. The distillery’s presence contributes to the area's reputation as a destination for artisan food and drink experiences tied to local history.

Visitors to Ole Smoky Distillery The Holler can expect a lively and informative atmosphere. Free tastings allow guests to sample a wide range of moonshine flavors while knowledgeable staff answer questions about production and flavor profiles. The outdoor stage often hosts live bands, creating a casual setting where guests can unwind. Rocking chairs scattered around the property invite visitors to linger and enjoy the mountain air. Because of the tastings, planning transportation ahead is recommended for those sampling extensively.

Did You Know

  • Ole Smoky Distillery was the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee since Prohibition (Ole Smoky Distillery official).
  • The distillery produces over 20 flavors of moonshine, including seasonal and limited-edition varieties (Ole Smoky Distillery official).
  • Moonshine was originally made in the hills of the Smokies as an untaxed spirit during the early 1900s (Tennessee Historical Society).
  • The name 'The Holler' reflects the local Appalachian term for a small valley or hollow where communities often settled (Appalachian Cultural Society).
Local Chain Distillery Live Entertainment Scenic $$
location_on
Address
903 Parkway #128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
phone
Phone
(865) 436-6995
schedule
Hours
10 AM - 11 PM
timer
Typical Visit
30-60 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age requirement to visit Ole Smoky Distillery The Holler?

Yes, the distillery is strictly for guests 21 and older due to alcohol tastings.

Are tastings free and how many flavors can I try?

Free tastings are offered daily, with more than 20 moonshine flavors available to sample.

Can I watch the distillation process during my visit?

Yes, large viewing windows provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the moonshine is made.

Is there live entertainment at the distillery?

Live music is frequently featured on the outdoor stage, especially during warmer months.

Should I arrange transportation if I plan to taste multiple flavors?

Yes, it is recommended to plan safe transportation if sampling extensively due to alcohol consumption.

Take Home a Piece of Ole Smoky Distillery - The Holler

Branded LocaleTrips sticker set arriving soon. Use the trail cam Bigfoot sticker, the heritage benchmark, and the editorial portrait on your water bottle, laptop, or Instagram story.

Field Notes

Last reported Bigfoot sighting near Ole Smoky Distillery - The Holler: On October 12, 2024, a visitor reported spotting a large, shadowy figure near the back woods of The Holler. Described as tall and covered in dark hair, the figure vanished before a clear photo could be taken. Locals suggest it was just a deer, but the story adds a bit of folklore charm to the distillery experience.

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