No experience is quite as Tennessee as sipping a sample of shine straight from the jar. When you book a stay at The Park Vista, you’re just a short trolley ride or drive from some of the most popular moonshine distilleries in the Smokies. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the flavored stuff or you’re curious to try it for the first time, moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg is a fun way to sip on a bit of local history. Keep reading to learn where to go and how this mountain tradition began.
A Quick History of Moonshine in Tennessee
Long before it filled labeled jars on store shelves, moonshine was a way of life in the Smoky Mountains. When Scots-Irish immigrants settled in the region, they brought their distilling know-how with them, using locally grown corn to craft a high-proof corn whiskey. It picked up the name moonshine because people often made it in secret, under cover of night, to avoid the taxman.
For generations of Appalachian farmers, making shine was a vital economic lifeline. That heritage carried through Prohibition, when bootleggers kept the tradition alive in hidden mountain stills. It’s a big reason moonshine in Tennessee remains such a point of pride, and today Gatlinburg has turned that history into a thriving craft spirits scene, so every sample you try comes with a story worth savoring.
Moonshine Distilleries Near Gatlinburg
The best part about tasting shine in Gatlinburg is how walkable it is. Many downtown distilleries sit within a few minutes of each other, and several are stops along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Ole Smoky Moonshine is one of the most famous names in the game. Established in 2010 as the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee, its downtown Holler location is known for live music, a lively crowd, and a wide lineup of flavors from apple pie to peppermint.
- Sugarlands Distilling Company offers a more structured experience, with tastings led by a knowledgeable guide called a TasteMaker who walks you through each sample and shares cocktail ideas. Don’t miss their popular Appalachian Sippin’ Cream line.
- Doc Collier Moonshine is named after a legendary local moonshiner and makes for an easy, laid-back stop just steps from the others.
Sip, Relax, and Repeat at The Park Vista
After a day of tasting your way down the Parkway, there’s no better place to unwind than The Park Vista. As one of the few Gatlinburg hotels with a mountain view from every room, our unique round design means each of our accommodations comes with a private balcony overlooking the Smokies. Cap off your evening with a nightcap at Firefly’s Patio Lounge before settling in for the night. Before you book, take a look at our current Gatlinburg hotel deals for ways to save, then call 1-800-421-PARK to reserve your stay at our Gatlinburg hotel.