Ole Smoky Distillery
Overview of the Distillery
Ole Smoky Distillery is a collection of public-facing distilleries in East Tennessee and Nashville, built around the Appalachian moonshine tradition. With The Holler, The Barrelhouse, and The Barn as central visitor spots, Ole Smoky offers both classic high-proof corn whiskey, an extensive range of flavored moonshines, and a growing whiskey portfolio. A new destination in Myrtle Beach is planned for 2026.
History
Ole Smoky has established several distinct locations in East Tennessee, each with its own profile. The Holler in Gatlinburg showcases traditional moonshine methods and many flavor variants, The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg focuses on aged whiskey, and The Barn in Pigeon Forge combines tastings with live music and an outdoor atmosphere. In Nashville, 6th & Peabody serves as an urban gathering spot with food, live music, and sports events. A larger expansion to Myrtle Beach is planned for 2026, which includes both distillery and brewery facilities as well as tasting rooms and event space.
Ingredients and Production
Production ranges from classic corn-based moonshine to barrel-aged whiskey. Several locations practice traditional moonshine distillation methods and offer tastings of both high-proof corn whiskey and a wide selection of flavored variants, including fruit, desserts/cream, and bold spices. The Barrelhouse serves as a place for aging and presenting the aged bottles. The webshop shows separate series such as James Ownby Reserve and Popcorn Sutton, and new flavors are continually launched.
Aging and Barrel Types
Aging takes place in oak barrels, and Tennessee Straight Bourbon is described as aged four years. The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg is documented as a center for aged whiskey and display of these expressions. There are no details about casks with previous contents or the origin of the oak used in the available material.
Whiskeys
The range is broad and includes many dozens of products spread across moonshine, whiskey, ready-to-drink cocktails, and merchandise. The Moonshine category contains a large number of fruit- and cream-variation types, while the whiskey selection includes Tennessee Straight Bourbon, blended whiskeys, flavored whiskeys, and special series such as James Ownby Reserve and Popcorn Sutton. The range is frequently updated with new flavor variants.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Alcohol | Age | Flavor profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Bourbon | 4 years | Barrel-aged for 4 years and presented as a Tennessee Straight Bourbon in their range. | Current; Core range | |
| James Ownby Reserve | Whiskey | 94% | A series of products under the name James Ownby Reserve, listed in the webshop. | Current | |
| James Ownby Reserve 8-Year | Whiskey | 94% | 8-Year | An 8-year edition in the James Ownby Reserve series, mentioned in the product listing. | Current |
| Popcorn Sutton Licker | Whiskey | A product under the Popcorn Sutton name, listed in the webshop. | Current | ||
| Popcorn Sutton Bourbon Whiskey | Bourbon | A bourbon under the Popcorn Sutton brand, listed in the product listings. | Current | ||
| BLENDED WHISKEY | Blended whiskey | Categorized as blended whiskey in the webshop and highlighted in the whiskey listing. | Current; Core range | ||
| Salty Caramel Whiskey | Flavoured whiskey | A flavored whiskey in the range, listed under the whiskey category. | Current | ||
| Blackberry Whiskey | Flavoured whiskey | A fruit-based flavor variant listed in the whiskey category. | Current | ||
| Mango Habanero Whiskey | Flavoured whiskey | A spicy/fruit-forward flavor variant in the whiskey lineup. | Current | ||
| Cookies & Cream Whiskey | Flavoured whiskey | A dessert/cream-oriented flavor variant in the range. | Current |
The Whiskeys' Style and Flavor Profiles
Three recurring directions appear across the product range: fruity variants (blackberry, peach, pineapple, etc.), dessert- and cream-oriented editions (cookies & cream, butter pecan, etc.), and spicy/'hot' variants (e.g., mango habanero). These directions shape the assortment across both moonshine and whiskey categories.
Visiting the Distillery
All distillery locations are open to the public with daily tastings without a reservation requirement. Guided tours are offered daily at The Holler in Gatlinburg and at 6th & Peabody in Nashville. The locations have shops, and several sites offer food, a beer garden, live music, and activities such as cornhole. The planned Myrtle Beach location is described as a full visitor attraction with tasting rooms, guided tours, and event facilities.
Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Ole Smoky emphasizes its roots in the Appalachian moonshine heritage, uses historical recipes in parts of the range, and communicates responsible consumption through the slogan 'Shine Responsibly ®'. At the same time, the product lineup is expanded with both traditional and many flavored variants to appeal to a broad audience.
Prices and Recognitions
- Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice