One of my favorite places to go to while in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is Sugarlands Distilling Co. Nestled on the main strip in the Smoky Mountains they have the best tasting moonshine I’ve ever had.
Sugarlands has a pretty large store front. You can walk in to browse their moonshine, branded apparel or to listen to live music on their outdoor stage in the back. Every time we visit Gatlinburg my wife knows that I must make the trip over to Sugarlands. I love to see what new flavors they have out. She doesn’t mind waiting while I take part in the moonshine tasting because she enjoys their shaded outdoor area.
You can take a tour of their distilling factory and receive a lesson on how moonshine is made. After learning about the process head over to the main front room to one of the several round bars to join a tasting.
Each time that we visit Sugarlands is packed! The tastings go fairly quick so even if you have to wait it isn’t long. Before the tasting begins you must show proof of identification that you are 21 years of age or older.
The bartender will tell you about each moonshine flavor before you are given your sample. You’ll learn the proof of alcohol, name and flavor. The bartenders even tell you how it is made or what goes into it. They share their favorites and personal opinions too. Never fear to ask a question!
The bartender will give you a small plastic sample cup for your tasting experience. As the bartender makes his way around the bar with each new moonshine flavor, if you do not want to taste a specific one you simply place your hand over your cup and he will skip you. You do not have to try them all! If you do, plan to have a nice buzz when leaving.
The moonshine ranges from 40 proof all the way up to 100 proof! Get ready for the burn when you taste that one.
If you like Hot Tamales candy you will love their Tickle Dynamite Cinnamon 70 proof moonshine – it is my all time favorite.
One of my other favorites is Old Fashioned Lemonade – 40 proof. Do you like blueberry muffins? Well they have a moonshine for that too. You’re probably thinking that doesn’t sound very good, but actually it’s really yummy and sweet. Pumpkin Spice – 40 proof moonshine is another great one. The Root Beer – 70 proof moonshine was pretty popular among the tastings I attended, if you’re a root beer fan.
Moonshine is not only for drinking. They also sell Moonshine BBQ Sauce. I haven’t tried it yet but it is on our list. The peach flavoring sounds delicious.
Recently Sugarlands Distilling Co launched a new flavor and I was lucky enough to receive a sample to try.
This Appalachian Sippin’ Cream is Electric Orange Cream Liqueur. If you love orange creamsicles then you will want to try this new moonshine flavor.
We had a family cookout a couple of weeks ago and all the adults took a sip. It is almost like a dessert in a shot glass.
My wife is planning to make boozy popsicles with it.
The next time you are in the Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee take a trip to Sugarlands and take part in the moonshine tasting. I promise you will not be disappointed and are guaranteed a good time.
Location: 805 Parkway, off the main strip
Hours: Mon-Sat. 10am to 11pm, Sunday 12pm-7pm
Website: www.sugarlandsdistilling.com
Michelle says
Love the photos Andrew and it sounds like a great day out. We’ve been to a few moonshine tastings here in South Africa (although we call it mampoer instead of moonshine) and they”re always so much fun. My head hates me the next morning, but the memories are always good 😉
Nikki Gwin says
Thanks for sharing! I am adding this joint to my list of places to visit. I think my husband would really like this.
🙂 gwingal
Emily says
That creamsicle flavor sounds so good! I haven’t been to Gatlinburg in ages, but I’m putting this place on my list for the next time I’m there! Thanks for linking up with our Merry Monday party this week.
Laurie says
This looks like fun! Pinning 🙂
Jay Jackson says
Thanks for the review.
Samantha Peres says
wow, is amazing! i need to go!!
April Monty says
This is cool,it’d be a super trip to take my fiance on.
Calvin F. says
Interesting, haven’t seen how moonshine is made. This is definitely a fun place
Tamra Gibson says
Oh I think I would like to go here but no tasting for me. I live in a small town in Ky and they sat ppl r making moonshine all around me. I haven’t ran across any bootleggers yet. I can tell u we had a dry county up until about 6 months ago
Adriane says
I would never make it through a taste testing 🙂
Anna says
I could use some moonshine right about now.
Tammy OHagan says
The Apple Pie is my Favorite! We go there with a group of friends about every other year. So much to see and do in that area!
Helena says
It looks like a nice place to visit!
Thanks for sharing!
http://helenamybeauty.over-blog.com/2017/10/la-chute-de-cheveux-chez-la-femme-the-hair-loss-in-the-woman.html
Lori Smanski says
wow I had no idea these still existed looks like you had fun