Smoky Mountains Moonshine - History and Today
When visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, you'll encounter numerous distilleries offering samples and jars of authentic “white lightning.” What was once an illicit mountain tradition is now a thriving, fully legal industry drawing visitors from around the world. Here's a look at the fascinating history of moonshine - an iconic part of Appalachian life in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains - and where to experience it today.
A Centuries-Old Tradition
Moonshine traces its roots back to Scotland and Ireland, where distilling whiskey was a longstanding custom. Scottish and Irish immigrants brought this knowledge to the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700s and 1800s, adapting it to use abundant local corn instead of grain. For generations, Smoky Mountains families distilled whiskey peacefully for personal use and community sharing.
Everything changed with federal excise taxes on distilled spirits, starting in the late 1700s (with a notable $2 per gallon tax that hit hard in the post-Revolutionary era). Many mountain residents viewed the tax as unfair and burdensome, especially since remote transportation made legal compliance difficult. They refused to pay, leading to widespread illicit production.
Why the “Moonshine”?
The term "moonshine" (or "moonshiner") emerged because distillers worked secretly at night—under the cover of moonlight—to evade revenue agents. Hidden stills in remote coves, forests, and even caves produced clear, high-proof corn whiskey that became a form of "liquid currency." Farmers turned surplus corn into moonshine, which was easier to transport, trade, or sell than bulky crops. It helped families pay bills, buy supplies, and sustain livelihoods in the rugged terrain.
Popular moonshining spots included Wears Valley, Pittman Center, English Mountain, and Cosby. The remote Forbidden Caverns near Sevierville was a prime hideout, thanks to its isolation and underground water source—visitors today can still see an original moonshine still on tours.
Legendary Moonshiners
The trade produced colorful figures. Lewis Redmond, operating on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, became legendary in the 1870s after killing a deputy during an arrest attempt. Dubbed a Robin Hood-like outlaw, he evaded capture for years, shared wealth with locals, was arrested in 1881, and later pardoned by President Chester A. Arthur.
In more recent times, “Popcorn” Sutton (active in Tennessee and North Carolina) gained fame through documentaries and his book Me and My Likker. He was arrested in 2007 but passed away before serving time, cementing his status as a modern moonshine icon.
Prohibition (1920–1933) supercharged the practice, turning local production into a national supply chain despite the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which displaced some families and still sites.
Where to Try Smoky Mountains Moonshine Today
Legal changes in Tennessee around 2009 allowed licensed distilleries to produce and sell "moonshine" (unaged corn whiskey and flavored variants). What started small has become a booming tourism draw, with free or low-cost tastings (often $5–$10, credited toward purchases) and a huge range of flavors like apple pie, peach, blackberry, lemon drop, sweet tea, and more.
Here are some of the most popular and highly rated distilleries in the area (as of 2026):
- Ole Smoky Distillery (multiple locations: "The Holler" and "The Barrelhouse" in Gatlinburg; "The Barn" at The Island in Pigeon Forge) — One of the biggest names, with live music, rocking chairs, and extensive flavored options.
- Sugarlands Distilling Company (Gatlinburg) - Known for award-winning shines, sippin' creams, and the "Hidden Stave" experience.
- Old Forge Distillery (Pigeon Forge, near the historic Old Mill) - Offers free tastings, family-friendly vibes, craft cocktails, and heritage-focused spirits.
- Tennessee Shine Company (locations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, and Sevierville) — Full tours available at some spots, highlighting history and recipes.
- Adventure Distilling Company (Cosby) - A nod to the more traditional, smaller-scale side.
- Others worth checking: Tennessee Legend Distillery, Junction 35 Spirits, and more are popping up in Sevierville and nearby.
Many offer guided tours showing copper stills in action. Pair a visit with your cabin stay - it's a fun, boozy way to dive into Smoky Mountain heritage!