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I Visited a Moonshine Distillery and Never Felt Prouder to Be an American

In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, they're doing more than distilling legal moonshine; they're preserving a history that's rooted in the hills.

In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you meet family you never knew you had, whether they're tourists in these Great Smoky Mountains or they're Tastemakers at Sugarlands Distilling Co.  And your family does one thing well: moonshine. A legal moonshine distillery is a fairly new idea; Sugarlands Distilling Co. opened its doors in March 2014 and ever since, they have had visitors with a curiosity for mountain 'likker'.

So what does it mean to visit a moonshine distillery? It means that your family is serving up generous pours of some seriously tasty spirits in a barn-style distillery on the main road of downtown Gatlinburg, where directions are given based on the stoplight number. And everyone is invited.

The Distillery Process

Shannon Ratliff

Sugarlands Distilling prides their transparency more than anything, something Reede tells me on the tour of the distillery. There are no magic tricks behind the door covered in a green grass mural, and if you want to take a tour, you can see it all in action for yourself. Reede told me on the tour,

"This is a very traditional set-up on how a still would've been found back in the day. There's a few upgrades, but we still use an Austrian stone-on-stone burr mill. This was actually handmade for us from Austria, so there's a stone in here...so the two products we make that we use this still for are our Silver Cloud and our Unaged Rye."

Everything happens here, in this smaller room offset from the tasting bars and the retail store. As the manager of the tasting room, there's an infectious excitement in Reede's voice, something that reminds me that making moonshine is unlike anything else in this country because it is actually an integral part of it. Moonshiners became legends here in these mountain hills, hiding stills deep in the countryside to make a little extra to put some food on the table for their families.

Reede knows this, and when he points to something, he connects it back to this past. Sugarlands isn't running from this history like so many in this country do; Sugarlands is preserving it. Here's how they're doing just that.

The Tasting + the Tastemakers

Not everyone who visits is lucky enough to get a tour from Reede himself, but they have an even better option in Connie. Take a tour with him when you visit Sugarlands; to call this experience authentic would be to sell it short. He's not a distillery tour guide, he's a man who knows that moonshine is a part of American history, and that's what he's educating his groups on.

Once you tour with Connie, you'll want to head over and grab a tasting tour led by one of the many charismatic Tastemakers on staff. I heard quite a few samplings in my time at Sugarlands, and every Tastemaker has a different flair that sets them apart. My tour was led by Abby, a fun and personable woman with long strawberry blonde hair who swings it when she's dancing during the tastings, who makes you just feel glad to be there, instantly at home. So what is it like to be on a tasting tour?

The Tasting

Abby starts you out strong, wants to get you cozy and warm enough to start interacting. As she tells me, it takes about six pours to get everyone around the bar laughing like family. But once the ice is broken and the first groups start to express just how tasty this moonshine is, that's when Abby hits her stride.

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The varieties they offer change depending on the day of the week you take a tasting. One day, Old Fashioned Lemonade could be on the menu, and the next could be Blueberry Muffin Moonshine. You could try Tickle's Dynamite Cinnamon once, and come back to find they're pouring up Peanut Butter and Jelly. That's why it's worth the $5 ticket to taste at Sugarlands every day you're in Gatlinburg; after all, the moonshine is partly why you're here.

In my tasting group, there were 12 participants from all regions of the country. However, once Abby started the tasting, it was like we were all old friends, laughing as she led us through the varieties one at a time. Here are two of my favorite varieties from the tasting.

Jim Tom's Signature Unaged Rye Moonshine

"Jim Tom Hedrick's Unaged Rye maintains an earthy balance between spicy rye and toasted grains with hints of black pepper. Distilled in Gatlinburg, this award-winning moonshine packs a potent enough punch to keep you sippin'."

Mark Rogers American Peach Moonshine

"Mark Rogers' American Peach boasts the natural taste of ripe summer peaches. When sipped, this sweet and velvety spirit will deliver a traditional warmth of moonshine."

The last pour of the tasting, the last "Sips Up!" Abby shouts is dedicated to the first responders, the servicemen and women, and the ones on the front lines in this country who protect us and keep it safe every single day. The group shouts, "USA!" in unison and toasts to any veterans or first responders at the table, of which there are always one or two men or women. It's this tradition, this proud acknowledgment of sacrifice, that makes this moonshine worth drinking.

At the end of the tour, you can take your $5 wristbands and use them for $5 off a jar of 'shine or liquor, any flavor you want. If you're with a group, you can combine your bands for an even better deal.

Pick up the cocktail wristbands after your tour to head over to the cocktail bar in Sugarlands, where Cole from Waco, Texas, has worked to craft some cocktails that take the fear out of moonshine, even though there's nothing to be afraid of at all.

The Mint Hot Chocolate was a stand-out, made with Peppermint Moonshine and Dark Chocolate Coffee Sippin' Cream.

The Blueberry Mojito was a close second, and was probably the tastiest way to use Blueberry Muffin Moonshine I could imagine.

Finally, the Maple Bacon Bloody Mary, made with Reede's own recipe for a Bloody Mary mix and the Maple Bacon Moonshine, was one of the best Bloodies I've had made with 'shine.

Overall, Sugarlands Distilling Co. isn't just your regular ol' distillery experience. From the reclaimed murals in the barn-style building to the Tastemakers who drive over an hour just to show up and open the doors every day, there is a part of a lost America that lives and breathes in these walls. It's an America that is proud of where it comes from, one that doesn't take itself too seriously; an America that will preserve these traditions for decades.

This isn't our only exploration into Sugarlands Distilling Co. Check out features from our sister sites, Wide Open Country and Wide Open Spaces , about the origin story of Sugarlands' award-winning, exceptional Roaming Man Whiskey; and what moonshine means to America, from Mark & Digger of Discovery Channel's "Moonshiners" and part of Sugarlands' own Moonshine Legends liquor series.

Watch: How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine

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• Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands opened its downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, distillery in March 2014 to introduce visitors to the craft of authentic Tennessee moonshine. Since then, we have added award-winning Roaming Man Straight Rye Whiskey, Appalachian Sippin’ Creams, and High Rock Vodka to our offerings. Sugarlands has become the most highly rated distillery in the world according to Tripadvisor, and we welcome over one million visitors per year. We offer tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and award-winning cocktails in our Gatlinburg distillery.

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Sugarlands Distillery

Price & Hours

• Facilities 3.5
• Atmosphere 4.5

Sugarlands Distillery launched in 2014 with five moonshine flavors. Today, it offers more than 20 different moonshines and ready-to-drink cocktails. It also bottles High Rock Vodka, Appalachian Sippin' Cream and Roaming Man Whiskey.

While visiting the barn-themed distillery in downtown Gatlinburg, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour, sample award-winning products and order a specialty cocktail to enjoy on the back porch. The spot is known for its Maple Bacon Moonshine Bloody Mary. It's family- and dog-friendly, though patrons must be 21 or older to imbibe.

Recent travelers loved how hilarious and friendly their bartenders were during tasting sessions. The playful atmosphere makes the distillery an annual stop for several visitors. Travelers recommend trying fun moonshine flavors like apple pie and dark chocolate.

This watering hole is located next to the admissions booth for the Gatlinburg SkyPark , between traffic lights No. 6 and No. 8. Paid parking is available in lots throughout town. Plan to bring a designated driver or utilize the trolley service to enjoy the spot's high-proof moonshines. The distillery's tasting experience and cocktail bar are open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A sampling of 12 products costs $5 and drinks range from $5 to $15.

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#1 Great Smoky Mountains National Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're looking for quick, less-crowded trails, keep an eye out for "quiet walkways" along the park's main roads, noted with simple wooden signs. These paths are relatively easy strolls that offer a peaceful slice of nature. – Korrin Bishop

One of the few national parks that does not charge an admission fee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also the most visited, welcoming more than 10 million travelers annually. The 522,427-acre park is shared by Tennessee and North Carolina, with the border running through the center. In addition to hiking and horseback riding trails, the park offers historical exhibits, original Appalachian cabins, special biking events and scenic drives to popular spots like Cades Cove and the rushing mountain streams of Roaring Fork Motor Trail. If you love seeing wildlife in its natural habitat, Cades Cove is a great place to spot deer and black bears. Start your trip at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (4 miles southwest of Gatlinburg) to get an overview of the area's history and pick up trail maps. Alternatively, head to "the locals' entrance" at Greenbrier about 6 miles east of downtown. Trailheads to Ramsey Cascades, Porters Creek and Grapeyard Ridge start here, and it's often less crowded than nearby areas of the park.

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The Tennessee Whiskey Trail: 8 Distilleries in the Smoky Mountains

The state of Tennessee is world-famous for its whiskey and moonshine. In fact, whiskey is one of Tennessee’s top 10 exports! To help promote our state’s thriving whiskey culture, the Tennessee Distillers Guild recently launched the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Stretching from the Smoky Mountains all the way to Memphis, the whiskey trail includes about 30 distilleries that are open for tours and tastings.

Right here in Sevier County, we are lucky enough to have eight awesome distilleries on the trail! To help you make the most of your next vacation, Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to all of the distilleries in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

Sevierville

1. old tennessee distilling co. .

Old Tennessee Distilling Co. used to be known as Thunder Road Distillery and is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains right off Exit 407. Every bottle is handcrafted from scratch. The whiskeys start with heirloom corn that’s grown and ground right in Tennessee! The whiskey is distilled in a pot still to maintain the full grain flavor, and the distillate is controlled to a very narrow proof range to guarantee only the best product is released to their customers!

2. Tennessee Legend Distillery

3. Junction 35 Spirits

One of the newest Pigeon Forge distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is Junction 35 Spirits . This distillery brings a long-time family tradition to the public. Junction 35 offers high-quality and unique spirits that you won’t find anywhere else. You can sample and buy gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, moonshine, bourbon, and tequila at this distillery! Not only will you find spirits, but this distillery also has a kitchen and bar area where you will find unique signature dishes in a fun, friendly atmosphere.

4. Old Forge Distillery

5. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at the Barn

The Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn is a can’t-miss stop along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail! Located at The Island shopping and entertainment complex, the Barn is a fun place to sample some shine, listen to live bluegrass, and chat with moonshine experts. The Ole Smoky Barn has been known to host free concerts from big-name musical acts, such as Easton Corbin, the Soggy Bottom Boys, and Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters.

6. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery at the Holler

7. Ole Smoky Whiskey Distillery at the Barrelhouse

In addition to their excellent moonshine, Ole Smoky also makes traditional whiskey at their Barrelhouse location. Aged in white oak barrels, this whiskey comes in a number of creative flavors, including Mango Habanero, Salty Watermelon, and Root Beer. As with all of the distilleries in Gatlinburg, samples are $5 (in exchange for a coupon) and tours are free.

8. Sugarlands Distilling Company

We can’t wait to see you along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail! To prepare for your trip, read up on the fascinating history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains .

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Shaun Lowther

Too bad these moonshiners aren’t making moonshine. If you’ve ever had the real deal, you know what I’m saying.

October 18, 2017 at 6:53 am

joe meredith

sorry to tell you but they are they just have to make it weak because of the law in tenn if you went back and got some before they cut it lol it would burn going down

January 9, 2018 at 4:08 pm

Yes, that would be the definition of moonshine. Too bad they sell that in name only

January 9, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Comments are closed.

Sugarlands Moonshine Distillery Tour in Gatlinburg

• Professional Distilling Guide
• Tasting of award winning Moonshine
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Location Name: Sugarlands Distillery Location Address: 805 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Guests under 21 are welcome to tour, but cannot participate in the sampling and will still be charged the full price.
• Minimum age is 16 years
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years
• You will have the option to purchase personalized moonshine mugs of the Sampling experience
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Kikeuribe 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles First time Moonshine tasting! Great place and ambience for tasting. Nice setup and Ben was great explainin the flavors and what to expect from each one. Do not forget to have your ID with you! Tasting charge ($5) can be used on any purchase. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• O8ZYkimt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 11year anniversary and it was great. We loved our visit. We visit Sugarlands Everytime we come over. Every bartender we have had is amazing. We had Abby this time and she was by far one of the best. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• B3763JQbethanyc 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A little broken hearted this visit I love this place. We come here every time we visit. I was severely disappointed to learn that Gyver no longer works here. The only thing that could make this visit better is for Gyver to be back behind the tasting table. Had to take a star back in protest!! Read more Written March 20, 2024
• Holly O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun Tasting Their Moonshine Tasting was so much fun and a great deal! Only $5 for tasting 9 different types of moonshine and a great explanation of what we were drinking. Their cocktails are also delicious! Read more Written March 15, 2024
• msgsc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lots of fun Went for some shine tastings, had a blast. Josh was our server, lots of fun, great guy. Love the way they do it here, it is in a circular area, not over crowded like other places. We had a really good time, Josh was a lot of fun,. everyone seemed to have a good time, even not knowing anyone else doing the tastings, everyone was friendly and having fun. Read more Written March 13, 2024
• LovinFamily423 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing My husband and I did the tasting and all that we tasted was great. We love getting to taste some of the moonshine that they have to taste. They some great flavors that you can take home to enjoy. We sure will be back. Read more Written March 3, 2024
• 255sonyab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gus is the best! Gus was an awesome server for our moonshine tasting! He was friendly and very accommodating to everyone at the bar. Very fun!! Read more Written February 25, 2024
• Ladysmoke 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Thomas was AMAZING.... We have a blast every time, I highly recommend. We are never disappointed when we visit Sugarlands Shine!!! Read more Written February 21, 2024
• W7475EBkeithw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun time, good shine A great tastings that led to me enjoying some new finds. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and appreciate that they give discounts to military and first responders. The barkeeps that serve you are great Read more Written February 20, 2024
• markmC1577VD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cody is the best show in town! Cody (lil posty) is the best show in town. Stop by sugarlands and see this guy. Make you laugh, get your drunk! See you in November! Read more Written February 19, 2024
• sherrywM1158WS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Happy Place We did the tasting and Cody Dean was awesome he was the host for our samples testing. He kept us on our toes and was very knowledgeable of what he was doing. Read more Written February 19, 2024
• lynncX5097MA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Locals enjoying a night out Maddison was great! We always ha e a blast at Sugarlands. Used to be our favorite distillery, but some of our favorite "bartenders" moved on, but we still enjoy Sugarlands. And the legacy moonshine was everything it was supposed to be. Read more Written February 5, 2024
• Loria M 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Celebrating our husbands birthdays The tasting is very good this is our favorite tasting place this was our 2nd time going there and it was a blast, a totally different experience and tasting the bar tender was amazing and the atmosphere is amazing and the price was great this time. Read more Written February 4, 2024
• 15angied 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nicole is AWESOME!! We have been here many times. We had Nicole tonight for our bartender-she was awesome and so much fun!! She was very personable and interacted with everyone at the bar. The moonshine was just the icing on the cake! Read more Written February 1, 2024
• Getaway18257774897 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jamie is awesome....Try Roaming Man Wandered in to Sugarlands as I normally do when I get to town and notice they were sampling the Roaming Man product. Jamie was awesome and extremely knowledgeable about the Roaming Man product line. His explanation of the product was precise. He really made it a special tasting. Not to mention the product itself Roaming Man is EXCELLENT!!!! 1/29/24 Read more Written January 30, 2024

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sugarlands Moonshine Distillery Tour in Gatlinburg provided by Sugarlands Distilling Company

Tour Sugarlands Distillery and Learn the Science of Moonshine

Once two strangers climbed on rocky top, Lookin’ for a moonshine still. Strangers ain’t come back from rocky top, Reckon they never will. Corn won’t grow at all on rocky top, Dirt’s too rocky by far. That’s why all the folks on rocky top Get their corn from a jar.

Moonshine is to East Tennessee as beer is to Milwaukee. You don’t have to drink it.  But you probably need to know about it. From songs to movies, ‘White Lightning” is woven into the fabric of Tennessee history.  If you are visiting the Gatlinburg Parkway with your kids, you have 2 options. You can ignore the moonshine sellers or you can pop in to Sugarlands Distillery and get a short science and history lesson.

Mom note – Plan to do this during the day. Sugarland Distillery is VERY popular with the 21 and up crowd (free samples!). We visited on a Friday night and while I wouldn’t say the crowd was raucous or threatening, there were a ton of people. Also, if you are just completely anti-alcohol, this post is not meant to change your mind. There’s plenty of family fun to be had in Gatlinburg. 

Take the Tour

Sugarlands Distillery is locally owned and has been open on the Gatlinburg Parkway for 2 years. The store is attached to the distillery and you can watch the process through the glass windows in the merchandise area or by taking a free tour. The tour is family friendly and is open to all ages. Our tour guide was just completely delightful. He entertained us with stories throughout the brief tour (it will take you 15 minutes at most) and he was super attentive to the kids in our group.

The tour allows you to see the process as white corn is turned into moonshine. The process has a few steps. First, the corn is ground into meal in a stone burr mill.

Then the corn is combined with sugar and yeast to create ‘sour mash’. In the words of our youngest tour companion, Tamzin, “It looks like oatmeal, but it smells like bread!”

This concoction bubbles away for 4-5 days and then is transferred to a copper pot still.

The mixture is distilled 6 times before it is ready to be mixed, flavored and jarred. The last part of the tour takes you through the area where the moonshine gets packaged.

Sugarlands Distillery is serious about their local credibility.  hey buy all their ingredients locally  They sell their by-products to a local farmer. And all their products are handmade, labeled and packaged to create local jobs.

If you are an adult who is interested in a more immersive moonshine experience, Sugarlands offers some premium private tours and workshops for a fee. You can find information on these tours at this link.

Tastings for Those 21 and Over

Sugarlands does offer tastings to their patrons age 21 & up. This is done at several “sippin’ stations” throughout the store.

Children aren’t even allowed to touch the tables where samples are poured so if your party includes little ones, make your way to the “Back Porch” where you can hear live music most days of the week  or shop for merchandise in the store. If you are looking for a unique, you will definitely find something at Sugarlands. They sell hats, glassware, clothing, candles and well…Moonshine!

Family Fun Facts

Sugarlands Distillery ( Map )

Regular Distillery Hours: Monday – Thursday  Noon – 10:30PM Friday & Saturday  10AM – 10:30PM Sunday Noon – 6:30PM

Cost : Free to tour

*Premium tours available for a fee

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Rachel is a Middle Tennessee native, born and raised in the Nashville area and having lived in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Mount Juliet. She is mom to 3, step mom to 4 and Grandma to one (so far!)

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Who Owns Sugarlands Distillery in Gatlinburg? Details on the Moonshine Maker

The Sugarlands Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tenn., produces handcrafted whiskey and moonshine. Who owns the company?

Dec. 23 2021, Published 9:32 a.m. ET

Sugarlands Distilling Company, located in Gatlinburg, Tenn., makes and sells whiskey, moonshine, and other spirits. In 2014, the company opened a downtown distillery, where it displays the craft of making moonshine and distilling fine “Sugarlands Spirits.”

The company, which is owned by Kent Woods and Ned Vickers, offers tours of the distillery and sample tastings of its products. Sugarlands Spirits can be purchased in at least 40 states and delivered to the customers' home's. This top Gatlinburg attraction draws over a million visitors each year and recently partnered with the New Orleans Saints.

Sugarlands Distilling in Gatlinburg.

Sugarlands Distilling Company's owners

The founder and owner of Sugarlands Distilling is Ned Vickers. Kent Woods is also an owner of the company, and Greg Eidam is the master distiller. Sugarlands is located in downtown Gatlinburg, Tenn., a popular tourist destination. It’s open 364 days a year from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., only closed on Christmas Day.

Visitors to Sugarlands Distillery can come for a tour or tasting to try out the handcrafted spirits. On tours, guests see the distilling process up close, and they can even make their own product in some workshops. If you're not a local or Sugarlands isn't available in your area, online purchases of the spirits are an option.

Some of the unique flavors and products available from Sugarlands include the Talladega 50th Anniversary Corn Whiskey, Cole Swindell’s Peppermint Moonshine, Root Beer Moonshine, and Appalachian Apple Pie Moonshine.

New $20 million facility for Sugarlands

In July 2021, the company opened its second production facility , located in Kodak, Tenn. The 59,000-square-foot space cost about $20 million, Knox News reported. Master distiller Greg Eidam said, “We're doing everything we can to produce a better whiskey, and that's worth it, even though it's not cost-effective or efficient and very labor-intensive.”

Eidam also stated the company plans to begin distilling vodka in 2022, along with increasing production of its existing products, including Sippin’ Cream, Sugarlands Shine, and Roaming Man Whiskey.

We're excited to welcome @ofarevolution , the newest members of the Sugarlands family. We look forward to what we have in store with @marcroberge , @Chris_Culos , @Richard_On , @jerrydepizzo  and @benjgershman ! O.A.R. X Sugarlands releases to come: https://t.co/KrZFMrv3yc pic.twitter.com/48WTjjhO3T — SugarlandsDistilling (@SugarlandsShine) December 2, 2021

Sugarlands' partnership with the New Orleans Saints

On Sept. 30, 2021, the company announced its new multiyear partnership with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints . President and founder Ned Vickers said at the time, “Few teams in pro sports have a fanbase as passionate and loyal as the Saints.”

The deal includes plans for Sugarlands Distillery to produce two specialty products that are “unique to the New Orleans market.” The company’s Voodoo Punch canned cocktail was to debut on Oct. 3 at the Superdome for the Saints versus New York Giants matchup.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Amy Earnhardt celebrate their new partnership with Sugarlands.

Sugarlands partners with Dale Earnhardt

In fall 2021, Sugarlands Distillery also announced another sports partnership, with NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Existing and new Sugarlands products will bear the Earnhardt name, as in Dale and Amy’s Electric Orange Sippin’ Cream.

Earnhardt, Jr. said, “Amy and I are excited to be part of the Sugarlands family. From the first time we met Ned, we were impressed with his vision and passion.”

“Few names are as synonymous with racing in America as Earnhardt, and we’re honored to welcome Dale and Amy to the Sugarlands family,” noted Vickers of the new partnership.

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Go Big or Go Home: Sugarlands Distilling Co. Builds 2nd Distillery Featuring the Largest Pot Still in the U.S.

• Posted on July 13, 2021
• By Distillery Trail

Can a moonshine distillery make it in a whiskey world? Sugarlands Distilling Co . in Gatlinburg, Tennessee thinks so and they have a track record to prove it. Sugarlands was founded in 2014 and they’ve been making a broad lineup of flavored moonshines ever since. Unlike bourbon, rye or Tennessee whiskey most moonshines don’t require aging. They can be distilled, bottled and sold in a short period of time. Bourbon, Rye and Tennessee whiskies generally require some time aging in a barrel before they are ready for bottling and consumption.

Sugarlands knew this early on and that’s why they started out with their many moonshine releases while their Tennessee rye whiskey was aging. Once their rye hit the two year mark they released it as Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey.

The distillery released its first rye whiskey in late 2016 and when it sold out within a few hours they knew they were on to something. They’ve been releasing a limited edition Roaming Man Rye Whiskey a couple times a year ever since. To help keep up with demand Sugarlands is building a second distillery about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg in Kodak, Tennessee.

Sugarlands Distilling Company Caps 4,500 Gallon Still, The Largest Pot Still in United States

The second Sugarlands distillery will focus on making whiskey. To that end the new distillery in Kodak includes a massive all copper pot still. The new equipment includes a 4,500 gallon copper pot still built by Vendome Copper & Brass Works , a 36” four tray column and dephlegmator, a charcoal mellowing tank as well as other equipment.

In recognition of the largest pot still in the United States Sugarlands offered a sneak-peek of its new distillery, barrel warehouse, and production center. Attendees gathered to see the copper “helmet” and lyne arm permanently bolted into place. Once completed the new Sugarlands’ Kodak facility will be one of the largest distilleries in Tennessee.

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The new Kodak facility will include a 32,364-square-foot distillery as well as a 26,500-square-foot barrel warehouse to age it’s whiskey. The total facility will feature 58,864 square feet of space to distill, bottle and age whiskey.

“Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey has won dozens of international awards, including ‘Best Whiskey’ from the American Craft Spirits Association in 2019 and the Double Gold from the San Francisco International Spirits Competition in 2021,” said Ned Vickers, President and Founder of Sugarlands Distilling Co.

“Featuring the largest copper pot still in the U.S. and set against the backdrop of stunning Kodak, Tennessee, we are looking forward to opening this new facility to our customers, partners and friends.”

Sugarlands Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is pot-distilled and aged in premium barrels. Bottled twice a year, the whiskey has historically sold out within hours of release. The new distillery and barrelhouse will expand distribution of Roaming Man Whiskey nationwide over the coming years.

During the ceremony, Master Distiller Greg Eidam provided a guided tour through the new distillery, which is expected to open in late 2021 and will offer a retail component along with tasting and tour experiences in the coming years. Made possible with grant support from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the facility will use raw materials like Tennessee grown white corn, rye, and malted barley to make its Roaming Man whiskey.

“When we opened Sugarlands Distilling Company back in 2014, I had no idea what a ride we were in for,” said Master Distiller Greg Eidam.

“I feel like we grabbed ahold of a rocket ship and there is no telling how far it will take us. I am absolutely honored to be surrounded by this amazing team as we’ve grown Roaming Man into the nationally recognized and celebrated Tennessee Rye whiskey it is today.”

“At the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, we’re excited to support the distilling industry in Tennessee including Sugarlands Distilling Co. We are proud that the Ag Enterprise Fund was a part of their growth and expansion, and we are looking forward to seeing their continued success,” said Keith Harrison, Assistant Commissioner for the Business Development Division.

The project’s building contractors include Gunn Construction, J&F Mechanical, Morristown Automatic Sprinkler Co., and McGaha Electric Co. The process piping, tank and equipment installation is being performed by United Group Services, out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Funderburk Electrical Services, LLC is responsible for all process related electrical work. Ryan Steel, Inc. produced the structural steel for piping and equipment supports, as well as the mezzanine. And the magnificent copper pot still was hand built by the oldest still manufacturer in the U.S., Vendome Copper and Brass, out of Louisville, Kentucky.

Sugarlands will support Tennessee farms and employ more than 40 new production staff at the Kodak location, including distillers, blenders, bottlers, barrel warehousemen, maintenance, and programming personnel. The company currently employees more than 100 team members in Tennessee.

Sugarlands Distilling Company, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a craft distillery producing award-winning moonshine, rum, cream liqueurs and rye whiskey. Their line of spirits is distributed in 40 states nationwide and made available for home delivery via Reserve Bar. More than one million people visit their distillery every year. It is TripAdvisor’s number 1 thing to do in Gatlinburg and the world’s most top-rated distillery experience.

Learn more about Sugarlands Distilling Company . View all Smoky Mountain Area Distilleries . View all Tennessee Distilleries .

Where are the Largest Pot Stills in the United States?

If you know of others that should make this list, please email us at [email protected] and we will expand this to the Top 10 largest stills in the U.S.

The Unveiling of Sugarlands 4,500 Gallon Pot Still

Posted by Mark & Digger on Friday, July 9, 2021

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Join us for Sugarlands 10th birthday party!

WHERE: Sugarlands Distilling Co.

WHEN: 10AM – 10 PM on Saturday, March 9th, 2024

WHAT: New products, live music, special guests and more!

Ready to toast a decade of shining moments? Sugarlands Distilling Co. is turning 10, and we want you to join us for an unforgettable celebration! Mark your calendars for March 9th, as we commemorate this milestone with a day full of excitement, entertainment, and, of course, exceptional spirits.

Be among the first to taste our latest creations as we unveil new products crafted with the same precision and passion that has defined Sugarlands over the past decade. Groove to the beats and melodies of talented musicians throughout the day. From foot-tapping tunes to soulful ballads, our lineup promises to keep the party alive. Join us in welcoming some special guests who will add their own flair to the festivities. Get ready for surprises and memorable moments shared with fellow spirits enthusiasts. Be sure that you won’t miss your favorite Moonshiners, Mark and Digger, from 2-5 PM at the distillery!

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Sugarlands family, this event is not to be missed. Gather your friends, raise a glass, and toast to a decade of exceptional spirits and cherished memories.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready to raise the roof with us on March 9th! Follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks leading up to the big day.

Cheers to 10 years of craftsmanship, community, and camaraderie at Sugarlands Distilling Co. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Jesse & Willow

12:00 - 1:00PM

Trisha Gene Brady

1:15 - 2:00PM

Daniel Fluitt

2:15 - 3:00PM

Justin Fedor

3:15 - 4:15PM

Vaden Landers

4:30 - 5:30PM

6:00 - 7:30PM

Ross Cooper

8:00 - 9:30PM

805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Distillery Phone:  (865) 325-1355

[email protected]

Open daily  10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Closed Early Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day

Copyright 2024 © Sugarlands Distilling Company, LLC, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. All rights Reserved.

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