Ole Smoky Distillery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Distillery, Alcoholic beverages |
| Founded | July 4, 2010 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States |
| Headquarters | Gatlinburg , United States |
Area served | United States (49 states), Canada |
| Products | Moonshine (Original Moonshine, White Lightnin', Lightnin' collection, flavored moonshines), peanut butter whiskey |
| Owner | Apax Partners (controlling interest since 2022) |
| Website | olesmokymoonshine |
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a corn whiskey distillery located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, featuring two copper stills within its downtown premises. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the distillation process firsthand and learn about the moonshine heritage of the Smoky Mountains, with tasting samples offered for $5. In 2014, a second venue named The Barn was launched in Pigeon Forge. Between 2020 and 2022, Ole Smoky ranked as the most frequented distillery worldwide.
History
After Tennessee revised its legislation to allow spirit distillation, Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC became the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee, commencing operations around July 4, 2010. At that period, it was among only four licensed distilleries in the state, alongside established names such as Jack Daniel's, George Dickel, and Benjamin Prichard's Tennessee Whiskey.
In early 2019, Ole Smoky collaborated with Yee-Haw Brewing Co to inaugurate 6th & Peabody, a new establishment situated in downtown Nashville.
February 2022 marked a pivotal moment when global private equity firm Apax Partners acquired a controlling interest in Ole Smoky, representing a major investment development for the brand.
As part of its growth plans, Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw Brewing Co intend to open a new distillery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, anticipated to launch in 2026.
Products
By March 2022, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine had expanded its portfolio to include fifteen moonshine flavors available across the United States. These products are crafted at the Gatlinburg distillery using traditional East Tennessee formulas. The lineup features Original Moonshine (100 proof), White Lightnin' (100 proof), an 80 proof Lightnin' collection with flavors such as Strawberry, Lemon Drop, and Hunch Punch, as well as a 40 proof series including Peach, Apple Pie, Blackberry, and Sweet Tea. Distribution covers 49 U.S. states plus Canada. The company prioritizes sourcing ingredients locally and preserving heritage recipes developed with guidance from Dave Pickerell, former Master Distiller of Maker's Mark.
Additionally, Ole Smoky produces a peanut butter whiskey that received ten notable spirits awards in November 2020, underscoring its innovation and expanding market presence.
Media reaction
From its early days, Ole Smoky attracted considerable media attention, with appearances on programs like the Today Show and Martha Stewart Living Radio. This exposure has played a key role in enhancing the brand’s visibility and influence within the spirits sector.