After a day of hiking or sightseeing, there’s nothing quite like unwinding with a refreshing beer or unique moonshine drink in hand. Luckily, the Smoky Mountain brewery and distillery scenes are vibrant and welcoming, especially if you find yourself in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
From casual brewpubs to boutique distilleries, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find craft beers in diverse styles alongside flavored moonshine and handcrafted spirits.
Most of the time, these establishments reflect the mountain vibes with their décor and offer beyond great drinks, amazing live music, tours, and tastings, making it an even more fun social experience.
Visiting local breweries and distilleries is a great way to experience the local culture, unwind in a scenic setting, mingle with locals, and discover some hidden gems about the area.
Are you wondering what are the best spots to hit in both towns? This blog will bring you the top breweries and distilleries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and around.
Let’s dive right in!
Best Breweries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Around
The Smoky Mountain Brewery, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge
A popular destination for both locals and visitors, The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a well-established brand with a loyal following. They offer a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with house-made beers, delicious food, and good company, with locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
The chief attraction, of course, is their impressive list of craft beers. They offer a variety of house-made beers in different styles, from lagers and ales to seasonal specialties. For those who are not so much into beers, they also offer wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Also, you’ll find some pretty good bites on their menu, mostly classic pub fare like burgers, pizzas, wings, and sandwiches, along with appetizers and salads.
Both locations provide outdoor seating areas, allowing you to enjoy your meal and drinks with a mountain view (weather permitting). Inside, with multiple TVs and sometimes live music, it can get lively, especially during games. Their calendar is usually packed with live music, trivia nights, and sporting events playing on multiple TVs, making it a lively spot.
A total local favorite, and no wonder why!
Gatlinburg Brewing Company, Gatlinburg and Sevierville
There’s nothing like experiencing a place through the heart of a local business. Gatlinburg Brewing Company is just that: a locally owned gem with locations in Gatlinburg and Sevierville, offering delicious craft beers as well as mouthwatering brick-oven pizzas.
Beer lovers will appreciate their diverse selection of handcrafted beers, brewed on-site in various styles. They offer a wide range of house-made beers, from IPAs and stouts to lighter lagers and seasonal brews. To keep things interesting, they also have seasonal varieties. The team prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and supporting the community.
Besides pizzas, which are a total crowd-pleaser, by the way, they also have appetizers and salads.
Both locations boast outdoor seating areas with superb mountain views. While Gatlinburg offers a more relaxed vibe, the Sevierville location can have a more energetic atmosphere, especially on nights with live music, trivia, or movie nights. Whichever location you decide to go to, you’ll find plenty of natural light and a modern feel and a fun and upbeat setting, perfect for enjoying a casual meal or drinks with friends.
Best Distilleries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Around
Old Forge Distillery, Pigeon Forge
Here’s a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing Tennessee history while enjoying unique, handcrafted spirits. Housed in a 100-year-old building that once served as a farm supply store, Old Forge Distillery offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
They specialize in small-batch, handcrafted spirits, using mountain water and grains sourced from the historic Old Mill next door. Their signature offering is the variety of flavored moonshine — perfect for those curious about this Tennessee staple.
Moonshine is an unaged, high-proof whiskey that was traditionally produced illegally in the mountains. However, production is now legal and regulated.
Beyond traditional moonshine, they offer a variety of interesting flavored spirits, liqueurs, bourbons, and even barrel-aged gin and rum. They do not serve food, but there are plenty of restaurants a stone’s throw away where you can grab a bite before or after your visit.
The environment in the historic building is welcoming and family-friendly, and you can even say it’s educational since you can witness the distilling process firsthand and learn about the history of moonshine making in Tennessee. There’s also a tasting bar. Enjoy a tasting session to sample their various spirits and discover your favorites.
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge
Here’s another opportunity to taste a piece of Appalachian history! With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Ole Smoky keeps the spirit of the moonshine tradition alive by offering tours that delve into the history and production process of moonshine.
You’ll learn about the region’s moonshine-making legacy and see the modern methods used today. The highlight, of course, is the tasting, where you can sample a variety of their moonshine flavors in a safe and controlled setting.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious foodie, or simply looking for a fun and different activity, this is an experience like no other. And guess what? Ole Smoky does offer non-alcoholic options for younger visitors, and some locations have kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained, especially if you visit during the day.
Junction 35 Spirits, Pigeon Forge
How about pairing a distillery visit with a delectable slow-cooked BBQ meal? Junction 35 Spirits provides just that experience. They craft a range of spirits on-site, from whiskey and vodka to gin, rum, tequila, and even moonshine.
On top of that, their menu showcases slow-cooked BBQ delights such as pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, accompanied by classic sides and non-GMO farm-raised burgers. Everything is proudly made using locally sourced ingredients, providing a true taste of the region.
The venue exudes a chic industrial aesthetic with a laid-back atmosphere, and the bar is one of the liveliest spots. If the weather allows, why not head outside? Yes, they have an outdoor patio area where you can savor your meal or drink open air.
Tennessee Shine Company, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville
This family-owned distillery chain, with locations in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, perfectly captures the essence of moonshine heritage in the Smoky Mountains.
You can immerse yourself in the history and culture as you discover a wide range of flavored moonshine varieties, from classics like peach and apple to unique options like pumpkin pie and watermelon.
They also offer tours that showcase the distilling process and provide historical background on moonshine making. Visitors often praise their informative aspect and the friendliness of the staff.
All their locations boast a rustic theme with exposed brick walls and wooden accents, evoking just the feel of a historic moonshine operation. The atmosphere is usually fun and upbeat, especially at the Sevierville location, known for its larger space.
Smith Creek Moonshine, Pigeon Forge
Looking for a quick and easy place to try various moonshine flavors? Look no further than Smith Creek Moonshine. While this may not offer the most immersive or high-end experience compared to other distilleries in the area, you still get the gist of things: a decent selection of flavored moonshine varieties.
And that’s not all — they also have some great merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and mugs, all great souvenirs to take home from your visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Breweries and Distilleries in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Around
Visiting breweries and distilleries in the Smoky Mountains lets you sip on local flavors and connect with the region’s rich heritage. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to meet locals and see them doing what they’re most passionate about.
When you’re vacationing in this area, it’s always good to keep a few things in mind when you’re heading out for a drink. After all, you’re in a new place, right? So, here are some tips:
- Respect Local Laws: Make sure you’re updated on the local alcohol rules, like knowing the legal drinking ages and what’s up with open containers.
- Plan Transportation: It’s all about staying safe, so get a designated driver lined up, or check out rideshare services or public transportation to get you back to your place with no worries.
- Watch Your Surroundings: Keep an eye out and trust your gut. Stick to well-lit areas and don’t leave your drinks hanging out alone.
The Smoky Mountains region is pretty safe, but hey, these tips are valuable anywhere in the world. By following them, your drink experience will be even better, and you can relax with no stress!
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head to our destination blog. We cover a wide range of topics, including the best places to eat in town, what to do if it rains, and even an optimized vacation reading list for when you visit the Smokies. It’s all there, and we’re constantly updating with even more content!
Where to stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Look no further!
Our rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.