Ole Smoky Moonshine 750ML

Ole Smoky Moonshine 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) unaged corn whiskey distilled in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, from a century-old family recipe. Produced by the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee history, this expression helped bring Appalachian moonshine tradition into the legal mainstream — and Ole Smoky Distillery earned the 2023 PR%F Awards Distillery of the Year distinction.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA  |  Unaged Corn Whiskey  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Distillery

Production & Heritage

Ole Smoky Distillery opened in Gatlinburg as the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee, a region with deep roots in illicit corn whiskey production. The Original Moonshine follows a century-old recipe built on an 80% corn mashbill — specifically hickory cane corn grown by local farmers in Jefferson County, the same variety cultivated in the area over a hundred years ago. The remaining 20% of the grain bill remains a closely guarded secret. The spirit is left unaged, bottled straight off the still to preserve the raw, sweet character of the corn.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Buttery smoke greets the nose first, followed by the natural sweetness of corn and subtle baking spices. Hints of nutmeg emerge underneath, giving the aroma more warmth than expected from a white spirit.

Taste: The entry is led by hominy and buttered popcorn, a signature of well-made corn whiskey. Sweet corn and natural sugar flavors develop across the mid-palate, while smoky notes rise toward the middle, revealing a surprising number of layers for an unaged spirit. The 100-proof strength carries noticeable heat, but it builds gradually rather than arriving all at once.

Finish: Clean and gently sweet, with the corn character lingering longer than the heat. For a spirit at 50% ABV, the finish is remarkably smooth and inviting rather than harsh.

How to Drink Ole Smoky

At 100 proof, a splash of cold water opens up the corn sweetness and tames the heat for a solid neat pour. On the rocks, the spirit mellows quickly and makes a refreshing warm-weather sipper.

• Moonshine Mule: The buttery corn notes pair naturally with ginger beer and lime, creating a Southern spin on a classic buck.
• Corn Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for the Original Moonshine with a barspoon of honey syrup — the unaged spirit lets the raw corn sweetness shine through.
• Tennessee Lemonade: The clean, sweet profile blends seamlessly with fresh lemonade and a sprig of mint for an easy highball.

Best For

• Exploring the roots of American whiskey before barrel aging
• Mixing high-proof cocktails that need backbone without wood tannins
• Gifting to someone curious about authentic Appalachian spirits traditions
• Hosting a comparative tasting of white whiskeys and unaged spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ole Smoky taste like? Ole Smoky Original Moonshine tastes primarily of sweet corn, buttered popcorn, and hominy, with subtle smoky notes at mid-palate. Despite its 100-proof strength, the heat builds gradually and finishes clean and smooth.

How does Ole Smoky compare to Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey? Both are unaged Tennessee corn whiskeys rooted in Appalachian tradition, but Ole Smoky bottles at a higher 100 proof versus Popcorn Sutton's lower proof point, delivering more heat and intensity. Ole Smoky also emphasizes locally sourced heirloom hickory cane corn, which gives it a distinctly buttery sweetness.

Is Ole Smoky good for cocktails? The 100-proof strength and clean corn flavor make it an excellent cocktail base, especially in drinks where you want sweetness and body without the influence of barrel aging. It stands up well in stirred and shaken drinks alike without being lost behind other ingredients.

Where is Ole Smoky made? Ole Smoky Original Moonshine is distilled at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee history. The corn used in production — specifically hickory cane corn — is sourced from local farmers in nearby Jefferson County.

What foods pair well with Ole Smoky? Smoked pork ribs complement the spirit's buttery, smoky character. Cornbread with honey butter echoes the corn-forward sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a satisfying contrast to the natural sugar notes. Fried catfish mirrors the Southern provenance, and pecan pie aligns with the warm baking-spice undertones.

What sizes does Ole Smoky come in? Ole Smoky Original Moonshine is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, as well as smaller jar-style formats that nod to traditional moonshine packaging.

Is Ole Smoky worth the price? Ole Smoky Original Moonshine positions as an accessible, entry-level expression in the unaged corn whiskey category. At 100 proof and with locally sourced grain, it delivers more character and intensity than many competitors at a similar value tier.

Why Ole Smoky?

What separates this moonshine from the crowd starts with the grain: hickory cane corn from Jefferson County, the same heritage variety that East Tennessee farmers grew a century ago, long before legal distilling arrived. That ingredient specificity gives the spirit a depth of buttery sweetness that generic corn whiskeys rarely achieve. The distillery behind it earned the 2023 PR%F Awards Distillery of the Year, validating the quality across its full range. At 100 proof and unaged, the Original Moonshine is as close as most drinkers will get to tasting Appalachian whiskey tradition in its purest, most unapologetic form.