Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries 100 Proof 750ML

Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries 100 Proof 750ML is a 750ml jar of maraschino cherries soaked in 100 proof (50% ABV) corn moonshine from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This higher-proof expression earned an Impact Hot Prospect Award from M. Shanken Communications in 2022, recognizing its rapid growth and distinctive place in the flavored spirits category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA  |  Style: Moonshine-Infused Cherries  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine

Production & Heritage

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine operates out of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains — a region with deep Appalachian distilling roots. The distillery produces a corn whiskey base spirit called White Lightnin', which serves as the infusion medium for this product. Each jar is hand-filled with fresh maraschino cherries, then steeped in the 100 proof unaged corn moonshine, allowing the fruit to absorb the spirit over time. The 100 proof version distinguishes itself from the standard Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries by using a higher-strength base spirit, which delivers more intensity and a stronger moonshine character in both the cherries and the surrounding liquid.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, unmistakable cherry hits first, followed by an intense boozy wave of raw corn spirit. There is a faint sweetness underneath, like candied fruit with a sharp alcohol edge.

Taste: Biting into a cherry delivers a mouth-puckering blast of White Lightnin' moonshine wrapped in explosive cherry sweetness. The high proof creates immediate heat on entry, which the cherry sweetness tempers at mid-palate. The balance between sugary fruit and corn whiskey fire is the defining tension of the product.

Finish: The remaining moonshine liquid in the jar carries a lingering sweet nectar quality that trails off with warmth. The finish is medium-long, with residual cherry sweetness and a slow-fading corn spirit burn.

How to Drink Ole Smoky Cherries

The cherries themselves serve as a ready-made cocktail garnish or a standalone snack for those who enjoy high-proof intensity. The infused moonshine liquid left in the jar is equally useful and should not be discarded.

• Manhattan: Drop one or two moonshine-soaked cherries in place of a traditional maraschino cherry — the 100 proof fruit adds a boozy, sweet punch that complements rye or bourbon.
• Old Fashioned: Muddle a cherry at the bottom of the glass and add a splash of the jar's moonshine liquid for an Appalachian twist on the classic.
• Whiskey Sour: Use as a garnish and stir a small measure of the infused liquid into the cocktail for added cherry depth and proof.

Best For

• Garnishing bourbon and whiskey cocktails with a high-proof cherry that holds its own against strong spirits
• Gifting to fans of Tennessee moonshine culture or Smoky Mountain souvenirs
• Adding a boozy element to desserts like ice cream sundaes, chocolate cakes, or bourbon-spiked milkshakes
• Sharing at tailgates, cookouts, or casual gatherings where bold flavors are welcome

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof taste like? The cherries deliver an explosive combination of intense cherry sweetness and high-proof corn moonshine heat, creating a mouth-puckering experience with every bite. The surrounding liquid is a sweet, boozy nectar with unmistakable raw corn spirit character.

How does Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof compare to the standard Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries? The 100 proof version uses a significantly stronger White Lightnin' base spirit, resulting in more pronounced alcohol heat and a bolder moonshine flavor in both the cherries and the liquid. The standard version is milder and sweeter, making the 100 proof jar the choice for drinkers who want more kick.

Is Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof good for cocktails? Yes — the cherries work exceptionally well as a high-proof garnish in Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Whiskey Sours, while the infused moonshine liquid can be added directly to cocktails for extra cherry flavor and strength.

Where is Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof made? It is produced by Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains — an area with a long tradition of Appalachian corn whiskey distilling.

What foods pair well with Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cherry sweetness and temper the proof. Vanilla ice cream creates a classic cherry-and-cream combination. Smoked pork or barbecue ribs benefit from the sweet heat contrast. Sharp cheddar cheese balances the sugar with savory richness. Pecan pie echoes the Southern heritage of the spirit.

What sizes does Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof come in? The standard size is the 750ml jar, which is the most widely available format for this product.

Is Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof worth the price? It positions as an affordable, fun spirit product that serves double duty — the cherries are a premium cocktail garnish and the liquid is a usable spirit on its own, making the jar a practical value in the flavored moonshine category.

Why Ole Smoky Cherries 100 Proof?

This is not a flavored spirit in the traditional sense — it is a jar of real fruit steeped in full-strength corn moonshine, giving it a dual purpose that most competitors in the category cannot match. The 2022 Impact Hot Prospect Award from M. Shanken Communications confirmed its commercial momentum and consumer appeal. At 100 proof, it carries enough backbone to stand up in strong cocktails or to be enjoyed as a straight shot alongside the cherry itself. For anyone drawn to Tennessee moonshine tradition but looking for something more interactive than a standard bottle, this jar delivers on both novelty and substance.