Ole Smoky Moonshine Pickles 750ML

Ole Smoky Moonshine Pickles 750ML is a 20% ABV (40 proof) Tennessee moonshine packaged with real dill pickles in a single 750ml jar. This unconventional spirit earned a Double Gold distinction at the 2023 PR%F Awards, validating what fans of briny, savory spirits already knew — few products in the flavored moonshine category deliver this level of authenticity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20% (40 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA  |  Flavored Corn Whiskey/Moonshine  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Distillery

Production & Heritage

Ole Smoky Distillery operates out of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where its downtown facility houses two working copper pot stills. The moonshine base begins as a mash of ground grain — predominantly corn — combined with water and malted barley in a mash cooker, following a time-honored Appalachian distilling tradition. What sets the Moonshine Pickles expression apart is its composition: the 750ml jar contains 375ml of corn-distilled spirit bottled at 40 proof alongside 375cc of whole dill pickles that steep directly in the moonshine, making this both a spirit and a pickled food product in one vessel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced dill leads the nose immediately, followed by a well-balanced wave of tangy brine and a subtle garlic undertone. The corn spirit base peeks through with a faint, sweet grain note beneath the pickle aromatics.

Taste: The entry is bright and briny, with the unmistakable flavor of juicy dill pickles hitting the palate front and center. Mid-palate brings a tangy vinegar sharpness balanced by the gentle sweetness inherent in the corn whiskey base. The interplay between savory pickle and soft grain warmth keeps the profile from veering too acidic.

Finish: Smooth and relatively brief at 20% ABV, leaving a lingering dill-and-brine character. A light peppery warmth closes things out, inviting another sip or another bite of pickle straight from the jar.

How to Drink Moonshine Pickles

Chilled and served straight from the jar is the most popular approach — the lower proof and bold pickle flavor make it an easy sipper right out of the freezer. Beyond sipping, this moonshine is a natural fit in several cocktails:

• Pickleback Shot — Use it as a one-step replacement for the traditional whiskey-plus-pickle-brine combo; it already has both built in.
• Bloody Mary — Swap in a measure of Moonshine Pickles for standard vodka to add a savory, briny depth that complements tomato juice and hot sauce.
• Dirty Martini Variation — Replace olive brine with a splash of the pickle-infused moonshine for a tangy, Southern-accented take on the classic.

Best For

• Gifting a friend who collects novelty and conversation-piece spirits
• Tailgating or game-day gatherings where bold, easy-drinking flavors shine
• Adding savory complexity to Bloody Marys and brunch cocktails
• Backyard cookout tastings alongside smoked meats and grilled fare

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moonshine Pickles taste like? It tastes like a briny, tangy dill pickle with a backdrop of smooth, lightly sweet corn whiskey warmth — the dill and vinegar character dominate while the spirit provides gentle heat at 40 proof.

How does Moonshine Pickles compare to pickle-flavored vodkas? Pickle vodkas typically infuse a neutral grain spirit with pickle flavoring, while Ole Smoky starts with a corn-based moonshine and includes actual whole pickles soaking in the jar. The corn whiskey base adds a layer of inherent sweetness and grain character that neutral vodkas lack.

Is Moonshine Pickles good for cocktails? Its bold brine and dill flavor make it an excellent cocktail ingredient, particularly in Bloody Marys and pickleback-style drinks where savory, tangy notes are desirable. The 20% ABV keeps cocktails balanced without overpowering other ingredients.

Where is Moonshine Pickles made? Ole Smoky Moonshine Pickles is produced at the Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The distillery's downtown Gatlinburg facility uses copper pot stills for production.

What foods pair well with Moonshine Pickles? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the brine cuts through richness; fried chicken, as the tangy acidity provides contrast to the crispy coating; charcuterie boards featuring cured salami and aged cheddar; grilled burgers with sharp mustard; and oysters, where the briny moonshine echoes the shellfish's salinity.

What sizes does Moonshine Pickles come in? The standard offering is the 750ml jar, which contains 375ml of 40-proof moonshine plus 375cc of whole dill pickles.

Is Moonshine Pickles worth the price? Moonshine Pickles positions as an accessible, novelty-tier flavored spirit that delivers both a drinkable moonshine and actual pickled food in one package. For pickle enthusiasts and fans of savory spirits, the dual-purpose format provides genuine value within the flavored moonshine category.

Why Moonshine Pickles?

The 2023 PR%F Awards Double Gold medal confirmed that this product delivers on both concept and execution. Unlike pickle-flavored spirits that rely on artificial flavoring, Ole Smoky takes the direct route: real dill pickles steeped in real corn whiskey, visible right through the glass jar. The result is an unambiguous pickle experience anchored by a legitimate Tennessee moonshine base, not a gimmick propped up by synthetic flavor. For anyone drawn to savory, briny spirits or looking for a genuinely unique bottle that sparks conversation, few products in the category match the straightforward authenticity of this Gatlinburg original.