There are so many things that Tennessee has going for it. There is Nashville with country songs to make you laugh, cry and drink lots of beer. There is the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, where you can take tours of the most famous of the Tennessee whiskies that is made in a dry county. It’s true. You cannot buy Jack Daniel’s products where they are distilled. Still trying to wrap by brain around that one. We even have Beale Street in Memphis where there is some of the world’s best blues and great booze. But let’s be honest and admit that when you think of alcohol and Tennessee, isn’t the first thing think of moonshine? Me neither because I think of Jack’s Old No. 7 first. But after that, moonshine!
Many people have tried moonshine from the likes of ‘Popcorn’
Sutton and other famous – or notorious – moonshiners. The kind of shine that is
out there today is probably nothing like the smooth spirits made by Uncle Jessie
that got the Duke boys in trouble on TV in the 70s. Daisy Duke really knew how
to wear cutoffs, which has nothing to do with moonshine but everything to do
with my reason for watching that show. Now, out here in east Tennessee, there’s
a way that you can try out moonshine without having to drive down a dirt road,
past where old man Johnson’s barn used to be ‘til it burnt down in ’73, then through
the holler and up over the next two rises ‘til you see that spot where the
Jenkins boy wrapped his car around the big oak tree. Then you’re about hallway there.
As fun as it is to go riding up in the hills past the “Revenuers Will Be Shot –
Twice” signs, I find that driving to downtown Gatlinburg is a little easier and
a lot safer. FYI, never wear a suit and sunglasses in the backwoods of
Tennessee. Just don’t.
Back to Gatlinburg. While I was strolling along the bustling
street of Gatlinburg, I happened upon a sign – totally innocently – that proclaimed
proudly: “Free Moonshine Tasting”. Since I had never, ever partaken of the
illegal and highly tasty brew, I felt it was my duty and obligation as a
citizen of Tennessee to check further into this strange sign to ensure that nothing
illegal was going on. My two female friends who were with me agreed that we
should make sure that it was safe for the tourists. We are very conscientious
citizens.
Imagine our surprise to discover a LEGAL moonshine distillery
right in the heart of Gatlinburg. We had no idea we would stumble upon such a
wondrous place no matter how many billboards were guiding us to this very spot.
I cannot say enough nice things about the bib-overall wearing staff at the Ole
Smoky Distillery. They were friendly and welcoming and funny and lined up
little cups like you get in church. (I am discussing using their grape flavored
moonshine instead of Mogen David with my pastor. He is a little resistant, but
after a couple mason jars of shine I think he’ll come around.) Those 14 cups
that were places in front of us (yes, 14 little cups – I know, I was excited
too!) were filled one by one with different flavors of moonshine. I have to say
that the shine infused cherries are an excellent way to get your recommend
servings of fruit every day. The apple pie shine was appetizing. The lemon drop
was delightful. After the blackberry moonshine sample, it became harder and
harder to decide how good they were. They all tasted amazing after that.
After trying everything they had to offer, and even trying a few
more combo samples (I wish I could tell you what they were but my memory was
getting a little fuzzy at that point) I made my purchase and went outside to
listen to the amazing bluegrass band playing live outside the door. I was
tapping my feet and clapping for a good 20 minutes until I remembered that I
don’t even like bluegrass. Moonshine does strange things to you.
That little place in Gatlinburg was truly quite the surprise. I’m
glad we did our research and checked to make sure it was a wholesome place for
everyone. Granted, it was the third time that month we had checked, but you can
never be too careful.
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