Sugarlands Distilling Company

A Gateway to Craft Spirits

Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Sugarlands Distilling Company is one of the Smoky Mountains’ most recognizable and visited distilleries. Founded in 2014, this rustic, barn-inspired attraction has earned national acclaim, including being named the top craft spirits tasting room in the country by USA TODAY 10Best. It also consistently ranks among Gatlinburg’s top attractions based on traveler reviews.

Visitors are invited to explore the distillery through interactive tastings featuring up to 12 rotating spirits, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the still house to see how Sugarlands’ signature creations come to life. The lively bar area adds to the experience, where skilled bartenders craft inventive cocktails using house-made spirits.

Establishment Snapshot

• Founded: 2014
• Location: Downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway
• Experience: Interactive tastings and guided distillery tours
• Recognition: 2025 USA TODAY 10Best
  • No. 1 Best Craft Vodka
  • No. 1 Best Spirits Tasting Room
  • No. 2 Best Craft Specialty Spirits
• Trail: Official stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Featured Beverages

Sugarlands is best known for bold, dessert-inspired flavors and smooth sippers, including:

• Appalachian Apple Pie Moonshine: Warm, fruit-forward notes reminiscent of fresh-baked pie
• Banana Pudding Sippin’ Cream: Rich, velvety, and indulgent
• Hazelnut Rum: Smooth and nutty, ideal for sipping or cocktails

The distillery produces a wide variety of moonshines, sippin’ creams, vodkas, rums, and whiskeys, blending Appalachian tradition with modern creativity.

Atmosphere

• Energy: Lively and social
• Hosts: Charismatic guides known for humor and storytelling
• Crowd: Welcoming to families and pets (alcohol for adults only)
• Vibe: Bustling tasting room with an entertainment-forward feel

Why Visitors Love It

Guests frequently praise the engaging tastings, knowledgeable hosts, and the chance to sample unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere. Many also enjoy the convenience of purchasing bottles to take home, making Sugarlands a memorable, and portable, part of any Smoky Mountains getaway.

Gatlinburg: Cocktails Behind the Stave Tour

As a sponsor of the Gatlinburg: Cocktails Behind the Stave Tour, Sugarlands Distilling Company helps bring Appalachian spirits history to life through an immersive experience that celebrates craft and tradition.

On this 75-minute Prohibition-era journey, guests step behind the still house to learn how award-winning spirits are made, discover the stories behind iconic moonshines and sippin’ creams, and gain insight into the legacy of Appalachian distilling.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy a curated flight of four unique cocktails featuring Sugarlands’ whiskey, vodka, and moonshine, each crafted to reflect the region’s rich flavors and heritage.

End the tour with a deeper appreciation for the artistry of spirits and your place in Gatlinburg’s timeless culture. Reserve now, pay later! Limited to guests 21 and older.

Tickets for the Gatlinburg: Cocktails Behind the Stave Tour are available below.