TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge is a cocktail bar and distillery tasting room known for its creative moonshine-based drinks and guided spirit tastings. The signature draw is its rotating menu of house-made cocktails featuring unique flavored moonshines and Tennessee spirits, not a full-service restaurant experience.
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Pigeon Forge.
Best order
Coconut Espresso Martini, Spring Flower Elderflower Cocktail, Grapefruit Refresher (with Grapefruit Thyme Rock & Rye), Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Check current hours before driving.
Go For
- Coconut Espresso Martini
- Spring Flower Elderflower Cocktail
- Grapefruit Refresher (with Grapefruit Thyme Rock & Rye)
- Moonshine Tasting Flight (8-flavor sampler)
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Skip If
- You want a full meal or entrée menu
- You prefer non-alcoholic experiences
- You need kid-friendly dining options
Before You Go
Old Forge Distillery is a cocktail bar and tasting room, not a restaurant with a full food menu.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
It's a must for spirit and cocktail enthusiasts interested in moonshine, bourbon, and creative drinks, especially those following the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Those seeking a meal or non-alcoholic experience may find it less compelling.
Best first order?
Coconut Espresso Martini, Spring Flower Elderflower Cocktail, Grapefruit Refresher (with Grapefruit Thyme Rock & Rye), Moonshine Tasting Flight (8-flavor sampler), Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Best time?
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Yes, it's a destination-level stop for cocktail and spirits fans, offering unique tastings and house-made drinks not found elsewhere in the region.
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Cuisine
Distillery
Price
Confirm current pricing
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Pigeon Forge stop
Best For
Whiskey and moonshine enthusiasts eager to explore diverse flavors • Visitors looking for a fun and educational tasting experience • Tourists wanting to support a local craft distillery with authentic products
Website
oldforgedistillery.comPro tip: Ask for recommendations on mixing moonshine flavors with local mixers like lemonade to create unique drinks.
About Old Forge Distillery
Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge at The Old Mill Square, Old Forge Distillery carries on Tennessee's proud moonshining tradition in a beautifully restored historic farm supply building. The distillery crafts small-batch spirits using locally-sourced grains ground at the 200-year-old Old Mill next door, giving their products a genuine grain-to-glass pedigree.
Visitors can experience complimentary tastings of their signature moonshine flavors, premium vodka, and seasonal spirits at the rustic tasting bar. The knowledgeable staff shares stories about the distilling process and the area's rich moonshine history while guiding guests through sample flights. The distillery's 1830s-style copper pot still takes center stage, allowing visitors to see traditional distilling methods in action.
The gift shop offers all their spirits for purchase, along with local crafts, branded merchandise, and moonshine-making memorabilia. Their flavored moonshines range from traditional corn whiskey to creative varieties like coffee, chocolate, and seasonal fruit infusions. What sets Old Forge apart is their commitment to using time-honored techniques while experimenting with unique flavor profiles.
The distillery's location in The Old Mill Square makes it easy to combine with shopping, dining, and other historic attractions in Pigeon Forge. Free parking is available in The Old Mill Square lot. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or just curious about Tennessee's moonshine heritage, Old Forge Distillery offers an authentic taste of local craft distilling in a historic setting.
[Note: For specific hours, prices, and current offerings, visitors should check the distillery's website or call ahead as these details may change seasonally.]
Amenities & Features
- Multiple tasting options including moonshine, rum, and cream liqueurs—some free (tip-based), others under $10
- High-quality spirits with unique flavors and a more refined taste than competitor distilleries
- Knowledgeable staff members (especially Brooklyn and Brian) who provide passionate, personalized recommendations
- Cozy cocktail bar offering handcrafted drinks like traditional and Apple Pie Old Fashioneds
Insider Tips for Old Forge Distillery
Insider tips
Bring a valid photo ID if you want to sample spirits; tastings are for guests 21 and up. Go earlier in the day or on weekdays if you want a quieter tasting bar and easier parking around the Old Mill area.
If you are traveling with pets, they are welcome inside, and staff are known to be friendly with them.
Before you go
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Old Forge Distillery
Drink
Coconut Espresso Martini
A coffee-forward martini made with Old Forge Coffee Moonshine and Coconut Moonshine, served shaken for a rich and unique twist on the classic espresso martini.
Drink
Spring Flower Elderflower Cocktail
A floral cocktail featuring elderflower-flavored moonshine as a substitute for traditional elderflower liqueur, offering a fresh and aromatic profile.
Drink
Grapefruit Refresher (with Grapefruit Thyme Rock & Rye)
A sweet-tart cocktail built around Old Forge’s Grapefruit Thyme Rock & Rye, highlighted as one of the best cocktails in Pigeon Forge.
Drink
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
A margarita crafted with Old Forge Pineapple Moonshine, customizable with jalapeños for an adjustable spice level.
Drink
French Martini (with Old Forge Vodka)
A light, sweet martini-style cocktail using Old Forge Vodka and raspberry syrup from the neighboring Old Mill.
Drink
Strawberry Lemon Drop
A sweet-and-tart vodka cocktail made with Old Forge Vodka and strawberry flavors, featured on the Spring 2024 menu.
Drink
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
A bourbon cocktail made with Old Forge Bourbon and blackberry components, promoted as a featured bar cocktail.
Drink
Moonshine Tasting Flight (8-flavor sampler)
A guided tasting experience where guests sample eight different moonshine flavors, ranging from traditional corn to dessert-inspired varieties like Pumpkin Roll.
Best For
- Whiskey and moonshine enthusiasts eager to explore diverse flavors
- Visitors looking for a fun and educational tasting experience
- Tourists wanting to support a local craft distillery with authentic products
Know Before You Go
- Bring a valid photo ID if you want to sample spirits; tastings are for guests 21 and up.
- Go earlier in the day or on weekdays if you want a quieter tasting bar and easier parking around the Old Mill area.
- If you are traveling with pets, they are welcome inside, and staff are known to be friendly with them.
- Children are allowed with an adult, but there is zero tolerance for underage drinking anywhere on the property.
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Old Forge Distillery
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Traveler Questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes for a tasting and time in the gift shop. If you want to browse, sample several spirits, and talk with staff, plan closer to an hour.
What are the hours?
The distillery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, hours extend to 10:00 PM.
Where is the distillery and is parking available?
Old Forge Distillery is at 170 Old Mill Avenue in Pigeon Forge, beside the historic Old Mill near Traffic Light #7. It is in a walkable tourist area with nearby parking shared with the Old Mill complex.
What should I expect during a visit?
You can see the distillery operations from the main area without taking a formal tour. There is a tasting bar and a gift shop, and adults 21+ can sample up to 10 moonshine flavors. Harvest Gin and Blended Bourbon Whiskey can also be sampled for a $3 fee.
Who is Old Forge Distillery best for?
It is a good stop for adults who enjoy moonshine, craft spirits, and local history, especially if you are already visiting the Old Mill area. Families are welcome too, and children may come in with an adult.
Do I need a reservation?
No reservation is needed for tastings or general visits. Groups are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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