Duration
1-3 hours (1 hour for tasting and tour, longer if enjoying cocktails and live music)
Price
$5 per person for tastings (21+ only), additional costs for cocktails and merchandise
Best For
Couples looking for a unique tasting experience • Groups wanting to try authentic Tennessee moonshine • Anyone interested in craft distillery tours
Pro Tip
Ask to see which flavors are being featured that day before you start your tasting - they rotate daily and post the lineup on-site. Save your tasting wristband to get discounts on future visits during the same trip.
About Sugarlands Distilling Company
Sugarlands Distilling Company stands out among Gatlinburg's many attractions, earning TripAdvisor's #1 ranking for things to do in the mountain town. This downtown craft distillery has built a reputation that genuinely lives up to its considerable hype.
The $5 tastings feature a rotating selection of 12 different flavors daily, showcasing everything from the signature American Peach Moonshine to the award-winning Roaming Man Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey. Visitors receive $5 off any purchase, essentially making the tasting complimentary with a bottle purchase.
The back porch cocktail bar proves to be a major draw, serving expertly crafted drinks made with house spirits. Free live music performs most days, creating an authentic Smoky Mountain atmosphere that keeps guests lingering longer than planned.
With over 1 million annual visitors, crowds form quickly throughout the day. Smart timing means arriving right at the 10 AM opening or visiting during evening hours when foot traffic lightens.
Behind-the-scenes still house tours offer genuine insight into the distilling process, led by knowledgeable staff members known as "tastemakers." The distillery operates 364 days annually, making it a reliable stop for any Gatlinburg itinerary.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Daily Rotating Moonshine Tastings
Try 12 different flavors that change daily, from classic corn moonshine to unique options like American Peach and Butter Pecan Sippin' Cream. The $5 tasting fee comes off any purchase, so it basically pays for itself.
Still House Tours
Get behind-the-scenes access to see how they make their award-winning spirits. The tours are included and give you real insight into the distilling process from their knowledgeable 'tastemakers.'
Back Porch Cocktail Bar
This is where the magic happens after your tasting. They make creative cocktails using their own spirits, and the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with friends while listening to live music.
Free Live Music
The Back Porch stage hosts live performances most days, creating a fun, authentic Tennessee atmosphere. It's family-friendly and adds so much to the overall experience.
Award-Winning Roaming Man Rye Whiskey
Their Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey has won multiple awards and is a must-try for whiskey lovers. It's smooth, complex, and represents some of the best craft distilling in the Smokies.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail Stop
Get your passport stamped here as part of the official Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Collecting stamps gets you rewards and makes for a fun souvenir of your distillery adventures.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early (10 AM opening) or late evening to avoid the biggest crowds
- Bring valid ID if you're 21+ and want to participate in tastings
- They accept cash and cards for purchases
- The tasting flavors change daily, so check the posted lineup when you arrive
- Downtown location is easily walkable from most Gatlinburg hotels
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsSugarlands Distilling Company delivers an engaging tasting experience. The knowledgeable staff and quality spirits receive consistent praise.
Sugarlands Distilling Company Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Sugarlands Distilling Company
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Sugarlands Distilling Company?
Sugarlands is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, 364 days a year. They're only closed on Christmas Day.
How much does Sugarlands Distilling Company cost?
Tastings cost $5 per person (21+ only) and include 12 different flavors. You get $5 off any merchandise purchase, so the tasting essentially pays for itself.
Do I need reservations for Sugarlands Distilling Company?
No reservations are required for tastings or tours. It's first-come, first-served, but be prepared for crowds since it's Gatlinburg's #1 attraction.
How long should I spend at Sugarlands Distilling Company?
Most people spend about an hour for the tasting and tour. If you hang out at the back porch bar for cocktails and live music, plan for 2-3 hours.
Is Sugarlands Distilling Company good for kids?
Yes, it's family-friendly! Kids can come in and enjoy the live music, but only ages 21+ can participate in tastings. The atmosphere is welcoming for all ages.
Is there parking at Sugarlands Distilling Company?
It's located in downtown Gatlinburg at 805 Parkway, so parking follows typical downtown rules. The location is very walkable from most downtown hotels and attractions.
Can I do multiple tastings at Sugarlands?
You can only do one official tasting per day, but you can order individual drinks at their back porch cocktail bar. The flavors change daily, so come back tomorrow for different options.
What makes Sugarlands different from other Gatlinburg distilleries?
They're the world's top-rated distillery experience with over 1 million annual visitors. Their daily-changing flavor lineup, still house tours, and back porch bar with live music set them apart.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Sugarlands Distilling Company delivers an engaging tasting experience. The knowledgeable staff and quality spirits receive consistent praise.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
805 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
805 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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