Step into the heart of Gatlinburg on Parkway, and you’ll find a gem that takes you back to the authentic roots of Tennessee: the Tennessee Shine Company. As you venture into its welcoming confines, you’re not just stepping into a distillery; you’re about to embark on a journey of flavors and hearty laughter.
Moonshine Sampling: Best Entertainment Deal in Town
For those unfamiliar with the southern charms of moonshine, a visit to Tennessee Shine Company’s retail location on Parkway offers an enlightening and entertaining experience. Upon paying a nominal fee, guests are treated to a 20-minute sampling session that tantalizes the taste buds and educates the curious palate.
The range of sampled flavors is delightful and provides a perfect introduction to your moonshine flavor options. The butterscotch moonshine, with its rich, creamy texture, warms your insides and brings memories of candies and treats from childhood. The big orange dreamsicle is a trip to summertime (and a nod to the Tennessee Vols), evoking visions of ice cream trucks and joyous sunny days. The apple pie flavor, as the name suggests, is a comforting taste of home, while the nanner puddin’ (that’s how you spell “banana pudding” in Southern) is a creamy, dreamy delight that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen.
However, for those who prefer to taste the rugged spirit in its most authentic form, the straight, unflavored corn whiskey does not disappoint. It’s a bold, unadulterated testament to the distillery’s craft.
BONUS: Many people are confused about the difference between moonshine and whiskey. Basically, the difference is semantics, because the term “moonshine” really just refers to whiskey that is untaxed, and thus illegal. All of the moonshine available in Gatlinburg is legal, so it’s technically not really “moonshine.” However, moonshine does have a clear color distinct from the color of most whiskeys because it is not matured.
More than Just a Drink
The sampling isn’t merely about tasting; it’s an experience. The bartender not only pours with precision but also provides an engaging narration of each product, what it pairs with to make cocktails, and how it’s crafted. And if you think moonshine is all about serious business, think again. With a repertoire of jokes and witty banter, the bartender ensures that your sampling session is punctuated with bursts of laughter.
But the surprises don’t end with just the spirits. Ever heard of moonshine pickles and jalapeños? Yes, they’re a thing, and yes, they’re as intriguingly flavorful as they sound.
A final thought about the sampling: spending time in Gatlinburg can be expensive. For $8, the moonshine and whiskey sampling is just about the best entertainment deal in town for adults. And you will leave in a better mood than you entered!
A Token from Tennessee
If the sampling leaves you wanting more, which it often does, you can always take a piece of Tennessee back home with you. Tennessee Shine Company makes its products available in all kinds of combinations. Certainly, you can just buy a single jar, but if you want to save some money (and have some variety), you can buy a three pack or a sample pack. And for those who can’t make the trip to Gatlinburg just yet, their website, tnshineco.com, provides a sneak peek into their world and offerings. The company also has locations in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.
Their retail location also has lots of merchandise in addition to moonshine. Your author purchased a cap because it was one of the nicest looking caps I have seen.
In Conclusion
Tennessee Shine Company isn’t just a distillery; it’s a celebration of Tennessee’s rich heritage, its flavors, and its spirit. So, if you are adult of drinking age, the next time you find yourself on Parkway in Gatlinburg, do yourself a favor and step into a world where moonshine reigns supreme. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience you’ll cherish and remember.
Tennessee Shine Company is located at:
519 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN
