Looking for an authentic flavor of the Smoky Mountains? If you're of legal age, Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery is the place to experience it. As the newest distillery in Downtown Gatlinburg, this distiller has made a name on two guiding principles – honoring the past and sticking to local roots.
Doc Collier Moonshine's History
Of the several moonshine distilleries in Gatlinburg, this establishment comes history. This local moonshine distillery is named for Doc Collier, a man whose family has roots in Sevier County and Appalachia.
In the years before prohibition, Doc Collier was known to make some of the best moonshine on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. However, since selling untaxed spirits was illegal, Mr. Collier had to solve the problem of meeting his customer's demand without paying steep tariffs.
Like many moonshiners, Doc Collier found a way around this problem for the sake of feeding his family. By opening a mercantile store, he was able to run a legal business upstairs while also selling spirits under the nose of the law. For years, patrons visited Doc's Mercantile for daily necessities and other especially invigorating provisions.
Today, the Collier family carries on the tradition of hand crafting moonshine, but also operates with all necessary licenses and regulations. You can try Doc's famous recipe for yourself, made on site in a 500 gallon still.
Much like the old days, Doc Collier Moonshine takes you back to an old country store with mason jars, hardwood floors, and authentic Smoky Mountain charm.
Smooth Moonshine Flavors
Doc Collier is known for having some of the most interesting flavors of moonshine available in Gatlinburg. If you stop by their downtown location, you can try these delicious flavors for yourself:
- Apple Pie
- Cherries
- Blackberry
- Sweet Tea
- Mango
- Blueberry
- Cinnamon Fireball
Doc Collier is known to experiment with new flavors often, so there's no telling what kind of variety of moonshine you'll find at their distillery in Gatlinburg, TN!
Moonshine is a strong beverage, so fortunately the samples come in small, thimble-size servings.
To enjoy samples, visitors have to pay $5. While you're in the distillery, the knowledgeable and friendly bartenders can tell you how they make moonshine the old-fashioned way.
After sampling some of this authentic Tennessee shine, you may want to take a bottle home to share with some good company. In addition to several moonshine flavors, Doc Collier also produces rum, vodka, and distilled brandies made possible by a partnership with the Rocky Top Wine Trail.
Insider Tasting Tip: Like any beverage, there's a technique to enjoying the full flavor of authentic Smoky Mountain spirits. Before tasting, inhale some fresh air, then let the moonshine roll across your tongue. To finish, exhale to experience the complexities the beverage without an intense burn.
Unlike other Tennessee distilleries, Doc Collier is only available in Gatlinburg, so be sure to grab a bottle as a local souvenir made with pure Smoky Mountain spring water and high quality grains.
Doc Collier Location and Hours
Doc Collier distillery is located only a couple blocks from Gatlinburg's main drag. Specifically, you'll find this fine establishment at traffic light #3.
- Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday - Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00 pm
Cabins Close To Doc Collier
For an authentic Smoky Mountain vacation, why not book a log cabin in Gatlinburg? For generations, Tennessee residents have made the forests and mountains of this beautiful part of the Smokies. From their Scotch-Irish roots and new-world crops like corn, they developed a rich tradition of making un-aged whiskey by the light of the moon. By enjoying a cabin rental in this iconic scenery and taking a tour of local distilleries like Doc Collier, you can get a true feel for an important part of the Smoky Mountain's heritage.
Contact:
Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery
519 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
1-800-398-5132
Written by Hayden Brown 2015-07-24">
