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Ole Smoky OriginalWatch BourbonBlog.com‘s interview with Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky Distillery above.

Ole Smoky Distillery recently invited me to host a whiskey tasting comparing flavors of Ole Smoky Moonshine to other types of Bourbon and whiskey.  I’ll bring you the tasting notes soon!

It was all part of a gathering of journalists and friends from across the country (see the group photo below)

Little did I know what an authentic adventure this would become. While some brands are created in a boardroom, authenticity and family heritage are what matter at Ole Smoky.

There is nothing more I appreciate in this business than brands who can be themselves and produce a high quality product without any invented  hype.

In only three short years, Ole Smoky has become one of the most visited distilleries in North America with millions coming through to taste moonshine every year. In the heart of Gatlinburg, TN,  “Free Moonshine Samples” signs lure in thirsty visitors who end up usually taking a few jars home.

I’ve tasted a lot of moonshine since the craft spirits revolution. Ole Smoky Original Moonshine is one that many whiskey drinkers could sip on all day and the flavored shines are damn fine.

Even with the incredible growth and distribution, Master Distiller Justin King is still making this moonshine in small batches.

To further initiate me in Justin’s own Smoky Mountain traditions, he took me for a ride in his RZR before a picnic which included Ole Smoky Moonshine cocktails and Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ.

We’ll bring you more from Gatlinburg and our Ole Smoky adventures soon, for the latest updates on moonshine and whiskey news, subscribe to our free mailing list here.

Cheers! Tom Fischer

Joe Baker, Founder Ole Smoky Distillery; Geoff Kleinmann  - DrinkSpirits.com; Valerie Ross  - Men’s Journal; Ed Grabianowski - HowStuffWorks.com; Joanna Prisco – NY Post/NY Daily New; Cathy Holly - Flavor & The Menu; Tom Fischer - BourbonBlog.com; Annabelle Ismail - BourbonBlog.com; Chris Osburn - Chilled and Drinking Made Easy;  Amy Guttman - NPR; John Lewinski - CraveOnline; Eric Rogell - Liquor.com

Left to Right: Joe Baker, Founder Ole Smoky Distillery; Geoff Kleinmann DrinkSpirits.com; Valerie Ross – Men’s Journal; Ed Grabianowski – HowStuffWorks.com; Joanna Prisco – NY Post/NY Daily New; Cathy Holly – Flavor & The Menu; Tom Fischer – BourbonBlog.com; Annabelle Ismail – BourbonBlog.com; Chris Osburn – Chilled and Drinking Made Easy; Amy Guttman – NPR; John Lewinski – CraveOnline; Eric Rogell – Liquor.com

Master Distiller Justin King Ole Smoky Moonshine

Ole Smoky Master Distiller Justin King takes BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer for a ride through the mountains in his RZR

Special thanks: Ole Smoky Distillery and Porter Novelli, Drew Tybus, Gennifer Horowitz, Rob Woods, Joe Baker, Justin King and all the friends and family at Ole Smoky that made this possible.

Filmed by Annabelle Ismail

Still Photography by Van Gallik Photography

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One Response to “Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery”

  1. Lolo

    We tried the apple pie bourbon as we were going to have hot Toddies for out colds this weekend. Very good product. They should sell the lids with the spout. Even the retail clerk mentioned the pour from the jar ends up with bourbon on the counter top.