Ole Smoky Distillery “The Barrelhouse” sits right on Gatlinburg’s main strip at 650 Parkway, making it the most accessible location in Ole Smoky’s Tennessee moonshine empire. Founded by Joe Baker, a former attorney who convinced Gatlinburg officials to legalize moonshine distillation in 2009, this flagship location launched in 2010 as Tennessee’s first legal moonshine distillery since Prohibition. The 6,000-square-foot facility houses copper stills and serves as both production space and visitor destination, producing flavored moonshines that put Gatlinburg on the craft spirits map. You’ll find everything from traditional white lightning to creative flavors like banana pudding and cinnamon. Baker’s journey from lawyer to moonshine mogul started with family stories and a vision to legitimize Appalachian moonshine culture. He partnered with master distiller Dave Pickerell (formerly of Maker’s Mark) to develop recipes that honored tradition while appealing to modern palates. The team had to navigate complex Tennessee laws that hadn’t addressed legal moonshine production in generations. They convinced city officials that moonshine tourism could revitalize Gatlinburg’s economy, and they were absolutely right. Today, The Barrelhouse buzzes with tourists sampling mason jars of flavored spirits while watching distillers work copper pot stills. The atmosphere feels part museum, part party, with moonshine history displays alongside tasting bars. You’re tasting spirits where they’re actually made, not just bottled, and the energy reflects Gatlinburg’s tourist vibe while maintaining some authentic mountain character.