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Ole Smoky Launches Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey Nationwide – What Bourbon Fans Should Know
Ole Smoky Distillery, already a major name in American spirits. has expanded its whiskey lineup with the nationwide release of Ole Smoky Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey. After a successful limited debut at its Tennessee distillery locations in 2023, this four-year-aged bourbon is now available on shelves at liquor stores and bars across the United States.
What’s in the Bottle
The new Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Ole Smoky is:
- Barrel-aged for four years, which qualifies it as a straight bourbon under U.S. standards.
- 80 proof (40% ABV) and crafted for smooth, approachable sipping.
- Described by the brand as full-bodied and smooth, with rich flavors featuring smoke, char, and caramel, blending classic bourbon character with a touch of Tennessee spirit.
Because no independent tasting reviews have yet been published for this release, all flavor descriptors should be presented as brand-provided tasting notes from Ole Smoky’s official materials.
Ole Smoky Distillery: A Quick Look at the Brand
Ole Smoky is a distillery with deep roots in Tennessee spirits culture, and its story helps explain why this bourbon release matters to whiskey drinkers:
- Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky was the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee after state law changed to allow the legal production and sale of spirits like moonshine.
- The company draws on the heritage of Appalachian moonshine making, celebrating recipes and traditions from early Smoky Mountain settlers.
- Today, Ole Smoky operates multiple distillery destinations — including The Holler and The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg, The Barn in Pigeon Forge, and 6th & Peabody in Nashville — and regularly welcomes millions of visitors each year. According to recent reports, the distillery network saw over five million visitors in 2023, making it one of the most visited distillery experiences globally.
- Beyond bourbon, Ole Smoky is best known as a leading producer of premium moonshine and flavored whiskey, offering more than 25 moonshine flavors and 17 whiskey expressions available nationwide and internationally.
Where It Fits in Today’s Bourbon Landscape
For bourbon enthusiasts, the Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents a significant step for a brand better known for moonshine and flavored spirits:
- The four-year age statement positions this bourbon as more mature than many entry-level bottlings, offering complexity that reflects time in charred American oak.
- Priced accessibly, the release broadens Ole Smoky’s appeal to drinkers who want a classic bourbon experience from a brand with strong regional and cultural heritage.
- While the company has not publicly disclosed mash bill details or comprehensive production specs, this straight bourbon continues Ole Smoky’s trend toward quality, aged spirits alongside its heritage moonshine offerings.
Bottom Line for Bourbon Fans
Ole Smoky’s Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey adds a new traditional bourbon expression to the brand’s expanding portfolio. As a four-year, full-bodied, nationally distributed whiskey rooted in Tennessee distilling tradition, it gives both casual drinkers and curious bourbon lovers another accessible bottle to explore — especially those interested in how historic moonshine producers are moving into classic American whiskey categories.