GATLINBURG, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ole Smoky Distilleries, crafting moonshine, whiskey, and featuring daily tastings for visitors, were once again the most visited distilleries in the world in 2023. According to on-premise traffic counters, the four Ole Smoky Tennessee distillery destinations welcomed more than 5 million visitors last year, topping all their largest competitors by significant industry margins.
Ole Smoky’s The Holler in Gatlinburg welcomed 2.2 million visitors, The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg welcomed 1.1 million visitors, Pigeon Forge’s distillery, The Barn, welcomed 1.3 million visitors, and Nashville’s 6th & Peabody welcomed over 700,000 visitors in 2023.
Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky is the first federally licensed moonshine distillery in East Tennessee with roots tracing back over 100 years ago. Through honoring the decades old tradition of moonshine making with century-old family recipes from the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains, Ole Smoky continues to hold their consistent title as the most visited distillery in the world and has earned numerous awards reflecting their status in 2023, including PR%F the Magazine Distillery of the Year, Shanken Communications’ Impact Hot Brand and Blue Chip Awards as well as recognition on the Inc. 5000 List. The distillery’s growth in the past 13 years has led to now, with four distilleries across Tennessee, a premium Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey line, James Ownby Reserve, more than 25 creative moonshine flavors, and 17 inventive flavored whiskies distributed and available for purchase across the United States.
“We at Ole Smoky are continuously proud of our status as the most visited distillery in the world,” said Robert Hall, CEO, Ole Smoky Distillery. “At our distilleries, we don’t just focus on crafting high-quality spirits, but unforgettable experiences where innovation in flavor, events, and live music meet our age-old traditions of the Smoky Mountains. We hope to continue spreading this joy and to see many new visitors from around the world in 2024.”
Ole Smoky is the leading craft distiller in the U.S. and the No. 1 selling moonshine brand in the world. Each year, Ole Smoky continues to stay at the forefront of the spirits industry by introducing innovative, unique, and quality products showcased in its four distilleries like Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Pink Lemonade Moonshine, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Moonshine and Moonshine Mandarins in 2023, as well as maintaining the success of the brand’s premium line, James Ownby Reserve. In addition to their focus on product innovation and quality, Ole Smoky credits a significant portion of their success to the vibrant atmosphere, hospitable employees, and exciting events and promotions. For example, the celebration of National Moonshine Week allows them to honor the heritage of moonshine and introduce the spirit to a global audience in creative ways.
Each Ole Smoky distillery location includes working stills and fermentation tanks and an expansive visitor experience, including self-guided tours, moonshine and whiskey tastings, live music, and large retail shops featuring Ole Smoky moonshine, whiskey, apparel, accessories, giftware and food products. And, for consumers that aren’t able to make it to one of the company’s distillery locations, Ole Smoky Moonshine and Whiskey can be found in all 50 states and over 20 countries around the world where liquor is sold.
About Ole Smoky® Distillery LLC
Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world, the leading craft distiller in the U.S. and the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky's roots are traced to the Smoky Mountains' earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride and Appalachian spirit. Ole Smoky has been recognized as the 2023 PR%F the Magazine Distillery of the Year, as well as on the Inc. 5000 List of the fastest growing private companies in America for four consecutive years – 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. They also have been honored with the 2022 Shanken Communications’ Impact Hot Brand Award and the 2023 Growth Brand Awards from Beverage Information Group. Today, Ole Smoky’s 25 creative moonshine flavors and 17 inventive whiskey flavors can be found in all 50 states, 20 countries and at the company's four famed distilleries in Tennessee: The Holler and The Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg, The Barn in Pigeon Forge, and 6th & Peabody in Nashville. For more information, please visit olesmoky.com and follow Ole Smoky on social media @olesmoky.
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