Old Forge Distillery
Pigeon Forge · Free tastings, grain milled next door
What separates this from the moonshine shops up and down the Parkway is the grain: it's stone-ground next door at the Old Mill, which has been turning since 1830 and is among the oldest continuously working gristmills in the country. The lineup runs well past moonshine — bourbon, barrel-aged gin, vodka, rum, cream liqueurs and a Rock & Rye — and tastings are free if you're over 21 with ID. There's a cocktail bar as well, so it can be a sit-down rather than a stop.
Old Forge Distillery sits right next to the historic Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. Stop in for free moonshine tastings, watch the stills at work, and take home a bottle made from grain that's stone-ground on site.
The distillery takes its name from an iron forge that once stood on these grounds and helped build the Pigeon Forge community. Today it's one of the easiest and most fun stops in the Old Mill area.
Free moonshine tastings
Belly up to the bar and let a spirit guide walk you through the lineup. Guests 21 and older can sample up to 10 moonshines for free, so choose wisely. A few premium spirits, like the gin and bourbon, can be sampled for a small fee.
Flavors are part of the fun. Some of the moonshines and cream liqueurs take their cue from the Old Mill's own kitchens and creamery, with flavors like French toast, coffee, peach and vanilla ice cream.
Old Forge spirits
Old Forge stone-grinds its own grain, much as the Old Mill has done since 1830, and turns it into a full lineup of spirits: moonshine, bourbon whiskey, gin, vodka, rum and cream liqueurs. It's also the home of Rocky Top®, Old Forge's own brand of spirits.
Old Forge is a member of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, so it makes a great stamp on a distillery-hopping trip.
Watch the stills and stay awhile
There's no formal tour. Instead, the stills run in plain view of the main floor, and the staff are happy to answer questions. Browse the bottle shop, then settle into the lounge or out on the patio for a craft cocktail.
Plan your visit
170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 774-4126
Bring your ID: You must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID to taste.
Kids and pets welcome: Children are welcome with an adult, and so are four-legged friends.
Buy it while you're here: Old Forge doesn't ship or sell online, so pick up your favorites before you leave.
Make a day of the Old Mill: The distillery is part of the Old Mill area, with restaurants, shops and the working gristmill right next door.
More to do at the Old Mill
Pair your tasting with Southern comfort food at The Old Mill Restaurant or the Pottery House Café & Grille, and see our guide to things to do at the Old Mill.
Planning a tasting trail? Compare more spots in our Smoky Mountain distilleries guide, including Ole Smoky Moonshine and Sugarlands Distilling Company. Wine lovers should also see our top wineries in Pigeon Forge.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Old Forge Distillery?
At 170 Old Mill Ave in Pigeon Forge, right next to the historic Old Mill.
Are the tastings free?
Yes. Guests 21 and older can sample up to 10 moonshines for free. A few premium spirits carry a small tasting fee.
Does Old Forge Distillery offer tours?
There's no formal tour, but you can see the stills from the main floor and ask the staff questions.
Can I bring my kids or my dog?
Yes. Children are welcome with an adult, and pets are allowed.
What spirits does Old Forge make?
Moonshine, bourbon whiskey, gin, vodka, rum and cream liqueurs, plus its Rocky Top® brand.
Can I order Old Forge spirits online?
No. The distillery doesn't ship, so buy your bottles during your visit.
Old Forge Distillery is just minutes from our Pigeon Forge cabins. Unwind back at the cabin in one of our hot tub cabins, plan a couples getaway in one of our honeymoon cabins, or bring the whole group to one of our large cabins.