Sugarlands Distilling Company: Moonshine, Whiskey & Stillhouse Experiences in Gatlinburg

Sugarlands Distilling Company is a craft distillery at 805 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, producing moonshine, whiskey, vodka, rum, Sippin’ Creams, and ready-to-drink cocktails. The distillery combines tastings and a cocktail bar with opportunities to see how its spirits are produced, making it an easy addition to a Gatlinburg day.

For guests staying at Sunshine Around the Bend, Sugarlands works particularly well as an adults-focused stop while exploring downtown Gatlinburg.

About Sugarlands Distilling Company

Sugarlands opened its downtown Gatlinburg distillery in March 2014, beginning with five moonshine flavors before expanding into a much broader portfolio of spirits. Today, the company produces more than 20 products across moonshine, rum, whiskey, vodka, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The distillery is housed in a barn-inspired building in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. In addition to the tasting area, Sugarlands has a back porch cocktail bar where guests can enjoy cocktails made with its spirits.

For visitors who want more than a tasting, Sugarlands also offers several experiences. The standard Moonshine Tasting includes 12 flavors, while the Roaming Man Whiskey Experience takes guests into the stillhouse and includes a guided tasting of three whiskey expressions. There is also a cocktail flight experience and a Still House Tour.

Why Guests Love It

• More than just a tasting room: Guests can choose between a simple moonshine tasting, cocktails, whiskey experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours.
• A broad selection of spirits: Sugarlands produces moonshine, Sippin’ Creams, whiskey, vodka, rum, and ready-to-drink cocktails.
• Convenient downtown location: The 805 Parkway address makes it easy to combine with other Gatlinburg stops.
• Walk-in tastings: Standard tastings are currently available without an appointment, making the stop relatively easy to add to a flexible itinerary.
• Family-friendly surroundings: Children can accompany adults to the distillery, although only guests 21 and older may drink or participate in tastings.
• A good option for couples and adult groups: The cocktail bar and specialty whiskey experiences give adults several ways to enjoy the visit beyond simply purchasing a bottle.

Insider Tips

A standard tasting does not require a reservation. Sugarlands currently offers its 12-flavor Moonshine Tasting for $5 per person, approximately 20 minutes, with the flavors changing daily. Each tasting also includes $5 off a merchandise purchase.

Consider booking an experience if your group wants more depth. The Roaming Man Whiskey Experience and Cocktails Behind the Stave are separate paid experiences and require booking. The Still House Tour also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process.

Check tour availability before building your itinerary around it. Sugarlands notes that its stillhouse is an operating production space, so tour availability can change and tours may occasionally be canceled on short notice.

Plan for parking. Sugarlands does not have onsite parking. The official FAQ notes that there is a garage directly behind the building, along with free street parking behind the distillery.

Check the current hours. Sugarlands currently lists the distillery, tastings, and cocktail bar as open 10 AM–10:30 PM daily, except Christmas Day.

Bring valid identification. A government-issued photo ID is required for tasting participants, and alcohol service is limited to guests 21 and older.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

For guests at Sunshine Around the Bend, Sugarlands Distilling Company makes a natural addition to a Gatlinburg day when the adults in the group want to slow down and experience a little Tennessee distilling history. After exploring downtown, return to the cabin for a quieter evening in the hot tub or gather around the private patio fire table and let the mountains set the pace.