**Disclaimer: This article promotes neither underage drinking nor excessive consumption of alcohol, but rather seeks to showcase an acclaimed attraction in historic Gatlinburg, TN. Please shine responsibly.**

Ah, Gatlinburg.

If y’all ain’t from around here, you either immediately picture country sensation Dolly Parton or you reminisce (hazily) over the few days you spent getting into crazy shenanigans with your friends on a mountain weekend.

But if you’re from around here, you know what’s up.

You remember vividly that the best moments of the school year were the field trips spent in the middle of May going to Dollywood, aka one of the best theme parks ever, followed by a hoot n’ hollerin’ dinner at the Dixie Stampede. Trips to the Ripley’s aquarium were a must in the winter, and when summer rolled around, you couldn’t get enough of Splash Country.

As you got older, browsing lazily through the Tanger Outlets was a great way to wind down, but as soon as 21 hit, you knew that only meant one thing: Moonshine tasting.

Next time you’re passing through the 865, embrace your inner Popcorn Sutton and swing on by to Sugarlands, Ole Smoky, or Davy Crockett’s for some whiskey and shine tasting that’s sure to put the South in your mouth.

Photo courtesy of Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Let’s start with Sugarlands.

Not only can you get a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that’s poured into each Mason jar, but it’s also home to one of the most entertaining Moonshine tasting tours in Gatlinburg.

Head on up to a tasting table where a spunky server will entertain both you and your taste buds (and insult you faster than you can say "Bless your heart"). Starting from strongest to sweetest, you’ll get a mini shooter of Silver Cloud (100 proof) and Jim Tom Hendrick’s Unaged Rye (100 proof). Both pack a punch so strong that you’ll immediately question your morals.

GIF courtesy of GIPHY.

But hang in there, honey, you’re only gettin’ started. You’ll progress through a line of sweet and fruity flavors that will at some points have you questioning whether there is even alcohol in something so delicious.

For example, fan favorite Appalachian Apple Pie (50 proof) is a real treat. Your guide will have you take the shot, hold it in your mouth for a hot second to taste the apple, swallow, and then exhale to taste the rich caramel notes that follow. It's like the real deal, only with a devilish twist.

Candy on your mind? You’ll love the Butterscotch Gold (40 proof)—better known as a Werther’s candy in a Mason jar. Fruit more your thing? Blueberry Muffin (70 proof) is sure to make you feel like you’re eatin’ one of mama’s homemade muffins when they’re straight outta the oven. If you’re really lookin’ for something hot, however, look no further than Tickle’s Dynamite Cinnamon (70 proof). A moonshine version of Fireball, one sip is sure to have you screamin’ and give “Fire in the hole!” a brand new meanin’.

GIF courtesy of GIPHY.

Finally, give a nod to Mother So Dear by mixing the Southern Sweet Tea and Old Fashioned Lemonade (both 40 proof) and you’ve got yourself an adult Arnie P.

Keep the shine flowin’ at Ole Smoky.

A maze of barrels, mason jars, live music, and sassy t-shirt souvenirs, Ole Smoky is ranked on TripAdvisor as one of the top 5 Gatlinburg attractions. And for good reason: Not only are the classic flavors still in constant rotation, but Ole Smoky also boasts delicious limited edition seasonal flavors and the epitome of ridin' down a highway to the Danger Zone: cherries 'n' peaches.

Having a moonshine cherry or peach is kinda like playing Russian Roulette: you never know what you’re gonna get—meaning one little cherry can pack a punch ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 proof worth of alcohol. If you’re a little fearful of cherry cough syrup, not to worry—while it has the sting you’d expect from drinking moonshine, the after burn is more like a flame briefly zapping your throat.

Photo by Ashley Hamati.

Speakin’ of flames: Let one of the guides start you off on a true tour de ‘shine with either White Lightnin’ (100 proof) or Blue Flame (128 proof). Not for the faint of heart, Blue Flame in particular is said to have the highest legal proof you can buy. Still a bit intimidated by the number? White Lightnin’ is also pure and powerful but mixes very easily in a Moonshine Mule (a Tennessee take on the classic Moscow version), a margarita, or if you’re really into keepin’ things sweet, a Tennessee Cream Soda.

If the old time-y charisma that surrounds you is givin’ you the feels like no other, and you’re looking for a little hop down memory lane, give the Hunch Punch Lightnin’ a go. Looks like kindergarten, tastes like college, and adds a killer twist in a Fruit Punch Margarita.

GIF courtesy of GIPHY.

Speaking of margaritas, try the more toned down Margarita, Pineapple, or Piña Colada flavors. Ranging from 35-60 proof, these sweet additions give a pleasant kick to your go-to cocktails when you’re casually slow sippin’ well before it’s 5 o’clock.

Finally, a trip to Tennessee would be incomplete without a taste of the Big Orange. Refreshing and delicious, it’s the creamsicle-y Grand Marinier of moonshines that’ll make even you ‘Bama fans yell, “Go big orange!” (#VFL).

GIF courtesy of GIPHY.

Finish things off with a round of whiskey at Davy Crockett's, like ya damn well should, son.

You’ll crown yourself king (or queen!) of the wild frontier after a trip down here. With the bluesy rock blaring from the speakers, and the woodsy atmosphere, you can not only try a nice little variety of whiskeys, but you can also see it being distilled right in front of you!

GIF courtesy of GIPHY.

Don’t miss the classic Original Tennessee Whiskey. It’s aged in a white oak barrel and then mellowed meticulously through sugar maple charcoal to distinguish its full flavor. It tastes like history in a bottle.

If you’re lookin’ for something more on the “bless your heart” side of the spectrum, you’ve gotta try the Southern Pecan variation. Sweet, nutty, and extremely satisfying, it’s a Southern must of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Don’t miss the Salty Caramel flavor either—it’s a well-balanced combination of salty and sweet that can take your next whiskey-Coke or batch of hot cider to the next level.

GIF courtesy of Google Images.

Finally, get down 'n' dirty with Mud. Whiskey with a sweet cream finish, pour it in your coffee, over ice, or it on its own for a kickass Kahlua-like drink perfect for kickin’ back and enjoyin’ the Southern summer evening heat.

Cheers, y'all, and come back!