The past comes alive in every jar of Tennessee's very own Sugarlands Shine
Sugarlands Distilling Company owns up to its “sweet” title with its sweet spot situated in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, home to the majestic Smoky Mountains. Although the Sugarlands distillery has only been open since March of 2014, it has built a high reputation, earning its crafted moonshine 22 awards, including the LA International Spirits Competition. That stellar reputation also brings in over one million visitors a year to the distillery! These visitors come from all over the world, but the connection Sugarlands has with Chattanooga is a special one.
Sugarlands Distilling is famous for its Sugarlands Shine, but their moonshine comes with creative twists on the traditional and authentic Tennessee spirit. By being locally owned, their methods stay true to the old (with more innovative technology, of course) craft of making moonshine that captures the taste of what it means to be a Tennessean in a mason jar. If you don’t quite get the picture, flip through the TV channels and you’ll come across Discovery Channel’s, Moonshiners.
These guys know how to make moonshine like we know how to make a PB&J.
Sugarlands works with five members of Moonshiners and together, they produce four moonshine products revealing just how much craftsmanship is involved in the moonshine-making process.
Sugarlands takes old-fashioned moonshine and turns it into assortments of flavors great for any season. Some of the most popular varieties include their Appalachian Apple Pie boasting huge flavors of green apples and caramel, the Butterscotch Gold with hints of brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla, and Mark & Digger’s Rye Apple which is a blend of rye moonshine and apples that brings thoughts of apple pastries and Tennessee hills.
With spring arriving, Sugarlands is releasing two new flavors, root beer and peppermint which are sure to be favorites. Root Beer Moonshine spices up any traditional root beer float and Mint Condition Peppermint is 100 proof peppermint moonshine with hints of cocoa and cream.
Sugarlands spreads these flavors and more around the United States, but in Chattanooga, Sugarlands has a home not-so-far-away from home. In the past, they’ve sponsored Chattanooga’s Nightfall Concert Series with moonshine cocktails and samples.
Sugarlands’ director of strategy and marketing (and Chattanooga native), Brent Thompson stated, “We take East Tennessee on the road with us everywhere we go.” Taking Tennessee on the road is no joke, with products available in 20 states. With their flavors of moonshine, and special signings, events, festivals, and tastings in local liquor stores, you’re bound to find a moonshine that suits your taste.
Within two years, Sugarlands Distilling Company created a name for themselves and their authentic moonshine around the world. Trip Advisor reviewers have given the distillery at Sugarlands more 5 star reviews than any other distillery or brewery in the country.
If you’re ever in Gatlinburg for the weekend, or even just a day trip, stop by and sample free moonshine samples and get special deals when you purchase. With live music from touring acts around the country and free distillery tours, it combines their adult atmosphere with that of the family-friendly one Gatlinburg is known for.
If you’re unable to visit, fear not for Sugarlands Shine is distributed over most of the eastern half of the U.S. Just type in your zip code at findmoonshine.com to locate the shine closest to you and learn more about Sugarlands Distilling Company’s real Tennessee success story.