Ole Smoky Moonshine is an American moonshine created by the namesake Ole Smoky Distillery in Tennessee. They are the first federally licensed distillery in the state and are known for crafting some of the nation’s most beloved whiskeys and moonshines.
Their moonshine is an unaged white whiskey made of natural ingredients like spring water, yeast, and corn. It is distilled at 180 proof, lower than some other moonshines, which gives it a slightly sweeter taste and smoother finish.
While it can be drank straight, it is more commonly used as a cocktail base and can be used to make a variety of drinks like the Moonshine Margarita, the Mountain Mule, and the Jazz Fizz.
Is Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine real moonshine?
Yes, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is a real moonshine. This moonshine is distilled, bottled, and packaged in East Tennessee and made in accordance with the state’s standards of production. Its recipe was developed in 2010 by master distiller Joe Baker, and uses ingredients that are 100% all-natural including Tennessee corn and cane sugar.
The distilling process is unique as it entails three steps, rather than the traditional two: Mashing, distillation, and filtering, leading to a smooth, mellow drink. This moonshine is also legally certified by the State of Tennessee, ensuring its authenticity and quality.
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine has become a highly sought-after product, and is now among the best-selling moonshine in the country, a testament to its quality and authenticity.
What are the ingredients in Ole Smoky Moonshine?
Ole Smoky Moonshine is made with 100% natural ingredients including non-GMO corn from the Tennessee Valley, mountain spring water, and natural, unrefined sugar. It is then distilled for an extra smooth flavor and bottled in an authentic hand-dipped jar.
Each batch of Ole Smoky Moonshine is inspected and aged to create the perfect, distinctive taste. Depending on the type of Ole Smoky Moonshine, different herbs, spices, and/or flavors may be added to the recipe to create unique and interesting tastes.
Many times, Ole Smoky Moonshine is flavored with natural fruit juices to create flavors like Apple Pie, Unaged Apple Pie, Blackberry, Lemon Drop, Peaches and Cream, Pineapple and more.
Is Ole Smoky Moonshine corn whiskey?
Yes, Ole Smoky Moonshine is made from corn, and is considered to be a corn whiskey. In the United States, in order for a whiskey to legally be labeled corn whiskey, it must be made from at least 80% corn mash.
Ole Smoky Moonshine is crafted from corn mash and natural, pure cane sugar, ensuring it maintains a smooth, sweet flavor. Before the whiskey is complete, it is charcoal filtered and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) to ensure it maintains its authentic, smoky flavor.
Can you drink Ole Smoky Moonshine straight?
Yes, you can drink Ole Smoky Moonshine straight, but it may not be the most enjoyable experience. Ole Smoky Moonshine is an unaged whiskey and thus has a much higher alcohol content than other whiskeys.
Therefore, it can be quite harsh and potent to drink straight. It is often used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed drinks to help cut down on the intensity of the taste. If you’re looking for a better taste experience, you may consider drinking it over ice or with a mixer like soda, ginger beer, or juice.
You may also want to consider purchasing Ole Smoky flavored moonshines, like apple pie and cherry, which have a much more smooth and sweet taste. Ultimately, it is legal to drink Ole Smoky Moonshine straight but you may find it more enjoyable to mix it.
Do you drink moonshine cold or warm?
The general consensus is that moonshine should be consumed at room temperature. Some people prefer to drink it chilled and others like it slightly warmer. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference but drinking it cold or warm can affect the taste of the moonshine.
Drinking it cold will cause some of the flavors to become muted and having it warm might make the alcohol become too harsh. Also, it is a good idea to make sure you drink moonshine in moderation, regardless of temperature.
What does Ole Smoky Original moonshine taste like?
Ole Smoky Original moonshine is an unaged corn whisky made in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, with a high proof of 80 to 100. It has a clear golden color and a subtle sweetness, with notes of corn and barley.
On the palate there is a smooth yet slightly fiery texture, with a sweet and slightly tart flavor that is followed by a hint of earthy grain and a light smoky finish. The finish is remarkably clean with the mellow sweetness of corn and a hint of spice.
In the mouth it is smooth, with a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor that is balanced out by a slight kick of smokiness. Enjoy neat or in a cocktail for a truly flavorful experience.
How strong is Tennessee moonshine?
Tennessee moonshine is a very strong alcoholic beverage made from a variety of grains. Depending on the recipe and the distiller, Tennessee moonshine can be anywhere from 30-90% ABV (Alcohol by Volume).
The strength can vary considerably among different batches and distilleries. Traditionally, pure corn whiskey is considered the strongest moonshine at 90-95% ABV. In terms of strength, Tennessee moonshine falls in the category of white whiskey or white dog, which is typified by higher alcohol content than, for instance, bourbon.
In some cases Tennessee moonshine can be as strong as pure grain alcohol, however typically it would be considered a bit less strong than Everclear. Tennessee moonshine is a strong and potent beverage, and it should be consumed responsibly.
What flavor is the moonshine?
The flavor of moonshine can vary greatly, depending on the ingredients used and the method of distillation. Many moonshines are made from corn, which produces a sweeter taste, while some use wheat, barley, or rye for a more savory flavor.
Fruits and herbs are sometimes added to the mash, also known as the ‘wine’, before fermentation to create flavored spirits. The aging process will also affect the flavor, as the spirit, or ‘white whiskey’ can be aged for several months, or even years, to give it a more distinctive flavor profile.
Common flavor notes associated with moonshine include a sweet and earthy taste, with grassy or herbal undertones. Some moonshines also have a hint of spice, or a slightly smoky aroma. Additionally, some moonshine recipes feature a high alcohol content, which can give it a harsh kick, though this rarely affects the flavor.
Ultimately, there’s no single standard flavor for moonshine, as the unique combination of ingredients and process of distillation generally makes every batch unique.
Is the moonshine in Gatlinburg real?
Yes, moonshine in Gatlinburg is very real. Despite its illegal production, it is a popular tourist attraction in the Tennessee Smokies. While there are several flavors to choose from, some of the more popular options include Apple Pie, Cherry Limeade, and White Lightning.
Visitors can purchase moonshine by the bottle, enjoy a tasting flight, or try a specialty cocktail. Smoking Moonshine Distillery, Ole Smoky Distillery, and Sugarlands Distilling are a few of the more popular moonshine operations in Gatlinburg.
There are also several shops in the area that specialize ice cream, cakes, and a variety of snacks that have been infused with moonshine.
When did Tennessee legalize moonshine?
Moonshine has been a staple of Tennessee culture since Prohibition was repealed in 1933. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that Tennessee officially legalized the production and sale of moonshine. Prior to this, Tennessee law only allowed the possession of up to one gallon of moonshine, with a few very specific exceptions.
In 2009, the state passed a law taking a more relaxed view of moonshine, essentially legalizing the production and sale of it. This made Tennessee the first state to do so since Prohibition was enacted in 1919.
The new laws allow stills of up to 50 gallons in capacity, and individuals are allowed to possess up to 10 gallons of moonshine at any given time. Licenses are still required for the production, sale, and distribution of moonshine, but the law relaxed regulations regarding its production and sale, sparking an explosion of craft distilleries in the state.
The legalization of moonshine in Tennessee has been a celebrated milestone for many people in the state, and it’s certainly helped to boost the local economy. It has also helped to preserve Tennessee’s rich cultural history.
What is the strongest alcohol?
The strongest alcohol, by volume, is Everclear. It is 190 proof (95% alcohol) and is produced by the American company, Luxco. It is illegal in many states because it is possible to produce potentially dangerous drinks with it that have a high alcohol content.
Many states have placed restrictions on the sale of Everclear due to the risk of overconsumption. Even so, some states still allow the sale of 190 proof Everclear for use in cooking, though not for consumption.
Other types of alcohol include grain alcohol, also known as neutral spirits, which has around 95% alcohol by volume. Additionally, there are a number of types of higher proof alcohols and liqueurs, such as absinthe, which can have as much as 86-89% alcohol by volume.
Finally, the highest proof vodka, usually around the 80-95% range, is often considered the strongest type of liquor.