Old Forge Distillery

About the Distillery

Old Forge Distillery is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and bases its production on freshly milled stone-ground corn from the historic Old Mill and fresh mountain water. The distillery is known for a large line of flavored moonshines, but also produces bourbon, cream liqueurs, gin, and rum. The combination of local raw materials and creative, kitchen-inspired flavor variants makes the place interesting for those who want to experience American craft distillation with strong Appalachian roots.

History

The history is closely tied to The Old Mill, built in 1830 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The mill's water wheel has traditionally powered the grain milling, and the grain and water resources laid the foundation for producers to establish distilling on the site. Old Forge Distillery opened in 2014 and has since built on the local heritage by stone-grinding grain for use in the distillation. Keener Shanton joined as Head Distiller shortly after the opening and is responsible for product development and daily production, where he combines local flavor sources with an experimental approach to distillation.

Raw Materials and Production

Production is based on stone-ground grains and fresh mountain water, with freshly milled grain from the associated mill used in the mash. The workshop character and limited automation mean that equipment is adapted and reconfigured as the distillery produces different types of spirits. Head Distiller Keener Shanton is involved in all stages from milling grain to finished spirit. A concrete production technique is the fermentation of local muscadine grapes for Harvest Gin, which underscores the use of local ingredients in both gin distillate and other experiments.

Maturation and Barrel Types

The distillery works with local barrel brands, and particular note is taken of the use of Tennessee white oak barrels for aging, especially in connection with Harvest Gin, where the gin distillate is aged in these barrels to achieve a smoother finish. The historical link between the mill's freshly milled grain and local wood usage reflects an approach where local materials are involved in maturation and finish experiments.

Whiskeys

The portfolio includes a robust range of flavored moonshines, including variants such as Coffee, Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, French Toast, Bananas Foster, and Peach under the 1830s Original Moonshine line. Alongside moonshines, Old Forge produces Blended Bourbon Whiskey as well as a selection of cream liqueurs, gin, and rum. Many of the flavors are directly inspired by dishes and ice cream and dessert variations from the nearby Old Mill restaurants and ice cream parlor.

Whiskey	Type / Series	Flavor Profile	Status
Old Forge Coffee Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	One of the flavored moonshines in the 1830s Original Moonshine line with a coffee profile, developed with inspiration from the local Old Mill kitchens.	Current; Core range
Oatmeal Cookie Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	Flavored moonshine in the 1830s line with bakery-inspired notes, developed from local kitchen and dessert traditions.	Current; Core range
French Toast Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	A morning- and dessert-inspired flavor in the moonshine series, developed with local flavor references.	Current; Core range
Chocolate Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	One of the dessert-inspired moonshines in the range with a chocolate profile, developed from local culinary sources.	Current; Core range
Bananas Foster Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	Dessert-inspired moonshine in the 1830s series with Bananas Foster theme, developed with inspiration from local kitchens.	Current; Core range
Peach Moonshine	Moonshine; 1830s Original Moonshine	Fruit-based moonshine in the 1830s Original line with a peach profile, inspired by local flavor sources.	Current; Core range
Old Forge Blended Bourbon Whiskey	Bourbon Whiskey	Blended bourbon whiskey, noted as part of the distillery's other spirit offerings alongside moonshines and cream liqueurs.	Current; Core range

Whiskey Style and Flavor Profile

The whiskey and spirits lineup clearly draws on dessert and kitchen influences. Coffee and chocolate appear as prominent flavor profiles, fruity notes such as peaches and bananas are represented in several moonshines, and bakery or breakfast-inspired notes appear in products like Oatmeal Cookie and French Toast. Additionally, vanilla-like creamy notes are found in selected cream liqueurs. These directions recur across multiple products and give the range a cohesive, sweeter character.

Visit the Distillery

Visitors can taste several of the distillery's spirits and experience an environment closely tied to the Old Mill complex. On-site there is a cocktail bar and a gift shop, and there are photo materials and information sections aimed at visitors. The experience highlights the local grain and water tradition and the many flavored variants the distillery offers.

Philosophy and Craft

Old Forge combines local historical practice with an experimental approach to spirit production. Stone-ground grains and fresh mountain water are central ingredients, and flavor development draws inspiration from local restaurants and creameries. The production philosophy embraces craft, regional identity, and a practical, creative use of equipment in a small-scale setting.