Sugarlands moonshine is made in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This picturesque location sets the stage for the craft distillery to create their award-winning spirits. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I had the pleasure of visiting Sugarlands Distilling Company and witnessing the artistry and dedication that goes into their moonshine production.
Gatlinburg itself is a vibrant and bustling tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. It's no wonder that Sugarlands chose this location to set up their distillery. The pristine mountain water and rich agricultural resources in the area provide the perfect foundation for creating high-quality spirits.
When you step into the Sugarlands Distilling Company, you are immediately greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fermentation and the sight of gleaming copper stills. The distillery is a testament to the craft and tradition of moonshine production. The passionate and knowledgeable staff at Sugarlands are proud to carry on the legacy of Appalachian moonshiners.
The process of making Sugarlands moonshine begins with carefully selected grains, including corn, wheat, and barley. These grains are ground down to a fine meal, which is then mixed with water to create a mash. This mash is cooked in large steam kettles, releasing the sugars from the grains.
Once the mash has cooled, it is transferred to fermentation vessels, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. The fermentation process can take several days, during which time the yeast works its magic, producing the flavors and aromas that are unique to each batch of moonshine.
After fermentation, the liquid is distilled in the copper stills, which helps to purify and concentrate the alcohol. The distillation process is a careful balancing act, as the distillers aim to capture the desired flavors and aromas while removing any unwanted impurities.
Once the moonshine has been distilled, it is typically aged in charred oak barrels to add complexity and depth to the spirit. The aging process allows the flavors to mellow and develop, resulting in a smooth and flavorful moonshine.
Sugarlands Distilling Company takes great pride in their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. They have won numerous awards for their moonshine, including the prestigious “Best Moonshine” title at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This recognition is a testament to the skill and dedication of the distillers at Sugarlands.
In addition to their moonshine, Sugarlands Distilling Company also produces a range of other spirits, including rum, cream liqueurs, and rye whiskey. Each spirit is crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that defines their moonshine.
The availability of Sugarlands moonshine extends far beyond the borders of Tennessee. Their spirits are distributed in 40 states nationwide, allowing people from all corners of the country to enjoy the taste of authentic Appalachian moonshine. Furthermore, Sugarlands has partnered with Reserve Bar to offer home delivery, making it even easier for enthusiasts to get their hands on their favorite spirits.
Sugarlands moonshine is made in the scenic town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the tradition of moonshine production thrives. The craftsmanship and dedication of the distillers at Sugarlands is evident in the quality and flavor of their spirits. Whether you're sipping their moonshine straight or using it as a base for cocktails, you can trust that each bottle embodies the spirit of the Smoky Mountains.