Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour

If you’re considering a bottled-up binge or a deep dive into Appalachian alcohol traditions, the Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour offers a peek into the local scene. Hosted in Sevierville, this roughly three-hour tour claims to take you to “hidden gems” and “off-the-beaten-path spots” to enjoy moonshine, craft beer, and wine with a small group. Whether this sounds like fun or a bit underwhelming, our overview aims to give you an honest, detailed look—so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

We appreciate the idea of exploring local spirits with knowledgeable guides and enjoying authentic Tennessee flavors. The tour’s focus on local distilleries and family-owned wineries hints at a more genuine experience than the typical tourist trap. Plus, the safety of a designated driver is a big plus for those wanting to indulge without worry. However, some reviews hint at issues like lack of guidance or organization, which are worth considering before booking. If you’re a casual sipper looking for an easy, relaxed way to taste some local spirits, this might be worth a try. But if you’re after a truly immersive or highly organized experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

Key Points:

• Small-group experience ensures more personalized attention
• Focus on local, family-owned distilleries, wineries, and breweries
• Safety and convenience with pick-up and drop-off at a central location
• Limited guided commentary, some travelers found it lacking
• Price point is moderate for a tasting experience, but check what’s included
• Ideal for casual drinkers who enjoy sampling in a laid-back setting

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks, where you’ll be picked up in a minivan—an intimate setting with just a handful of guests. With a maximum group size of 7, there’s room for conversation, but some reviews note that the driver wasn’t always well-prepared, and the stops lacked detailed commentary. That said, the stops themselves are promising.

Stop 1: Moonshine Depot

Your first stop is Moonshine Depot, a family-run operation where the craft has been passed down through generations. Here, you’ll get a feel for the rich tradition of Appalachian moonshine. The distillery is family-owned and operated, which suggests a more authentic experience than a big commercial operation—though the admission fee isn’t included, and you might find yourself just tasting without much background. Expect about 30 minutes here to sample and soak in the atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned that the tour guide didn’t offer much info, which could be disappointing if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the history.

Stop 2: Old Tennessee Distilling Company

Next, you’ll visit Old Tennessee Distilling in Kodak, famed for their smooth, locally made moonshine. Made from local corn, their spirits boast bold, authentic flavors. This stop also lasts around 30 minutes, with tastings designed to be enjoyable and straightforward. A reviewer appreciated the “delicious, smooth moonshine,” but again, there’s little official explanation or storytelling—so if you prefer guided narratives, you might find this part a bit bland.

Stop 3: Mountain Brothers Brewing Company

Here, the group gets a taste of local craft beer. Mountain Brothers offers samples that showcase regional brewing talent. It’s a relaxed stop where you can either savor small samples or purchase a full pour if you’re feeling extra thirsty. The brewing scene in the Smokies isn’t usually what comes to mind first, but this stop highlights the area’s growing craft beer scene. Some guests might find the experience a bit quick or superficial, especially if they’re beer aficionados looking for more details about the brews.

Stop 4: Tennessee Mountain View Winery

The final stop is Tennessee Mountain Winery, set against the scenic backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. Here, you’ll indulge in wine tasting while marveling at the views. The winery is family-owned, and the wines are described as delicious, with the setting making it a lovely photo opportunity. The 30-minute visit gives you a relaxed end to the tour, but again, the actual guided commentary seems minimal, with some travelers wishing for more background on the wines.

Transportation and Group Size

One of the tour’s notable features is its small size—max seven travelers—which allows for more personalized service. Pickup at Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks is convenient, but a review noted that the guide didn’t always have tastings lined up, sometimes asking guests where they wanted to go. That can make the experience feel a bit unstructured, especially for those expecting a more curated journey.

The transportation is a standard minivan, comfortable enough for a quick jaunt between spots. The timing at each location is about 30 minutes, which is enough for a tasting and some photos but leaves little room for in-depth exploration or learning.

Value and Price Point

At $99 per person, this tour sits in a moderate price range for a small-group tasting experience. It offers the convenience of a guided tour, transportation, and visits to four different spots, which adds up to a decent value. However, since admission to the distilleries, wineries, and breweries isn’t included, you’ll need to budget extra for tastings or purchases.

One review pointed out that the guide’s lack of explanation at each stop was a downside, making the experience feel more like an informal bar crawl rather than a guided tour. If you’re after an educational or immersive experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re simply looking to sample some local spirits and enjoy a relaxed afternoon, it can be a fun, low-pressure option.

Authenticity and Experience

What makes this tour potentially appealing is its emphasis on local, family-owned establishments. These places often have more genuine stories and flavors than commercialized brands. The setting—particularly the winery with mountain views—adds a scenic touch that many travelers enjoy.

However, the reviews suggest that the tour could benefit from more guidance and structured storytelling. One reviewer mentioned that the guide didn’t tell them much about the places they visited, which could be a letdown if you’re hoping to learn about Appalachian spirits’ history and culture. That said, the delicious wines, moonshine, and beer were generally appreciated, and the small group size made for a personable experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience could be perfect for easygoing travelers who want a laid-back day sampling local drinks without a heavy dose of education. It suits those who value small groups and convenience over detailed guides or curated stories. If you’re interested in supporting local, family-owned businesses and enjoy scenic stops, this tour offers a taste of authentic Smoky Mountain spirit.

However, if you expect a well-organized, highly informative experience or have specific interests in the production process or history, you might find it lacking. The lack of included admission fees and minimal commentary could be a downside for some.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking a casual, social way to experience local spirits in Sevierville, the Hillbilly Booze Cruise offers a decent, low-cost option. Its charm lies in visiting small, family-operated distilleries, wineries, and breweries, and enjoying the scenic backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. The small group size and pick-up convenience make it accessible and personal, but the lack of guided storytelling may leave those looking for a more educational experience a bit disappointed.

If you’re flexible, open to a relaxed tasting day, and curious about Appalachian spirits without expecting a deep dive, this tour can be a fun addition to your Smoky Mountain itinerary. Just be aware that it’s more about sampling and casual fun than detailed cultural insights.

In sum: It’s best suited for easygoing, social travelers who value authentic local flavors but don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in the plan.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, you must be 21 or older with valid ID to participate, as it involves alcohol tastings.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, including stops at four different locations.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, but tastings and any purchases at the stops are extra.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a minivan picks you up and returns you to the starting point.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is seven travelers, keeping the experience small and intimate.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not included; tips are customary for guides and staff at each location.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the tour.

What’s the booking process like?
You book with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking.

Are the distilleries and wineries family-owned?
Yes, at least some stops, like Moonshine Depot and Tennessee Mountain View Winery, are family-run, emphasizing authentic local flavor.

To sum it up, the Hillbilly Booze Cruise offers a straightforward, relaxed way to taste some of the Smoky Mountain region’s spirits. While it might lack in-depth storytelling or organization, it provides genuine access to local producers and scenic views, making it a decent choice for those wanting a lighthearted introduction to Appalachian alcohol traditions.