Residents of East Tennessee are known for their enthusiasm when it comes to the area’s exceptional whiskey and moonshine. However, when a Gatlinburg distillery consistently earns accolades and attracts over a million visitors annually, it’s a clear sign that the rest of the world should take notice.

Sugarlands Distilling Company has secured the top position in three categories of this year’s USA TODAY 10Best craft spirits rankings, including having the best spirits tasting room.

“Be sure to put a visit to Sugarlands Distilling Company at the forefront of your plans,” 10Best editors remarked. “They offer tours and tastings of their distinctive craft moonshine and whiskey, plus the bartenders are very engaging and the ambiance is always lively.”

Recognized as a premier distillery experience on a global scale, according to Tripadvisor, Sugarlands Distilling Company produces a variety of award-winning spirits, including moonshine, rum, cream liqueurs, rye whiskey, and vodka. Its products are available in more than 40 states.

Moonshine tastings cost $5 per person, offering 12 different flavor samples that vary each day.

Distinctive flavors such as blueberry muffin and peanut butter and jelly have contributed to Sugarlands Distilling Company earning the top position, as highlighted by 10Best.

Sugarlands Distilling Company | Gatlinburg

Traverse City Whiskey Co. | Traverse City, Michigan

Smugglers’ Notch Distillery located in Vermont offers a unique experience for whiskey lovers.

In Woodinville, Washington, the Woodinville Whiskey Co. stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship.

Great Jones Distilling Co. in New York City, New York, creates a vibrant distilling culture.

Meanwhile, in Kunia, Hawaii, Ko Hana Distillers provides a tropical twist on traditional distilling methods.

High West Distillery located in Wanship, Utah

Deviation Distilling based in Denver, Colorado

Balcones Distilling situated in Waco, Texas

Treaty Oak Distilling found in Dripping Springs, Texas

The distillery collaborated with NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his spouse Amy to produce High Rock Vodka, a triple-filtered vodka made from corn. This vodka is 88 proof, a nod to the number of Earnhardt’s car that triumphed at the Daytona 500.

Sugarlands Distilling Company | Gatlinburg

South Fork Vodka | Grass Valley, California

Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. | Quechee, Vermont

619 Spirits located in North Park, San Diego, California

Red River Brewing Company and Distillery situated in Red River, New Mexico

St. George Spirits based in Alameda, California

Gamblers Bay Distillery operating in Tampa, Florida

Smugglers’ Notch Distillery is located in Vermont.

Ocean Organic Vodka hails from Kula, Hawaii.

Cardinal Spirits can be found in Bloomington, Indiana.

Sugarlands Distilling Company is known for its moonshine, but it also offers a variety of indulgent Sippin’ Creams with flavors like strawberries and cream, pumpkin spice latte, orange dream, Eggo Nog, chocolate, and butter pecan.

Sugarlands Distilling Company located in Gatlinburg

SennzaFinne based in Seattle, Washington

10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits situated in Vail, Colorado

City Gate Spirits found in St. Augustine, Florida

State Line Distillery located in Madison, Wisconsin

Big Spring Spirits based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

Tamworth Distilling situated in Tamworth, New Hampshire

Smugglers’ Notch Distillery found in Vermont

Saxtons River Distillery | Brattleboro, Vermont

Cardinal Spirits | Bloomington, Indiana

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase the finest in travel, food, drink, and lifestyle. Each week, a panel of experts from various industries nominates their favorite attractions and points of interest across diverse categories. The 10Best editors review these nominations and choose a final group of nominees, which are then presented to the public for voting over a four-week period.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article was originally published by Knoxville News Sentinel: Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg tops 2024 10Best lists