Seasonal Cocktails and Bar Décor a Holiday Tradition at Old Forge Distillery

Old Forge Distillery is celebrating Smoky Mountain spirits and bringing the beauty of winter indoors by transforming its cocktail bar into a “Whiskey Wonderland.” This marks the second year the distillery has decked its bar in winter finery and offered a special seasonal drink menu. Building on the success of last year’s debut, it appears the popular promotion is on its way to becoming a Pigeon Forge holiday tradition.

The Old Forge staff has created a distinctive seasonal drink menu that features exclusive craft cocktails made with the distillery’s spirits. “Everyone pitched in to create these drinks,” says Head Distiller Keener Shanton. “We focused on the unique flavors of our award-winning spirits and infusions, then combined them with favorite holiday flavors. We’re confident our visitors will enjoy the results.”

Visitors can sip hand-forged seasonal cocktails like the Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour or French Toast Cider in the warmth of the bar while taking in the remarkable “Whiskey Wonderland” décor. Recreating an Appalachian winter scene indoors, the festive look adds cozy charm to the room’s rustic-tinged, modern style.

“People want more than a cocktail, they want an experience,” says Shanton, “and ‘Whiskey Wonderland’ is all about spreading good cheer.” 

Since opening in 2014, Old Forge Distillery has often relied on its historic neighbor, The Old Mill, for ingredients and inspiration. Many of the distillery’s spirits are created with stoneground grains sourced fresh from the mill. The flavors of The Old Mill Square have inspired Head Distiller Keener Shanton to create products like Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine and French Toast Moonshine, as well as the Old Forge Rock & Rye line, high-proof pre-prohibition liqueur, and the popular Cream liqueur line.

The “Whiskey Wonderland” seasonal cocktail menu and decorative theme will start Saturday, November 9, 2019, and continue through February 28, 2020. Visitors can get a jump on their holiday shopping, thanks to the unique gifts and small-batch spirits available on site. Old Forge Distillery is located at 170 Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. Business hours are 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, 10 am till 6 PM on Sundays. Old Forge will be closed Christmas Day. Call (865) 774-4126 for holiday hours and to schedule tours, tastings or private events. Additional information on the distillery and its products is available online at oldforgedistillery.com.

Seasonal Cocktails from Old Forge Distillery

Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe
1.5 oz Old Forge 10-year-old Bourbon
.5 oz  sour mix
1 oz dark amber maple syrup
1 large sprig of rosemary (plus 1 sprig for garnish)
Pour ingredients into a rocks glass, stir, and garnish with rosemary.

Crème Brulee Cocktail Recipe
2 oz Old Forge Coffee Moonshine
1 oz Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine
1 oz caramel syrup 
Rim glass with syrup. Mix moonshine in shaker over ice and strain into glass.