A hillbilly booze cruise is more fun than it sounds. You’ll drive through the Smoky Mountain area and hit a tight loop of family-run spirits spots—moonshine, beer, and wine—with real tasting time at each place. I especially love how small this group is (max 7), which makes it easier to ask questions and actually hear the stories behind what you’re sipping; I also like that the day ends with a view stop at a family winery. One thing to consider: tasting/admission tickets aren’t included, so your total spend can creep up depending on how many pours you choose.

This 3-hour run starts at 3:00 pm in Sevierville and stacks four stops in about a half-day. You’re likely to meet a friendly driver-guide team—some past guests singled out drivers like Dallas and Gavin for being patient, knowledgeable about the area, and great at sharing context while you travel. Still, one review flagged some organizational hiccups (late departure and not getting clear timing at each stop), so I’d plan to stay flexible and keep your expectations realistic with a small operation.

If you like Appalachian-style spirits and you’re okay paying for extra pours or snacks on site, this tour can be a fun, efficient way to sample a lot in one afternoon. Bring your ID (21+ required) and go in knowing the schedule is built for tasting first, not for museum-level pacing.

Key Things I’d Watch For (Before You Go)

• Four stops, four styles: moonshine at two distilleries, craft beer at a brewery, and wine at a mountain-view winery.
• Small-group feel (max 7 travelers): it’s set up so you don’t get lost in a huge herd.
• No tastings included: each location lists tasting/admission tickets as not included, so budget extra for flights and purchases.
• Time at each stop is short (about 30 minutes): you’ll want to decide early what you’re ordering so you’re not rushed.
• Driver quality can make or break the day: reviews highlight drivers like Dallas and Gavin for being friendly and patient.
• Organization can wobble: one guest reported late pickup and confusion with tastings—arrive early and be ready to confirm timing on site.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Actually Paying For

At $99 per person for about 3 hours, you’re mostly paying for transportation plus scheduled time at four partner-style tasting locations. That matters because the Sevierville–Kodak–Smoky Mountain loop can be a hassle if you’re trying to do it solo with limited time.

Here’s the honest math: the tour includes the driving and the structure, but admission/tasting tickets are not included at each stop. That means you’ll likely spend extra on site—especially if you order more than one pour or tasting flight. If you’re the type who wants a quick sip and moves on, you may spend less. If you want to sample multiple flavors at multiple stops, expect the final bill to rise fast.

Group size is capped at 7 travelers, which is a big deal. In practice, smaller groups usually mean less waiting, fewer misunderstandings, and a better chance that the driver can explain what you should do at each stop. Reviews also mention drivers like Dallas and Gavin, and both came through as friendly and helpful. That said, the operation isn’t described as massive or highly formal, so there can be occasional hiccups with timing and check-in—so keep it simple and flexible.

Your tour starts at 3:00 pm and meets at 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. A mobile ticket is used, and you’ll want to have your phone ready at pickup.

The 3-Hour Plan: Four Stops That Build One Tasting Story

This tour is designed like a mini drinking itinerary: start with moonshine history, move into local corn-based flavors, then switch to beer, and finish with wine and views. Each stop is listed as about 30 minutes, so you’ll feel the pace—somewhere between casual and efficient.

Also note the age rule: you must be 21+ to participate, and the tour requires you to bring ID. If you’re traveling with friends or family who aren’t 21, you’ll need to plan accordingly. The tour allows service animals, and most travelers can participate, but the big gate is still the 21+ requirement.

One more practical detail: because each tasting location says admission tickets aren’t included, you’ll likely pay on site for any tastings, pours, or extras. That’s normal for this type of tour. Just don’t treat the $99 as an all-in tasting package.

Stop 1: Moonshine Depot and the Appalachia Backstory

Your first stop is Moonshine Depot, a family-owned and operated distillery where the craft has been passed down through generations. That family lineage matters because the point here isn’t just to drink—it’s to understand why moonshine culture is such a big part of Appalachia.

You’ll get roughly 30 minutes at this location. The experience is described as a mix of tasting, stories, and spirits history, which is exactly what makes early-stop choices important: you can either go in curious and ask questions—or try to taste fast and risk missing the context. If you like learning as you go, this is the most “story-forward” stop in the lineup based on the description.

Potential drawback: since the distillery notes admission ticket not included, you may arrive and realize your first tasting isn’t covered. That can feel annoying if you were expecting the tour price to handle everything. My advice: treat the distillery stops like a guided sampler day where you’ll choose your own pour count.

Stop 2: Old Tennessee Distilling Company in Kodak (Corn, Smooth, Bold)

Next you head to Old Tennessee Distilling Company in Kodak. This stop is framed around a specific flavor idea: moonshine made from local corn with bold, authentic character and a smooth finish.

You’ll have another 30 minutes here. Expect a tasting-focused visit with time to try a few flavors and meet the friendly team. This stop feels most like the “you’re here to taste” chapter—less about scenic views, more about flavor variety.

One practical thing to remember: short time + multiple flavors can create decision pressure. If you want to slow down, choose one or two flavors you’re most curious about, taste them properly, then decide if you want to add more. Otherwise you’ll end up doing the classic tasting-day mistake: trying to taste everything and enjoying very little.

Also, if your group doesn’t love beer, you may actually be glad this second stop is still moonshine-driven. It keeps the tour feeling like a real “hillbilly” run rather than just hopping between beverage categories.

Stop 3: Mountain Brothers Brewing Company and Fried Pie Nearby

Then comes Mountain Brothers Brewing Company, where you can enjoy local craft beer samples. If you want a fuller pour, it’s available for purchase, and if you get hungry there’s fried pie next door for an additional cost.

This stop is where the tour shifts from distillery mode to brewery mode. It’s a nice change of pace because beer tends to feel more social and casual than moonshine, and it often works better for mixed tastes.

Here’s what I like about how this stop is positioned: it gives you options. You can stick to samples and keep momentum, or you can add a purchased pour and settle in a bit. And the fried pie is a smart add-on if you want food to balance stronger spirits earlier in the day.

Consideration: one guest suggested that the beer stop wasn’t the best fit for their group. That tells me you should treat the beer stop as a standard part of the itinerary—not a flexible detour. If your group is strictly moonshine-focused and not into beer, you might enjoy this stop less. The good news is you’ll only be there about 30 minutes, so you’re not stuck for half a day.

Also, one review described a bus that wasn’t in great shape (though it seemed clean) and emphasized music during the ride. If you care about comfort, bring a light layer and be ready for a more “road trip” style experience rather than a luxury tour bus.

Stop 4: Tennessee Mountain View Winery for Wine and Views

The final stop is Tennessee Mountain View Winery, a family-owned winery at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This is the big end-cap: great wine paired with mountain views, described as the perfect way to close a hillbilly booze cruise.

You’ll get about 30 minutes here. This stop is worth it even if you’re not a wine expert, because the setting is the payoff. Wine tastings tend to feel less aggressive than spirits, and that makes it a good finish after moonshine and beer.

Practical advice: if you’re planning to buy a bottle or pack pours to go, you’ll want to keep your timing tight. You only have one stop left after this, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. So taste, enjoy the view, and then make any purchases cleanly before your time runs out.

One guest also mentioned the best stop felt like a side-road “hidden” place with a river and small falls. That detail wasn’t part of the listed four stops, so I can’t promise it’s guaranteed—but it does tell you the driver may sometimes take you by interesting scenery. Keep your eyes open and bring good camera energy if you like roadside surprises.

What the Small Group Size Changes (For Better and Worse)

With a maximum of 7 travelers, you get a more personal experience than you would on a bigger bus. That often means you can ask questions at stops, you’re easier to keep track of, and your driver can adjust on the fly if timing or tasting flow is running behind.

Reviews were strongly positive about the human side of the tour. People praised drivers like Dallas for being knowledgeable of the area, friendly, and patient. Another review praised the driver Gavin for sharing where you were going and the history behind each place. That matters because when you’re visiting multiple alcohol-focused venues, the “why” behind each one is what keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

The downside of smaller, informal operations: organization can be less polished. One review mentioned being picked up late (about 15 minutes), no check-in, and not getting a full itinerary explanation before leaving. If that happens, it’s usually not dangerous—it’s just messy.

So I’d do two things:

• Arrive a little early at 2005 Wears Valley Rd and confirm you’re on the right vehicle.
• At the first stop, ask the driver to clarify how timing works so you know exactly how long you’ll have at each location.

That single question can save your afternoon.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is best for adults who want to sample a lot of local flavor in a short window and don’t mind paying for extra tastings on site.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You like moonshine, craft beer, and wine (or at least are willing to sample each).
• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want a tight itinerary rather than a long day.
• You want the Appalachian story angle, not just the drink.

You might want to skip or adjust expectations if:

• You need a perfectly timed, highly structured experience.
• You’re strongly against beer or don’t want to pay extra for tastings at multiple stops.
• You’re looking for an all-inclusive experience where the $99 covers all beverages. Here, admission/tickets aren’t included, so plan for additional spending.

The tour also requires you to be 21+ and to bring ID, so it’s adult-first by design.

Quick Tips to Get More Value From Your Tasting Time

Because each stop is about 30 minutes, your biggest enemy is hesitation. You can make the day smoother with a few simple moves:

• Decide your “tasting strategy” before you arrive at each location. If you want two flavors, pick them early so you don’t lose time.
• Pace yourself. Moonshine early can hit harder than expected, and beer later won’t automatically slow you down.
• If you care about avoiding confusion, ask the driver at pickup about how long you’ll be at each stop.
• Bring patience. One guest mentioned the ride experience and music were enjoyable, but timing and organization weren’t perfect—so treat this as a fun road trip with stops, not a precision clock.

And yes, expect the tour to feel like you’re part of a small group road day where the driver’s personality matters. If the driver is great (Dallas and Gavin were singled out for a reason), the whole experience gets better.

Should You Book Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour?

I’d book this if you want a short, entertaining tasting loop in the Smoky Mountain area and you’re comfortable budgeting extra for tastings and any purchased pours. The small group size, the mix of moonshine/beer/wine, and the Appalachian storytelling angle make it a solid value for $99—as long as you don’t expect the tour price to cover everything you’ll sample.

Skip it if your group is picky about alcohol categories or if you need flawless timing and highly formal organization. In that case, you may prefer a more rigid, all-inclusive tasting plan.

If you do book, you’ll get the best results by showing up on time, having your ID ready, and going in with a simple goal: enjoy each stop’s vibe, taste what you can, and leave enough energy for that final mountain-view finish.

FAQ

How long is the Hillbilly Booze Cruise Tasting Tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The tour costs $99.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at 2005 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 3:00 pm.

Are tastings or admission tickets included in the price?

No. The stops list admission ticket not included, so you should expect to pay for tastings or additional purchases at the locations.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. You must be 21+ to participate, and you’ll need to bring ID.

Can you cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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