Old Forge Distillery celebrates the season with “Whiskey Wonderland”

PIGEON FORGE, TN – The Old Forge Distillery has brought the nation’s hottest cocktail trend home to The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. In cities including New York, San Francisco, and Boston, hip cocktail spots are recreating themselves as bustling centers of holiday cheer, offering special takes on holiday tipples and eye-catching seasonal décor. Not to be outdone, The Old Forge Distillery has joined in the spirited fun.

Old Mill Forge Distillery's spirited fun

Located in the distillery, The Old Forge Cocktail Bar and Tasting Room has been temporarily rechristened “Whiskey Wonderland,” and decorated to resemble a beautiful Smoky Mountain winter scene. The staff has created a special seasonal drink menu featuring unique cocktails made with the distillery’s own spirits. “Everyone on staff 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.”

Since its opening in 2012, The Old Forge Distillery has often relied on its famous 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 Restaurant, Farmhouse Kitchen, Creamery, Candy Kitchen, Bakery and Pottery House Café and Grille have inspired products like Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine and French Toast Moonshine, as well as the Old Forge Rock & Rye and Cream liqueur product lines. The distillery’s Cocktail Bar and Tasting Room opened in September 2018. While other local distilleries offer product tastings, The Old Forge is the only distillery in the area Shanton is aware of that has an enclosed full bar and tasting room.

The striking “Whiskey Wonderland” seasonal décor adds a layer of cozy charm to the room’s rustic-tinged yet modern look. It transforms the space into the kind of setting that’s likely to have guests snapping selfies and spreading the word via social media. “Some people might think we’re crazy to redecorate a space that we just opened this fall, but ’tis the season!” Shanton says, chuckling. “People want an experience, and “Whiskey Wonderland” is all about good cheer.” Future plans include adding a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar and booking private events.

About Old Forge Distillery
The Old Forge Cocktail Bar and Tasting Room seats 25. The “Whiskey Wonderland” seasonal cocktail menu and decorative theme will continue through February 28. The Old Forge Distillery is located at 170 Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. Business hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, noon till 6:00 PM on Sundays. Holiday hours will vary. Call (865) 744-4126 for holiday hours and to schedule tours, tastings or private events. Additional information on the distillery and its products available online at oldforgedistillery.com.

Published December 23, 2018