Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler" — Attraction in Gatlinburg

The worse experience we had visiting a distillery and believe me, we’ve visited quite a few distilleries, winery and brewery in all our travels around the world.

First of all, they have 2 choices for sampling which the bartender did a piss poor job explaining the different except for one had 9 tasting and the other had 11 tasting. Doesn’t take a genius to understand that by paying more you should get more choices. She could have said “with the premium tasting, you’ll get to taste our signature bourbon as well”. I tried to change or upgrade but was refused.

Then the bartender tried to explain the very strict tasting rules by yelling. If it was so strict, suggest posting it on the bar and make sure everyone reads it. Cause after 6 tasting, my wife had an emergency as it’s that time of the month, and had to quickly find a restroom. She left while the bartender was trying to sell customers the package set. When the sampling restarted, my wife wasn’t back yet. The bartender said as she left the bar, she forfeited her tasting. Even I wasn’t allowed to finish her drink. When she returned, we had 2 more tasting to finish but the bartender refused to serve my wife claiming it’s the rule.

Not sure if this is a state law or rule of the distillery. But to then charge the customer full price for something they didn’t have is a rip off. Imagine someone had to run to take an emergency phone call or go outside quickly to check on their kids. I understand forfeiting that one drink you missed out but then to forfeit the remaining of the course is crazy. Imagine you left just after the second pour. Then you’ll pay $7 for just 1 or 2 very very small sip. Or what if that person has lactose intolerance and can’t drink the last 3 sampling. Why can’t your partner or friend who’s tasting with you and paying as well can’t finish your drink on your behalf?

I’m all in for rules but again, if it’s that strict, maybe it clearly visible and post it so everyone can read. Also, was planning to pick up a bottle of their bourbon on the shelf but couldn’t find a single price on the bottle or on the display. As they keep on saying “Hell yeah, I surely won’t return and won’t recommend...

Absolutely terrible place I was trying to get my stamps for the old Smokey moonshine trail and I have already been to almost all the bars and got my stamps and I went in to get my stamp and the bartender kicked me out because I was having shots that I payed for and I was with my girl the whole time and I jokingly said that you got more then me and when she poured it I said I can’t believe you got more then me and the bartender cut Me Of because of what I sad to my girl and i was playing around with my girl friend the bartenders name was Jess and she took my cups and said I’m done I already payed for my shots and everything so as I got kicked out for absolutely no reason at all because I was joking with my girlfriend I asked for the manger we talked for a minute and then she left for awhile I talked to Jacob he was awesome and I had no problem with him what so ever i got my money back from the manger on duty and left while my girlfriend got her stamp and shots and stayed until she was done with the taste tasting I think the girl that was the bartender need more training and customer service training and the realizing what’s going on with a couple and that where a happy couple and love one another and was playing around and ask more questions or something before kicking a paying customer out of someplace I have spent so much money with this company so I’m very upset but even tho I was talking to my girlfriend I got kicked out for joking with her I will never be back to this place ever again I have never had this happen to me I’d go anywhere else in pigeon forge and Gatlingburge and pigeon forge before I would ever go here again very upset and unsatisfied with the way...

Ole Smoky used to be a regular stop for me, my family, and friends every time we visited Gatlinburg, but after this disgraceful experience, I will NEVER go back.

After three days of tastings, I was ready to drop nearly $500 on moonshine and bourbon using a VISA gift card with a confirmed $500 balance. The cashier—lazy and clueless—insisted the card didn’t work and refused to do anything beyond swiping it. When I suggested trying another machine, she called in her so-called “manager,” who was even worse: rude, dismissive, and completely unwilling to help. The absolute incompetence was staggering.

To add insult to injury, when I contacted the merchant later, I discovered the real issue: these knuckleheads didn’t even bother to type in the security code on the card! $500 lost because of their sheer laziness and stupidity.

This was the most humiliating and infuriating experience I’ve ever had as a customer. A $500 purchase meant nothing to them, and their attitude made it clear they couldn’t care less about my business. I could’ve easily used my no-limit AMEX, but why reward such horrible service?

I’ve never been so humiliated. A $500 purchase meant nothing to them, even though other customers...