Ole Smoky Peppermint Moonshine 750ML

Ole Smoky Peppermint Moonshine 750ML is a 100-proof Tennessee corn-based spirit infused with bold peppermint flavor, bottled at 50% ABV. Produced by the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee history, this expression pairs the raw intensity of traditional mountain shine with a bracing blast of cool mint.
Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA  |  Flavored Moonshine  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
Production & Heritage
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine made history as the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee, drawing on century-old Appalachian recipes that once lived only in the hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains. The spirit is distilled in small batches using copper pot stills and a corn-based mash, then infused with natural peppermint flavoring. The distillery, headquartered in Gatlinburg, was recognized as the most visited distillery in the world from 2020 through 2022, and the broader Ole Smoky brand was named Distillery of the Year at the 2023 PR%F Awards.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Crisp, candy-like peppermint arrives immediately, followed by a subtle warmth of raw corn spirit underneath. A faint sweetness rounds out the nose, reminiscent of a freshly unwrapped peppermint.
Taste: The entry is cool and invigorating, with a pronounced peppermint sweetness that coats the palate. At the mid-palate, the 100-proof corn whiskey backbone asserts itself with a spicy, warming bite. The balance between sugar-dusted mint and genuine moonshine heat keeps the spirit from becoming one-dimensional.
Finish: Medium in length, the finish lingers with a menthol-like cooling sensation that gradually gives way to a warm, peppery burn. A trace of sweet corn hangs on at the very end.
How to Drink Peppermint Moonshine
At 100 proof, this moonshine holds up well chilled and served as a straight shot, which is its most traditional application — the cold temperature amplifies the mint while taming the alcohol bite. For sipping, a single large ice cube opens it up slightly without diluting too fast.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A generous pour stirred into rich hot cocoa creates a warming winter drink where the mint and chocolate play off each other naturally.
Candy Cane Martini: Shake with white chocolate liqueur and cream for a holiday cocktail that leans into the candy-store character of the spirit.
Moonshine Mule: Substitute this for vodka in a Moscow Mule — the peppermint adds a refreshing twist that pairs well with ginger beer and lime.
Best For
Holiday parties and seasonal cocktail menus
Gifting to fans of bold, flavored spirits
After-dinner shots with friends during cold-weather gatherings
Adding a Tennessee twist to classic dessert cocktails
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Peppermint Moonshine taste like? It delivers a pronounced, sweet peppermint candy flavor up front, followed by the fiery warmth and faint corn sweetness of authentic Tennessee moonshine at 100 proof.
How does Peppermint Moonshine compare to Sugarlands Cole Swindell’s Peppermint Moonshine? Sugarlands’ version incorporates hints of cocoa and cream alongside peppermint, resulting in a softer, dessert-leaning profile. Ole Smoky’s expression is sharper and more spirit-forward at 100 proof, emphasizing raw mint intensity over sweetness.
Is Peppermint Moonshine good for cocktails? Its high proof and assertive mint flavor make it an excellent cocktail base, especially in winter and holiday drinks where it can stand up to rich mixers like cream, chocolate liqueur, and hot cocoa.
Where is Peppermint Moonshine made? It is distilled by Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine at their facility in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains — the first federally licensed distillery in East Tennessee history.
What foods pair well with Peppermint Moonshine? Dark chocolate brownies complement the mint beautifully, while cheesecake or vanilla ice cream create a classic mint-and-cream combination. Chocolate-dipped strawberries work as a lighter pairing, and rich pecan pie matches the corn-spirit backbone with toasty nut flavors.
What sizes does Peppermint Moonshine come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, though Ole Smoky also produces several of its flavored moonshines in 50ml and 375ml formats depending on market availability.
Is Peppermint Moonshine worth the price? Ole Smoky Peppermint Moonshine positions as an accessible, value-tier flavored spirit that delivers a lot of character for the category, especially at 100 proof — a higher strength than many flavored competitors offer at similar price points.
Why Peppermint Moonshine?
What separates this expression from generic peppermint liqueurs and schnapps is the backbone: genuine corn-based moonshine distilled in copper pot stills at a facility with deep Appalachian roots. The 100-proof strength means the peppermint flavoring rides on a serious spirit rather than a neutral, watered-down base. Ole Smoky’s status as the first legal distillery in East Tennessee and its recognition at the 2023 PR%F Awards speak to the brand’s credibility in a category crowded with novelty products. For drinkers who want peppermint flavor without sacrificing proof or provenance, this bottle fills a specific and well-earned niche.