Ole Smoky Sour Watermelon 750ML

Ole Smoky Sour Watermelon 750ML is a 40 proof (20% ABV) flavored corn moonshine from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, blending tangy sour notes with ripe watermelon sweetness. Produced by Ole Smoky Distillery — named Distillery of the Year at the 2023 PR%F Awards and an Impact Hot Brand for six consecutive years (2017–2022) — this expression highlights the distillery’s skill with bold, fruit-forward flavor profiles.
Quick Facts: ABV: 20% (40 Proof)  |  Origin: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA  |  Flavored Moonshine  |  Distillery: Ole Smoky Distillery
Production & Heritage
Ole Smoky Distillery opened in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as one of the first legal moonshine distilleries in the state. The base spirit starts with a mash of predominantly Tennessee corn and malted barley, distilled with water sourced from the Smoky Mountains. For the Sour Watermelon expression, natural sour watermelon flavoring is infused into the finished corn spirit, with the balance calibrated to deliver an initial tart bite that gives way to fruit sweetness — a deliberate contrast to sweeter flavored moonshines on the market.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright, candy-like watermelon jumps from the glass immediately, followed by a subtle tartness reminiscent of sour gummy candy. A faint corn sweetness lingers underneath the fruit notes.
Taste: The entry is decidedly sour — a lip-puckering tang that hits the front of the palate and commands attention. At mid-palate, ripe watermelon sweetness emerges and rounds out the tartness, creating a push-and-pull between sour and sweet. The corn base provides a smooth, light body that keeps the flavors from becoming cloying.
Finish: Medium in length with a clean, refreshing watermelon sweetness that gradually fades. The sour element dissipates first, leaving behind a pleasant, juicy fruit aftertaste.
How to Drink Sour Watermelon
Serve well-chilled or over crushed ice to amplify the refreshing sour-sweet character; at 20% ABV, it drinks easily without dilution concerns. Watermelon Margarita: Substitute triple sec with Sour Watermelon for a tangy twist on the classic, pairing naturally with lime juice and tequila. Sour Watermelon Lemonade: Mix with fresh lemonade and a splash of soda water for a low-effort summer cooler where the sour notes harmonize with citrus. Moonshine Punch: Combine with pineapple juice and grenadine over ice in a punch bowl — the tartness cuts through the tropical sweetness and keeps the blend balanced.
Best For
Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where chilled, fruit-forward drinks are in demand
Building a flavored moonshine collection with distinctly different profiles
Gifting to someone who enjoys sour candy and playful spirits
Batch cocktails and punch bowls for parties that call for easy crowd-pleasers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sour Watermelon taste like? It opens with a tart, lip-puckering sour punch that transitions into juicy watermelon sweetness, finishing clean and refreshing with lingering fruit notes.
How does Sour Watermelon compare to Sugarlands Sour Watermelon Moonshine? Sugarlands Sour Watermelon is bottled at a higher 60 proof (30% ABV), making it noticeably stronger and slightly less approachable for casual sipping. Ole Smoky’s 40 proof version leans into a lighter, more refreshing profile where the sour-sweet balance takes center stage over alcohol heat.
Is Sour Watermelon good for cocktails? Its 20% ABV and intense fruit-and-sour flavor make it an effective cocktail modifier — it adds watermelon character and tartness without overwhelming other ingredients, working especially well in punches, lemonades, and margarita variations.
Where is Sour Watermelon made? It is produced at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, situated at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The distillery uses locally sourced corn and mountain water in its production process.
What foods pair well with Sour Watermelon? Grilled shrimp skewers benefit from the tangy contrast; fresh fruit platters with melon and berries echo the watermelon core; spicy chicken wings find balance against the sweetness; key lime pie mirrors the sour-sweet dynamic; and sharp cheddar or mild goat cheese offer a savory counterpoint.
What sizes does Sour Watermelon come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, and Ole Smoky also commonly produces select flavors in mason jar packaging and smaller formats, though availability varies by market.
Is Sour Watermelon worth the price? It positions as an accessible, entry-level flavored moonshine — priced competitively within the flavored spirits category and delivering strong flavor impact for its segment, making it solid value for mixing and casual enjoyment.
Why Sour Watermelon?
Ole Smoky’s Sour Watermelon stands out in the flavored moonshine category by leading with tartness rather than relying solely on sweetness, a deliberate choice that gives it broader versatility in cocktails and on its own over ice. The corn-and-mountain-water base provides a cleaner canvas than grain neutral spirit alternatives, letting the watermelon flavor read as more natural. Backed by a distillery recognized as 2023 PR%F Awards Distillery of the Year and a six-year Impact Hot Brand, the expression benefits from proven production expertise across dozens of flavor releases. At 40 proof, it occupies a practical sweet spot — flavorful enough to sip chilled, mild enough to mix without overpowering a drink.