Episode 7
The Story of Moonshine: Past & Present
September 21st, 2026
31 mins 38 secs
Tags
About this Episode
Did you know the most visited distillery in the world sits right in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
In this episode, you’ll discover the rich history, family legacy, and surprising myths behind legalized moonshine straight from an insider.
Hosts Caroline and Brent sit down with Johnny Baker (known affectionately as "Uncle Johnny"), brand ambassador for Ole Smoky Moonshine. Johnny takes us through his family's deep-rooted roots in Sevier County, the transition from illegal distilling in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to opening Tennessee's first legal moonshine business, and how local heritage built a global brand. Plus, the crew tries Ole Smoky's new Cherry Limeade Cherries live on air and shares heart-warming listener memories from the Gatlinburg Story Capsule.