KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ole Smoky Distillery has announced a long-term partnership with the University of Tennessee Athletics.
The Gatlinburg-based business was founded in 2010 as the first federally licensed moonshine distillery in East Tennessee. Created from a centuries-old moonshining tradition by settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ole Smoky maintains over five million annual visitors across its four Tennessee locations.
“We’re excited to welcome Ole Smoky Distillery as a partner of Tennessee Athletics,” Steve Early, vice president and general manager of the Vol Network, said. “They’re the most visited distillery in the world and they’re based right here in Big Orange Country. The Ole Smoky brand is a cultural fit for our region, as their popularity will attest, and that aligns perfectly with the passion of our fan base.”
UT will partner with Ole Smoky in the flavored whiskey and moonshine categories for all athletic teams. Per the agreement, Ole Smoky's moonshine will be named the "The Exclusive Moonshine of the Vols."
"As a native Tennessean, a UT alumnus and lifelong Vols fan, I’m excited to officially connect Ole Smoky with the university,” Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky Distillery, said. “With both brands deeply rooted in East Tennessee’s spirit and pride, this partnership perfectly combines our mutual commitment to promoting local culture and values with the passion and dynamic energy of college sports.”