Ole Smoky Distillery of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is proud to announce a long-term partnership with University of Tennessee Athletics. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Ole Smoky’s moonshine has been named “The Exclusive Moonshine of the Vols” with the university partnering with Ole Smoky across both the flavored whiskey and moonshine categories.
As a proud sponsor of the Vols, the agreement is a multi-year collaboration across all the university’s athletic teams.
“We’re excited to welcome Ole Smoky Distillery as a partner of Tennessee Athletics,” said Steve Early, vice president & general manager of the Vol Network. “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.”
Ole Smoky and UT have deep roots and an authentic connection to the culture of East Tennessee. Ole Smoky was born out of the centuries-old tradition of moonshining that was passed down through generations in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The company was founded less than 40 miles from Knoxville in Gatlinburg, TN – a location the company still calls home.
“As a native Tennessean, a UT alumnus and lifelong Vols fan, I’m excited to officially connect Ole Smoky with the university,” says Joe Baker, founder of Ole Smoky Distillery. “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.”
Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky is the first federally licensed moonshine distillery in East Tennessee with roots tracing back over 100 years. By honoring the decades old tradition of moonshine making with century-old family recipes from the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains, Ole Smoky has introduced these Tennessee spirits to consumers around the world. The company now has four distilleries across Tennessee. Across these four locations, Ole Smoky welcomes over 5 million visitors annually making it consistently the most visited distillery in the world. The company’s moonshine and whiskey products are also now available all 50 states and over 20 international markets, and Ole Smoky remains one of the largest employers in East Tennessee.