You’re walking through Opry Mills, dodging teenagers and trying to remember where you parked near the Regal cinema, when the smell hits you. It isn't just Cinnabon. It’s grain. It’s sugar. It’s that sharp, distinct tang of legal white lightning. Honestly, Smith Creek Moonshine Nashville is one of those places that sounds like a total tourist trap on paper—a moonshine tasting room inside a massive outlet mall? It sounds kitschy. But then you sit down at the wood-planked bar, hand over five bucks, and realize they actually know what they’re doing with a mash bill.
Nashville is literally drowning in booze options. You've got the high-end cocktail bars in the Gulch where a drink costs twenty dollars and the honky-tonks on Broadway where the beer is lukewarm and the floor is sticky. Smith Creek occupies this weird, middle-ground sweet spot. It’s accessible. It’s friendly. It’s tucked away in the shopping center near the Grand Ole Opry, making it the perfect "I need a break from my family" destination or a pre-show pit stop.
The Tasting Experience is Basically a Steal
Let’s talk about the five-dollar tasting. In a city where a bottle of water can cost four dollars, getting a flight of moonshine samples for a five-spot feels like a glitch in the Matrix. Usually, you get to pick about 12 to 13 different flavors to try. They give you these tiny little plastic cups, and the "Moonshine Bartenders" (who are usually aspiring musicians or local history buffs) talk you through the proof and the profile of each one.
It’s fast-paced. You’re rubbing elbows with strangers from Ohio or Germany.
The variety is honestly kind of overwhelming. They have the standard stuff, like the 100-proof "Straight" shine that hits your throat like a freight train, but the flavored stuff is where they really play around. We're talking Apple Pie, Peach, Strawberry Shortcake, and even more obscure ones like Lemonade or Sweet Tea. If you’ve ever had real, backwoods, "don't-tell-the-feds" moonshine, you know it usually tastes like rubbing alcohol and regrets. This isn't that. It’s refined. It’s smooth. It’s dangerously easy to drink.
The Flavors That Actually Taste Like Real Food
Most people gravitate toward the Apple Pie. It’s a classic for a reason. Smith Creek’s version isn't overly syrupy; it has that crisp cinnamon finish that makes it taste like dessert. But if you want to be adventurous, try the Salted Caramel. It sounds like it should be gross—salty corn liquor? No thanks. But somehow, it works. It’s buttery. It’s rich.
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Then there’s the Ginger shine. This one is polarizing. If you like ginger beer that burns your nose, you’ll love it. If you’re a fan of mellow flavors, stay far away.
One thing most folks don't realize is that moonshine is basically just unaged whiskey. Because it doesn't sit in a barrel for years soaking up oak flavors and turning brown, you’re tasting the raw ingredients. Smith Creek uses a corn-based mash, and you can actually taste the sweetness of the grain in their clearer pours. It's a different beast than bourbon. It's honest.
Beyond the Mason Jar: The Store and Atmosphere
The vibe inside the Nashville location is very "modern rustic." Lots of reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, and shelves stacked high with jars. It feels intentional. It doesn’t feel like a dusty old distillery because, well, it’s in a mall. But they lean into the North Carolina roots of the brand. While the Smith Creek brand actually started in Branson, Missouri, they’ve planted firm roots in Tennessee.
You aren't just there to drink, though. The shop is full of jams, salsas, and dry rubs.
The Moonshine Jelly is a sleeper hit.
Seriously.
Put that on a biscuit and your life changes.
They also sell "Moonshine Cherries" and "Moonshine Pickles." The pickles are an acquired taste. They’re crunchy and salty, but then you get that hit of high-proof alcohol at the end. It’s a weird sensation. Some people swear by them as the ultimate bloody mary garnish; others think it’s a crime against cucumbers. You have to decide for yourself.
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Why Location Matters (The Opry Mills Factor)
If you’re visiting Nashville, you’re probably going to end up at Opry Mills anyway. It’s right next to the Gaylord Opryland Resort—which is a massive indoor botanical garden disguised as a hotel—and the Grand Ole Opry House.
Walking those mall hallways can be exhausting. Smith Creek Moonshine Nashville serves as a sort of oasis for the weary shopper. It’s one of the few places in the mall where you can actually sit down, have a conversation with a local, and feel like you’re doing something "Nashville" without having to fight for a parking spot downtown.
- Parking Tip: Park near the Cinema or Dave & Buster’s. It’s the shortest walk to the tasting room.
- Timing: Go on a weekday afternoon. Saturday at Opry Mills is a special kind of chaos that no amount of moonshine can truly fix.
- The Law: Remember, you can’t walk around the mall with your samples. Drink them at the bar. Don't be that person.
The "Real" Factor: Is it Authentic?
Purists will tell you that if it’s sold in a mall and has a tax stamp, it isn't "real" moonshine. Historically, they’re right. Moonshine was defined by its illegality. But we live in 2026, and the "Moonshine" label has evolved into a specific category of American spirit.
Smith Creek doesn't pretend to be making this in a bathtub in the woods. They’re transparent about their process. They’re a legitimate distillery operation that focuses on high-quality, high-flavor spirits. The "authenticity" comes from the recipes and the hospitality. When you're sitting there and the bartender tells you a joke while pouring a sample of Butterfly Pea shine (which changes color, by the way), you aren't thinking about the technical definition of illicit spirits. You’re just having a good time.
There’s a misconception that moonshine is just for people who want to get drunk quickly. While the proof can be high (some jars go up to 100 or 128 proof), most of the flavors are around 40 to 60 proof. That’s roughly the same as a standard liqueur or a weak vodka. It’s designed for sipping and mixing. They even give you recipe cards so you can go home and make moonshine margaritas or "Shine-aritas."
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Addressing the Hangovers
Look, sugar plus high-proof alcohol is a recipe for a headache if you aren't careful. The flavored shines are delicious, but they are packed with sugar. If you do a full tasting and then buy a jar of Peach shine to drink that night, drink a gallon of water. Your future self will thank you. The straight, unflavored moonshine is actually "cleaner" in terms of how your body processes it, but it’s definitely an acquired taste for those used to smooth, aged scotches.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Don’t just rush through the flight. Ask the staff about the seasonal flavors. They often have limited runs that aren't on the main menu. Last time I checked, they had a chocolate version that tasted like a liquified candy bar.
Also, check the prices for the jars. Usually, they have deals if you buy two or three jars at a time. It makes for a great gift, mostly because the mason jars look cool on a home bar. Just make sure if you’re flying out of BNA, you pack them in your checked luggage. TSA will not let you through security with a quart of 100-proof firewater in your carry-on. I've seen it happen. It’s a sad sight to see a perfectly good jar of Apple Pie moonshine getting tossed into the bin.
Actionable Steps for Your Smith Creek Trip
- Bring your ID. It doesn't matter if you look ninety years old; they are strict. No ID, no shine.
- Budget for more than the tasting. You're going to want to buy a jar. Expect to spend between $25 and $35 per jar, depending on the proof and flavor.
- Eat first. There’s a food court nearby, but better yet, hit up Bavarian Bierhaus across the way for some heavy pretzels and sausage to soak up the alcohol.
- Grab the recipes. They have free cards near the register. The "Moonshine Mule" recipe is actually better than a standard vodka mule.
- Check for live music. Occasionally, they’ll have someone picking a guitar near the entrance, which really hammers home that Nashville vibe.
Smith Creek Moonshine Nashville isn't trying to be a five-star Michelin experience. It’s a fun, slightly loud, very flavorful slice of Southern culture tucked between a clothing store and a shoe shop. It’s worth the stop, even if you think you aren't a "moonshine person." You might just find out you've been a moonshine person all along.
Go for the Salted Caramel, stay for the stories, and maybe buy a jar of the moonshine cherries for your next backyard BBQ. You won't regret it. Unless you forget to drink water. Then you'll definitely regret it.
Final Note on Safety: Opry Mills is a big place. If you're doing a full tasting, give yourself thirty minutes to walk around the mall and sober up before you hop behind the wheel. Tennessee laws are no joke, and neither is the traffic on Briley Parkway. Stay safe and enjoy the shine.