Drop Zone Pigeon Forge Grand Opening

Drop Zone Pigeon Forge Grand Opening

08/16/2025 · Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

We made the trip up to Pigeon Forge to check out the grand opening of Drop Zone Distilling’s second location, and it turned out to be a great way to spend an afternoon. The place was busy with people stopping in to see the new space, take tastings, and check out everything the new store has to offer.

This new Pigeon Forge location builds on the Drop Zone spot we’ve visited before in Knoxville, and it was cool seeing the concept expand. The shelves were lined with bottles, the tasting counter stayed active, and the whole place had that grand-opening energy of people coming through the door to see what was new.

Drop Zone Distilling Co. DZ logo sign on the exterior of the Pigeon Forge location during the Drop Zone Pigeon Forge Grand Opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on August 16, 2025.
The DZ logo welcoming visitors to Drop Zone Distilling’s new Pigeon Forge location.

Inside, the bottle displays and merchandise racks made it easy to see the full lineup at a glance. From flavored moonshine options to apparel and souvenirs, there was plenty to browse while waiting for a tasting or just hanging out and talking with folks.

Bottle display shelves inside Drop Zone Distilling during the Drop Zone Pigeon Forge Grand Opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on August 16, 2025.
The interior shelves lined with bottles at the new Drop Zone Distilling Pigeon Forge location.

Owner Rod “Sarge” Parton was there welcoming people and keeping the energy going throughout the day. Bubba handled the tasters behind the counter and shared a few stories while folks worked their way through the lineup.

Owner Rod “Sarge” Parton standing with Brad Sanders of Liberty Soulshine, along with Big Beard, Still Will, and Kenny Taylor, inside Drop Zone Distilling during the Pigeon Forge grand opening on August 16, 2025.
Rod “Sarge” Parton spending time with Brad Sanders of Liberty Soulshine, along with Big Beard, Still Will, and Kenny Taylor during the grand opening.

We also got to spend some time with Brad Sanders of Liberty Soulshine, who’s been collaborating with Drop Zone on some upcoming projects. Hearing about the Red White and Blue Bicentennial jar release they’ve been working on was a fun preview of what’s coming next.

Smoky Mountain Squatch Shine (shout out to Tracy Arvin!) bottles and merchandise displayed at Drop Zone Distilling during the Pigeon Forge grand opening on August 16, 2025.
Plenty of bottles and merchandise on display for visitors checking out the new location - Shout out to Tracy Arvin of Smoky Mountain Squatch Shine!

The tasting experience itself was exactly what you hope for when you stop into a place like this. We worked our way through the lineup and ended up grabbing another bottle of the Salted Caramel before heading out — mainly because we had already finished the last one we brought home.

Big Beard and Still Will taking part in a moonshine tasting at Drop Zone Distilling during the Pigeon Forge grand opening on August 16, 2025.
Working through the tasting lineup at the counter.

It was also great running into Kenny Taylor and catching up for a bit while we were there. Moments like that are part of what makes these visits worthwhile — you never know who you’ll run into while checking out a new spot.

Bubba pouring tasting samples at the Drop Zone Distilling counter during the Pigeon Forge grand opening on August 16, 2025.
Bubba keeping the tasting cups moving while sharing stories with visitors.

If you’re heading through Pigeon Forge, the new Drop Zone location is definitely worth stopping by. Between the friendly crew, the tasting experience, and the full lineup of bottles and merchandise, it’s an easy place to spend some time while you’re in town.

Shana, also known as Miss Kara Loveheart, taking a tasting shot at Drop Zone Distilling during the Pigeon Forge grand opening on August 16, 2025.
Fun Extra – Still Will’s lovely wife Shana (AKA Miss Kara Loveheart) enjoying the liquor tasting!

Also in attendance

Thanks to the team at Drop Zone Distilling and the visitors who stopped in throughout the afternoon to celebrate the opening of the new Pigeon Forge location. It was great seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

👕 Worn at This Event

Home Distiller parody tee worn by Big Beard at Drop Zone Distilling Pigeon Forge grand opening.

“Home Distiller” Parody Tee
worn by Big Beard

Radical 80s Moonshine tee worn by Still Will at Drop Zone Distilling Pigeon Forge grand opening.

Radical 80's Moonshine Tee
worn by Still Will

Event took place August 16, 2025 at Drop Zone Distilling in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on August 17, 2025. Extra photos and community comments are available on Facebook: View the original post.

Back to blog