Dual Jar Release Party at Sugarlands Distilling Co.

January 5, 2025

01/05/2025 · Gatlinburg, Tennessee

We made it out to Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg for the Dual Jar Release Party featuring Master Distiller Alfredo Peña and Northern Yankee Moonshine’s Doug Taylor. The whole day felt relaxed but busy, and even with a crowd, the line for tastings moved steadily.

Crowd inside Sugarlands Distilling Co. tasting and shopping area during the Dual Jar Release Party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025. — The main tasting and shopping floor stayed packed, but everything kept moving without feeling rushed.

One of the best parts was how casual the whole setup was. Staff stayed on top of the pace the entire time, and our tasting table bartender Stacey kept the mood light and had the whole line laughing.

Bartender Stacey pouring a taster at the tasting counter inside Sugarlands Distilling Co. during the Dual Jar Release Party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025. — Plenty of tastings going out fast, with staff keeping the line flowing and the counter organized - Stacey was hilarious!

We also had a lot of fun showing up in custom “fan gear” for the jar release. Alfredo and Doug were both in great spirits, and they stayed engaged with everyone — signing jars, chatting, and taking photos without acting rushed.

Big Beard surprising Master Distiller Alfredo Peña by wearing a custom fan shirt during the Dual Jar Release Party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025.. — We got to congratulate Alfredo in person and show up representing with our custom shirts for the release.

Doug and Alfredo spent a big chunk of the event signing, and folks kept cycling through with jars in hand. It was easy to bounce between the tasting counter, the shop floor, and the signing area without feeling stuck in one spot.

Northern Yankee Moonshine’s Doug Taylor signing Still Will's jar inside Sugarlands Distilling Co. during the Dual Jar Release Party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025. — Doug stayed posted up signing jars and taking time with everyone who came through.

Between the signing table and the tasting counter, there was always something going on. Even with a steady crowd, the event stayed organized and welcoming, and it was easy to spend time catching up with friends and meeting new ones.

Master Distiller Alfredo Peña and Doug Taylor meeting fans inside Sugarlands Distilling Co. during the Dual Jar Release Party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025. — Lots of quick conversations, photos, and jar signings as the crowd rotated through.

We also took a minute to check out the distillery side of the building. Seeing the equipment up close is always a reminder that behind the tasting counter and the retail wall, there’s a serious operation running the show.

Large still setup on display inside Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Picture taken during the Dual Jar Release Party on January 5, 2025. — A look at the distillery equipment on site — a good reminder of how much work sits behind every bottle and jar.

Sugarlands Distilling Co. sign outside in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025. — Fun Extra — The Sugarlands sign out front: Hard to miss if you’re walking the strip in Gatlinburg.

Also in attendance

Big thanks to everyone we crossed paths with during the day — Moonshiner Tom, Damon Beaty, Bill Foster, Big Eaze, Master Distiller Brandon Buffington, Kenny Taylor, Mark Morgan, Pete Kochiss, Michael J. Bowen, Wesley Sandlin, April Parker, America and Whiskey Podcast, Shawnda Adams, and Master Distiller Big Nick Calo.

👕 Worn at This Event

Custom “Alfredo Peña Coladas” tee worn by Big Beard at the Dual Jar Release Party at Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025.

Custom “Alfredo Peña Coladas” Tee
worn by Big Beard
(not available for purchase)

Custom “I Heart Northern Yankee” hoodie worn by Still Will at the Dual Jar Release Party at Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on January 5, 2025.

Custom “I Heart Northern Yankee” Hoodie
worn by Still Will
(not available for purchase)

Event took place January 5, 2025 at Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on January 8, 2025. Extra photos and community comments are available on Facebook: View the original post.

Back to blog