Sugarlands Distilling Company sits on the main strip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains, and Appalachian Apple Pie is the jar that put the brand in front of a national audience. It arrives the way moonshine is supposed to: a real Mason jar with a wire bail and a screw band, which is packaging that does a lot of work on a shelf and even more as a gift. What is inside is more considered than the category usually manages. Most apple pie moonshine leans on red apple and a heavy load of baking spice, and the results tend to taste like potpourri. Sugarlands went the other direction. This starts with a bright green apple character, tart and snappy rather than sugary, then layers sweet caramel underneath and finishes on something close to warm shortbread. The effect is closer to an actual slice of pie, crust included, than to a cinnamon candle. Be clear on what this is. The label states neutral spirits with natural flavor and caramel color, so this is a flavored spirit rather than a whiskey, and at 25 percent alcohol by volume, or 50 proof, it sits well below standard spirit strength. That makes it easy drinking and dangerously smooth, particularly served cold. Drink it chilled straight from the fridge, pour it over ice, or warm it gently in the cooler months. It also mixes seriously well: the brand suggests building it with Tennessee whiskey, ginger, lime, cranberry, tart berries or mulling spices. As a hostess gift, a holiday pour or a fall porch drink, the jar sells itself.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
25% |
| Proof |
50 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
| Category |
Flavored Moonshine |
| Expression |
Appalachian Apple Pie |
| Base |
Neutral spirits with natural flavor and caramel color |
| Distillery |
Sugarlands Distilling Company LLC |
| Packaging |
Mason jar with wire bail |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber to russet, from added caramel color.
Nose: Fresh baked green apple with a lift of lemon zest and a soft buttery pastry note behind it.
Palate: A tart snap of green apple up front, sitting between layers of shortbread, rounding into sweet caramel through the middle.
Finish: Quick citrus lift over a lingering caramel cushion, sweet and warming rather than hot.
FAQ
What proof is Sugarlands Appalachian Apple Pie? It is 50 proof, or 25 percent alcohol by volume, which is roughly half the strength of a standard spirit.
Is this whiskey? No. The label states neutral spirits with natural flavor and caramel color, so it is a flavored spirit rather than a whiskey, even though some retailers file it under the whiskey category.
How is it different from other apple pie moonshines? Most use red apple and pie spices. Sugarlands starts from green apple and layers caramel and shortbread underneath, so it lands tarter and less spice driven.
How should I serve it? Chilled straight from the fridge or over ice. It also warms nicely in colder months and mixes well with Tennessee whiskey, ginger, lime, cranberry or mulling spices.
Does it come in a real Mason jar? Yes. It is bottled in a genuine wire bail Mason jar, which is part of why it works so well as a gift.
Where can I buy Sugarlands Appalachian Apple Pie Moonshine online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
