Nine tastings, one quick Nashville lesson. This 3-hour bus tour links multiple Nashville distilleries and breweries, with private transportation between stops so you can skip taxis and just enjoy the pours. You get 9 to 12 alcoholic drink samples, plus explanations along the way, from whiskey styles to craft beer basics.

I love the pace and the group size. You’re limited to a maximum of 13 travelers, which makes it easier to keep moving without feeling shoved out the door, and it leaves room for real questions. One consideration: the first Nashville stop can vary by day, and if you’re craving only traditional, single-site distillery production tours, one stop may feel more like a tasting-focused stop than a full-scale factory tour.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Private rides between locations keeps your day simple and avoids planning transport
• 9 to 12 tastings included, so you can compare bourbon, whiskey styles, and craft beer without extra ticketing
• Small group limit of 13 helps with timing and not waiting around forever
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery plus other Nashville favorites brings variety in one loop
• Guides with personality, including names like Jack and Jimmy, can turn tastings into a mini Nashville lesson

What $114.99 Buys in Real Tasting Time

At $114.99 per person for about 3 hours, this tour is priced like a premium “do it for me” experience. The value comes from two things you would otherwise have to piece together.

First, you get transportation included between venues. In Nashville, that can be the hidden cost of any food and drink crawl. Second, you’re not paying per pour. You’re getting 9 to 12 alcoholic drink samples as part of the experience. That matters because tastings at distilleries and breweries can add up quickly if you go venue to venue on your own.

You also get a format that keeps the day from dragging. Even with multiple stops, the tour is short enough that you can still fit it into a full itinerary with dinner plans or a music show later.

The 3-Hour Flow: Green Light Bar to Big Machine

The tour starts at The Green Light Bar, 833 Hawkins St and ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, 122 3rd Ave S. That end point is a smart clue about the overall vibe: you are touring, then you’re dropped off in a lively, central area where you can keep going.

One practical point: the itinerary is built around short visits, including timed blocks like 30 minutes and 45 minutes at certain stops. That does not mean you’re on a tight squeeze the whole time, but it does mean you should arrive ready. If you want to ask deeper questions, do it early in each stop when the group is still together.

Several guides get high marks for making the pacing feel smooth rather than rushed. People name guides like Jack, Jimmy, Ryan, Joe, Shawn, and Swade for friendly service and for sharing local context while you’re en route.

Stop One in Nashville: Expect a Flexible Intro Stop

Stop One is listed as Nashville, for about 45 minutes. The key thing to know is that it may change depending on the day. What stays consistent is that you’ll always visit at least 3 places, and it’s set up so you get moving quickly and tasting along the way.

What this means for you: treat this as a warm-up and variety injection, not as a single guaranteed venue. If you have your heart set on a particular distillery name, double-check what is confirmed at booking when possible.

This flexible start can be a plus if you like options and you want to sample multiple categories, like bourbon flavors, moonshine-style pours, and craft beer. It can be a letdown if you prefer one specific brand or plant and nothing else.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery at Marathon Village

One of the most clearly defined stops is Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery at Marathon Village, with admission included. If you want a classic Tennessee spirits stop, this is the anchor on the list.

The biggest win here is the chance to learn and taste in a place built around the brand and its heritage. Guides often help connect what you’re tasting to how the spirit style differs from other Tennessee options. You’ll likely see a mix of pours that helps you compare flavor direction, such as smoother bourbon-style notes versus other whiskey profiles.

You also get a strong “tour energy” at this kind of stop, meaning staff tend to guide you through what you’re drinking and how to approach it. One small practical tip: go into this stop with a clear palate. Eat something light beforehand and slow down between samples so you can actually tell the difference. It is not just about collecting sips.

Nashville Barrel Company: Great for Variety, Not Always for Traditional Tour Fans

The tour includes Nashville Barrel Company Distillery for about 30 minutes, with admission included. This stop is where expectations can diverge.

Some people love it for the tasting variety and the overall experience. Others find it less like a traditional, single-production distillery tour and more like a venue that handles bottling and curation from different sources. In plain terms: if your dream is one company showing you its exact production line, you may want to be ready for a tasting-first visit here.

Still, it can be a good stop if you want to compare multiple flavors quickly. You’re on a 9 to 12 tasting structure, so this kind of location can help you broaden your “spirit map” fast.

If you’re sensitive to how staff treat guests, pay attention to the vibe when you arrive. A good guide can help you get the most out of the stop, but your personal taste for the atmosphere matters too.

New Heights Brewing Company: Nashville Staple, Beer-Centered Tasting

New Heights Brewing Company is another included stop (about 30 minutes). This is where the tour tilts more toward beer, and that balance is part of the appeal for a lot of people.

Craft beer sampling is not just a side quest. It gives you a reset from whiskey and bourbon so you can compare how the day shifts your palate. Also, beer tastings often make it easier to figure out what you like in a casual way. If whiskey is not fully clicking for you, the beer stop can keep the day fun.

One practical note: because the tour includes multiple alcohol samples across categories, you should plan for pace. Sip, pause, and use the guide’s timing. That helps you avoid the end-of-tour blur where everything tastes the same.

Ending at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery: Your After-Tour Option

You finish at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery in downtown Nashville. Many people like having a finish that is also a destination. It turns the tour into more than just a drop-off. You can stay for a while after your last tastings if you want food, extra drinks, or just a place to decompress.

Some groups mention that there can be a lively atmosphere, including music on certain days. You might find it a great place to cap the tour, or at least to reposition for your next plan.

Just remember you are likely still tasting from earlier stops. If you plan to keep drinking after the tour, go slow, and if you’re eating, aim for something savory to balance the flavors.

Guides Make a Difference: Jack, Jimmy, Tyler, and the Best Kind of Group Energy

This tour gets strong praise for guides who combine friendly energy with clear explanations. Names that come up often include Tyler, Jack, Ryan, Jimmy, Joe, Shawn, Amanda, Amy, Dylan, and Swade.

Here’s why that matters: tastings alone are fun, but a good guide helps you connect the dots. You get context for what you’re tasting, and you can ask follow-up questions while you’re still at the venue.

Some guides even weave in local culture, like how Nashville things connect to what’s poured. One person mentioned facts about the origins of hot chicken and IPAs, and that kind of detail is exactly what turns a drinking tour into a memory you’ll actually enjoy later.

Also, several people specifically say the group is not crowded at stops and that the schedule does not feel like you’re being rushed. That is the difference between a tour and a bus ride with tastings.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A one-book plan for Nashville distilleries and craft beer
• A short day (about 3 hours) that still feels like you covered ground
• Multiple tastings without driving or taxi planning
• A small group setup where you can talk to your guide

It may be less ideal if you want:

• Only a traditional, single-site distillery deep dive every stop
• A completely fixed lineup where you can plan your day around one exact venue order

If you’re traveling with friends and you all want to compare flavors, this tour style is especially satisfying. It also works for couples who want a shared activity that is social but still structured.

Quick Practical Tips So You Taste More and Regret Less

• Bring your photo ID. You must be 21 or older, and without valid ID you will not be able to participate in drinks.
• Wear something comfortable. You will be getting on and off the bus, and time at each stop is short.
• Pace yourself early. The best comparison happens when you can still separate flavors at stop two and three.
• If you have food sensitivities or you know you get lightheaded when drinking, eat beforehand. Some groups report being glad they adjusted with a bit of food during the tour.

Should You Book This Nashville Distillery and Brewery Bus Tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a smooth, guided way to sample Nashville’s spirits and craft beer without turning your day into a logistics project. The private transportation, the 9 to 12 included tastings, and the small group size are the big reasons it feels like real value for $114.99.

I would hold back if you are picky about the exact venues or you only want classic production tours with detailed behind-the-scenes access at every stop. Because the first Nashville stop can vary, and because one stop may feel more tasting-focused than factory-focused, your experience could match your interests or not.

If your goal is comparison, variety, and a fun guided afternoon, this tour is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $114.99 per person.

How many tastings are included?

You receive 9 to 12 alcoholic drink samples as part of the tour.

Where do I meet and where does the tour end?

Meet at The Green Light Bar, 833 Hawkins St, Nashville, TN 37203. The tour ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201.

Are admissions included?

Admission is included for Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Nashville Barrel Company Distillery, and New Heights Brewing Company. The first Nashville stop is listed as admission ticket free, and locations can vary.

Is the tour only for adults?

Yes. You must be 21 or older, and all guests must have a valid photo ID.

What group size is this tour limited to?

The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers.

Is the tour guaranteed to run every time?

No. It requires a minimum of 5 people to operate. If the minimum is not met, you’ll be asked to reschedule or receive a refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you do not get a refund.