Nine pours and a quick route through Nashville. This 3-hour spirits-and-beer bus tour strings together multiple distilleries and breweries with private transportation so you skip taxis, plus 9–12 tastings so you can sample Tennessee-style drinks without doing hours of research.

Two things I like a lot: you get a lineup of different makers in one go, and the group stays small (maximum 13), so the pacing feels manageable. I also like that your admission tickets are included at several stops, which turns this into more than just a bus ride.

One consideration: the exact partner locations can vary, so if you’re locked in on a specific distillery, you should plan for that possibility. Also, this is built for tasting and moving, so if you want a long, deep, single-site lecture, you may feel like you’re getting the highlights rather than a full class.

Key things to know before you go

• Private rides between stops: you’re not trying to sort taxis or ride shares while tasting.
• 9–12 tasting pours included: expect a lot of sampling in a short window.
• Small group size (up to 13): easier movement and less crowd pressure at venues.
• Partner locations may change: the tour always hits at least 3 places, but the exact mix can shift.
• 21+ only with photo ID: no ID, no drinks.
• Guides shape the experience: the best part is often the on-the-spot stories and tips from the driver-guide.

How the bus tour style saves you real Nashville time

This tour works for one simple reason: it removes the messy logistics. You start at the Green Light Bar (833 Hawkins St) and end downtown at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery (122 3rd Ave S). In between, you bounce between partner distilleries and breweries with private transportation, which is a big deal when you’re planning a drinking day and don’t want to coordinate rides.

At about 3 hours total, it’s not trying to replace a full-day crawl. It’s designed to give you a strong snapshot of Nashville’s spirits and beer scene, with multiple tastings included in the price. That means you can spend your energy deciding what you like, not hunting down where to go next.

And because it’s offered in English and runs with a maximum of 13 people, you’re usually not fighting a massive crowd the whole time. Some groups also report smoother entry thanks to being part of the scheduled flow with the group.

Start at Green Light Bar, then get your first tasting momentum

You meet at The Green Light Bar on Hawkins Street. Expect a quick check-in and then you’re off. The tour’s first stop is labeled as Nashville and runs about 45 minutes, with admission ticket marked free for that portion.

That first stretch matters. It’s often when you’ll get your bearings, meet your guide, and settle into the day’s tasting rhythm. If you’re the type who likes knowing how the day will unfold before you start sipping, this stop helps.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery at Marathon Village (when it’s on your day)

One of the anchor stops on this experience is Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Marathon Village, and admission is included here. If Nelson’s is on your schedule, you should expect a classic distillery experience built around how Tennessee spirits are made and why they taste the way they do.

The standout detail from people who attended is the staff storytelling. Names like PJ and Isaias come up as part of what made the Nelson’s stop feel memorable and smooth. If you value historical context plus tasting, this is the kind of stop that does both.

One practical note: the tour says locations can vary. So even though Nelson’s is listed as a stop, don’t assume every departure includes the same exact lineup. If Nelson’s is your top priority, you’ll want to double-check your confirmation details once you book.

Nashville Barrel Company: bourbon focused, but know what this stop is

Another stop on the typical route is Nashville Barrel Company Distillery, also included. This is the kind of venue that can feel different from a traditional single-brand distillery tour, because the emphasis is on what you’re tasting and how it’s presented, not only on one farm-to-bottle origin story.

In one experience, the tasting team at this stop was described as a less-than-warm fit for the group. The bigger takeaway for you is simple: service style can vary by partner venue, and this stop is more about the tasting counter experience than a long, museum-like production walkthrough.

Still, people who enjoy sampling multiple bourbon styles often like this stop because it gives you another angle on Tennessee whiskey—how it’s bottled, how it’s selected, and what you notice when you compare pours side by side.

New Heights Brewing Company for the beer reset

Between whiskey tastings, you get New Heights Brewing Company for a 30-minute stop, with admission included. This is your breather. Beer tasting gives your palate a chance to reset and keeps the day from turning into only bourbon and moonshine notes.

This stop also tends to work well if you’re traveling with someone who wants a break from spirits. Since the tour includes 9–12 alcoholic drink samples overall, the beer portion helps round out the day so you’re tasting different flavors and styles instead of repeating the same profile.

The finale at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery (why the end matters)

The tour ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery at 122 3rd Ave S. Ending at a downtown location is smart. By the time you reach the last stop, you’re ready to keep things going (or at least ready to settle in with a final sip and a view of where you are in the city).

Some groups like this finish because it feels like a real social scene and not a rushed handoff. If your day plan includes dinner or a night out afterward, ending near downtown makes that easier.

Your tastings: 9–12 pours, short stops, and pacing yourself

The tour promises 9–12 alcoholic drink samples. That’s a lot in about 3 hours. If you’re used to one drink and done, you’ll need to slow down and share your space with water and food earlier than you think.

Here’s how to treat the day:

• Taste with purpose: decide what you like first (sweetness, oak, spice, smoke) before you chase every new pour.
• Pace your comparison: take notes in your phone right away so the flavors don’t blur together.
• Bring patience: most stops are around 30 minutes, so you don’t get the luxury of lingering.

Also, you have to be 21 or older. Every guest must carry a valid photo ID and will be turned away for drinks without it. This is non-negotiable, so pack your ID where you can reach it fast.

Guide impact: why Jack, Jimmy, Ryan, Joe, Swade, Shawn, and Tyler get praised

If you want the short version of what makes this tour work, it’s the guide. The best experiences in the feedback share the same theme: the guide balances facts with a friendly, confident tone.

Names that come up include:

• Tyler for both personality and professionalism
• Jack for history and local tips, with groups feeling they got real value from the ride between stops
• Ryan for a friendly vibe and giving people enough time at each place
• Jimmy for a strong mix of city context and spirits-and-beer knowledge
• Joe for making groups feel at home
• Swade for adjusting the pacing when people needed food and sharing how to properly taste and appreciate Tennessee whiskey
• Shawn for being informative and making the visit feel personal

A good guide also helps you move through crowds. Some groups mention being guided in a way that reduces the time you spend stuck waiting at venues. That matters when your day is built around sampling.

Price value: does $114.99 make sense for a Nashville drinking day?

At $114.99 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s also not pretending you’ll just pay for transportation. You’re paying for a bundle:

• private transportation between sites
• tasting access with 9–12 samples
• admission included for multiple partner stops

If you tried to assemble the day yourself, you’d likely pay for separate tickets, travel time, and logistics. This tour packages the decision-making for you and helps you hit several places in a short window without needing a plan for how to get from one venue to the next.

It also tends to be booked ahead. On average, it’s scheduled about 30 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular for a reason: people like the convenience and the tasting-heavy payoff.

Who should book this tour, and who should not

This tour fits best if:

• you’re new to Nashville and want a quick overview of the spirits and beer scene
• you want to compare multiple pours in one afternoon
• you’d rather spend money on guided convenience than time planning and hopping between venues
• you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want a fun, structured day

You might skip it (or choose a different style of tour) if:

• you want a single distillery experience that goes long and deep on one producer
• you only care about one specific distillery and would be disappointed if the stop list changes
• you prefer a slow pace where you don’t feel like you’re constantly moving to the next tasting

Because stops can vary, I’d treat this as a flexible sampler day, not a guaranteed repeat of any exact lineup.

Should you book this Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour?

I think this is a strong booking for the right traveler: someone who wants to drink thoughtfully, learn a few things along the way, and get value from private rides plus multiple tastings in a tight schedule.

Book it if you like structure, want to compare flavors, and you’re okay with the idea that your exact partner lineup may shift by departure. Don’t book it if your dream is a long, single-venue, hands-on distillery deep dive where you stay put for hours.

If you do book, plan like a pro: bring your ID, eat ahead, sip slowly, and use the guide’s local tips to steer your evening after the tour ends.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 3 hours, and the timing includes multiple stops.

How many tastings are included?

You’ll receive 9–12 alcoholic drink samples during the tour.

Do I need taxis between stops?

No. Private transportation between sites is included, so you don’t need to arrange taxis or rideshares during the tour.

What are the age and ID requirements?

You must be 21 years of age or older. You must bring a valid photo ID, or you will be turned away for the drink portions.

Where do I meet and where does the tour end?

You start at The Green Light Bar (833 Hawkins St, Nashville, TN 37203) and end at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery (122 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201).

What happens if fewer than 5 people are scheduled?

The tour requires a minimum of 5 people to operate. If fewer are scheduled, you’ll be asked to reschedule or receive a refund.

If I need to cancel, can I get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session: Tastings & transfersGuinness Storehouse, Irish Whiskey Experience and Brazen HeadGolubac Fortress w/Iron Gate Speed Boat & Rakija Distillery tourStirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh