Nashville’s Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings

If you’re heading to Nashville and looking for a way to sample some of the city’s best spirits, the Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour might be on your list. With a perfect rating of 5.0 based on nearly 300 reviews, this tour is often recommended by visitors—many say it’s a highlight of their visit. But, like any experience, it’s worth knowing what you’re in for before booking.

We love how this tour offers an up-close look at the distilling process and a chance to taste handcrafted spirits—much more involved than just wandering into a bar. Plus, the intimate size (limited to five people) means you get personalized attention and a chance to ask all your burning questions. On the flip side, some might find the small size a bit snug, especially during busy times or if they’re craving a larger tour experience.

This tour seems well-suited for spirits enthusiasts or foodies eager to learn about Southern spirits in a friendly, relaxed setting. Whether you’re visiting Nashville for the first time or are a seasoned traveler with a penchant for whiskey, this experience offers genuine insights and tasty rewards. Just keep in mind the shorter duration and small group size, which both add to intimacy but might leave some wishing for a more extensive tasting.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups (up to 5 people) mean plenty of interaction with the guide.
• Educational Value: Learn how handcrafted spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and moonshine are made.
• Tasting Included: Features a flight of spirits plus a cocktail, giving good value for the $25 price.
• Location & Accessibility: Situated downtown Nashville, easily accessible with public transport options.
• Duration & Timing: About 45 minutes, ideal for fitting into a busy day.
• Merchandise & Souvenirs: The gift shop offers spirits and exclusive merchandise for purchase.

What to Expect from the Tour

When you arrive in downtown Nashville, you’ll meet your guide at the Big Machine Brewery & Distillery. The experience kicks off with a tour of the production area, where you get a guided look at how their spirits are created. What makes this part special is the insight you get into traditional Southern distilling techniques, especially how their vodka is made from corn and filtered through a special process to achieve a smooth taste.

The production space is quite compact, but that plays to its advantage by creating an intimate atmosphere. The guide’s storytelling and demonstrations help you understand the craft behind each spirit. Several reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the entire experience feel personal and approachable.

Next, you’ll be taken to the VIP Lounge, an upstairs area overlooking the distillery. This is where the guided tasting occurs, and it’s a highlight for many. Here, you can watch the distillation in action while sampling a flight of Big Machine Spirits. The tasting includes around eight different spirits, and the guide explains their unique qualities. Some reviews note that the tastings are “just enough to get you warmed up,” which is perfect if you’re not looking for heavy drinking but want a genuine taste of Nashville’s distilling craft.

Finally, you’ll have time to browse the gift shop, where spirits and merchandise are available for purchase. This allows you to take a souvenir home, whether it’s a bottle of their spirits or branded merchandise. The overall visit lasts around 45 minutes, making it a nice, quick stop that can easily fit into a day of exploring downtown Nashville.

The Details That Matter

Price & Value: At $25 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the guided experience, tastings, and the opportunity to purchase spirits. Several reviews mention how reasonable the price is for the quality and intimacy of the experience.

Group Size & Atmosphere: With a maximum of 20 travelers and often fewer, the tour feels personal. Many reviewers mention small groups—sometimes just two or three people—which makes for a relaxed, engaging experience.

Duration & Timing: The 45-minute length means it’s perfect for a quick yet informative visit. Whether you’re fitting it into a busy schedule or want a relaxed stop, the timing works well.

Accessibility & Location: Situated in downtown Nashville, the tour is close to public transportation, making it easy to reach. The meeting point at 122 3rd Ave S is central, and most travelers find it straightforward to get there.

Weather & Cancellation: Since the experience depends on operating the distillery’s still, it’s weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Canceling more than 24 hours in advance gives you a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Authentic Voices from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer said, “Kimber was very knowledgeable and made our tasting extremely memorable,” showing that guides tend to go beyond just showing the process—they make it fun. Others appreciated the variety of spirits offered, with some noting that the tastings included all their favorite types, like whiskey, moonshine, and vodka.

While most reviews are glowing, a few comments mention the small size of the distillery as a downside. MeganM noted, “Distillery is small but the tastings are plenty,” which suggests that despite the limited space, you won’t leave hungry or underwhelmed. However, one critic called it a “tourist trap,” pointing out they felt it was more of a static display than an active distillery. That said, the staff’s enthusiasm and the tasting experience seem to counteract this for most visitors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re genuinely interested in spirits and want to learn how they’re made from start to finish, you’ll probably find this tour very rewarding. It’s especially suited for foodies and spirits enthusiasts who appreciate handcrafted drinks. The intimate setting and guided tasting make it perfect for those who enjoy a more personal experience rather than large, noisy group tours.

Travelers who value good value for money and a relaxed, friendly environment will also enjoy this experience. Given the positive reviews about the guides, expect to learn a lot while having fun. It’s a quick, informative stop that complements a day exploring Nashville’s vibrant downtown.

However, if you’re after a large-scale, immersive distillery experience with extensive tastings and a more industrial feel, this might fall short. It’s more about quality and interaction than size, so manage expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour offers a neat snapshot of Nashville’s spirits scene. For $25, you get a personalized, educational experience with a guided tour, tastings of eight spirits, and a chance to shop for souvenirs. It’s ideal for those who want to gain insight into craft distilling in a relaxed setting and leave with a few bottles in hand.

The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making this more than just a quick tasting—it’s a chance to connect with Nashville’s spirit-making tradition. The compact size and duration make it an easy addition to your day, especially if you’re nearby and want a taste of local craftsmanship.

On the downside, if you’re hoping for an extensive, large-scale tour or are a bourbon aficionado expecting a broad tasting experience, you might find this a bit limited. Still, for a short, friendly, and reasonably priced outing, it hits the right notes.

In summary, this tour best suits curious travelers, casual spirits lovers, or those wanting a quick, engaging glimpse into Nashville’s distilling artistry. It’s a fun, worthwhile way to spend part of your day in Music City, especially if you appreciate local craftsmanship and good storytelling.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
This experience is primarily geared toward adults interested in spirits. Since it involves tastings and the focus on alcohol production, it’s not typically suitable for children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 45 minutes, making it a quick but satisfying experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 11 days in advance, and booking ahead ensures you get a spot, especially during busy seasons.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of around eight different spirits, plus a cocktail, with options to purchase spirits and merchandise afterward.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 122 3rd Ave S in downtown Nashville and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is this experience accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the distillery is near public transit, making it easy to reach without a car.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Nashville regular, the Big Machine Distillery tour offers a friendly, educational glimpse into the local spirit scene—perfect for a laid-back, fun break in your busy itinerary.