If you’re curious about Tennessee whiskey with a bit of history thrown in, the Uncle Nearest Green Distillery tour offers a thoughtful glimpse into an influential figure and the craft behind the spirit. This experience, organized by Tennessee Whiskey Tours, takes you out of the city for about 6 hours, combining transportation, a guided tour, and some leisure time at the distillery. While it’s not a comprehensive tour of every aspect of whiskey making, it hits many meaningful notes for those interested in the legacy and process.
What we really like about this tour is how it balances education with fun—learning about Nathan Nearest Green, the first African American Master Distiller, is inspiring, and the whiskey tasting adds a flavorful touch. Plus, the transportation is comfortable, and the opportunity to explore the distillery grounds makes the experience more personal. On the flip side, the fact that the actual distillery isn’t located directly at the site where you start might come as a surprise—some buildings are still under construction, which could affect what you see.
This tour works well for anyone with an interest in whiskey, history, or both, especially if you want a mix of storytelling and tasting. It’s less suited for those with mobility challenges or those expecting a full, behind-the-scenes distillery experience at a single location. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Tennessee whiskey’s roots while enjoying a relaxed day outside Nashville.
Key Points
- Educational and Inspiring: Focuses heavily on the story of Nathan Nearest Green and his legacy.
- Comfortable Transportation: Travel is by air-conditioned coach, making for a smooth journey.
- Time for Exploration: After the tour, you have options to visit the barrel room, enjoy on-site dining, or buy exclusive bottles.
- Good Value: At $119, the tour includes transportation, the distillery tour, and tastings, giving a well-rounded experience.
- Weather Dependence: Tours run rain or shine, so dress accordingly and plan for outdoor walking.
- Not Fully at the Production Site: The distillery itself is somewhat separate, with some buildings not fully operational yet, which might limit what you see.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience
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Departure from Nashville
The adventure begins in downtown Nashville, right in front of Bobs Steak & Chophouse (250 Rep. John Lewis Way South). The pick-up is straightforward and promises no waiting in bad weather, which is a relief during unpredictable Nashville weather. You’ll head out at 1:30PM, giving you plenty of time for an easy, relaxed start to your afternoon.
The mode of transportation varies among the tour operators but generally involves an air-conditioned coach bus that can accommodate groups comfortably. This smooth ride out of the city makes the transition from Nashville’s hustle to a more tranquil countryside setting.
Arrival at Uncle Nearest Green Distillery
Around 2:30PM, you’ll arrive at the distillery. It’s worth noting that while the distillery produces the award-winning Uncle Nearest whiskey, the actual production facilities aren’t necessarily all at this same site. During the review, some buildings are still under construction or not fully operational, which means you might not see the entire whiskey-making process firsthand. However, the focus here is on storytelling and tasting.
The grounds are inviting, with a relaxed atmosphere that invites wandering and exploration. You might find the grounds beautiful and the setting peaceful, perfect for absorbing the history and craft behind the whiskey.
The Guided Tour and Tasting
The core of this experience is a 90-minute guided tour of the distillery that delves into the life of Nathan Nearest Green, his significant contributions, and his relationship with Jack Daniel’s. The guide’s storytelling is often praised for being informative and engaging—an important aspect since this part is about celebrating an often overlooked, yet critical figure in American whiskey history.
Following the tour, you get to taste Uncle Nearest whiskey. One reviewer pointed out that the tasting amounts are about one shot worth of whiskey, which is enough to appreciate the flavors but not overwhelming. The whiskey is considered award-winning and one of the fastest-growing brands in the country.
More Great Tours NearbyLeisure Time and Exploration
After the official tour and tasting, you’re free to explore the grounds further. You might choose to visit Barrel House BBQ, the on-site restaurant, or stroll over to Humble Baron to see the longest bar in the world. This is a great chance to relax, take photos, or purchase bottles of Uncle Nearest whiskey—don’t forget to ask about their distillery-exclusive releases.
Some reviews suggest that the tour may be slightly affected by ongoing construction, meaning certain buildings or features might not be fully accessible or operational. Still, the grounds and the stories shared make this part of the experience meaningful.
Returning to Nashville
The bus departs around 5:30PM, heading back to Nashville, arriving around 6:30PM. This timing leaves you free for dinner or a night out in the city—perfect if you’re eager to extend your Nashville experience.
What Does the Price Cover?
At $119 per person, the tour is a fair deal considering it includes transportation, a guided tour, whiskey tastings, and free time at the distillery grounds. It’s a package that offers value for those interested in history and whiskey but isn’t necessarily a deep dive into every aspect of the production process. Some reviews note that the tasting is modest—about one shot—but the storytelling and historical context more than compensate.
Practical Considerations
- Dress for the weather because the tour runs rain or shine.
- Bring valid IDs or passports since age verification is required for tastings.
- Prepare for some walking over uneven or outdoor surfaces, and note that there are many steps, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues.
- No on-board bathrooms, so plan accordingly before the trip.
- Flexible booking options allow canceling up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, making it easy to adjust plans if needed.
What Do Travelers Say?
Reviews generally favor the tour, with a 4.5-star rating based on 10 reviews. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the engaging storytelling. One reviewer appreciated how the tour included a visit to a speakeasy, which added an extra layer of fun.
Some feedback points out that the distillery isn’t fully operational at the moment, with some buildings still under construction. One traveler mentioned they were unable to purchase food due to a wedding at the site but appreciated the overall experience.
A standout positive was the tour driver’s seamless pickup and dropoff, making the whole process stress-free. Several reviewers found the experience well-organized and educational, with the whiskey tasting being a definite highlight.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for whiskey enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone wanting to learn about a pioneering African American figure in American spirits. It’s also great for visitors looking for a relaxing afternoon trip outside Nashville that combines culture, history, and a bit of tasting.
It’s less suited for people with mobility challenges or those expecting a high-energy, behind-the-scenes distillery tour. Also, keep in mind that the tour isn’t overly long or technical—it’s designed to be accessible and engaging but not exhaustive.
Final Thoughts
The Uncle Nearest Green Distillery Tour from Nashville offers a thoughtful look at a notable figure who changed the whiskey world, all within a comfortable, well-organized package. You’ll come away with a better understanding of Tennessee whiskey’s roots, a taste of Uncle Nearest’s award-winning spirit, and some beautiful grounds to explore.
It’s especially worthwhile for those who appreciate stories of perseverance, innovation, and legacy. While it might not satisfy the most hardcore whiskey geeks with its more general overview, it makes for a meaningful, enjoyable outing that enriches your Nashville trip.
If you’re after a balance of education, casual tasting, and scenic relaxation, this tour is pretty much a safe bet.
Uncle Nearest Green Distillery Tour from Downtown Nashville
FAQs
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included, typically by an air-conditioned coach bus, making the trip comfortable and hassle-free.
What time does the tour start?
The tour departs from downtown Nashville at 1:30PM, arriving at the distillery around 2:30PM.
Can I buy whiskey after the tour?
Absolutely, you can purchase bottles of Uncle Nearest whiskey at the visitor center, including distillery-exclusive releases.
What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport for the tastings, and dress for the weather since the tour runs rain or shine.
Is the distillery fully operational at the site?
Some buildings aren’t fully done or functional yet, so the experience is more about the story and tasting than seeing the entire production process.
How long is the tour?
The guided distillery tour lasts about 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time to explore and relax afterward.
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is for those 21 and over, mainly because of the whiskey tastings.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.
If you’re interested in Tennessee whiskey, history, or just want a laid-back yet enriching afternoon outside Nashville, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a chance to connect with a meaningful story and enjoy some quality spirits—all in a friendly, welcoming setting.
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