Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour

If you’re heading to Nashville and looking to combine some of the city’s best food and drink in a single outing, the Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour could be a solid pick. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect. It’s designed for those who love exploring local flavors, and it’s a great way to get a taste of Nashville’s vibrant beverage scene without the hassle of planning every stop yourself.

What stands out about this experience are the guided whiskey tastings at a top Nashville distillery and the chance to enjoy some award-winning barbecue — both staples of Nashville’s culinary scene. The tour also offers a laid-back brewery visit, perfect for unwinding after the heavy eats and spirits. But, like any tour, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you’re particular about pacing or want a more in-depth experience at each location.

This tour is best suited for adventurous eaters and drinkers who don’t mind spending a few hours sampling the local goods. It’s also good for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free way to tick off some Nashville highlights, especially if you’re new to the city or short on time. If you’re looking for a detailed brewery tour or a focus solely on beer, this may not be the perfect fit — but if combined food and drink experiences appeal to you, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Includes guided whiskey tastings at one of Nashville’s top distilleries.
• Enjoys a meal at a local BBQ joint renowned for its sauce.
• Ends with a flight of local craft beers at a reputable Nashville brewery.
• Transportation is private, air-conditioned, and convenient.
• Tour lasts about 4 hours, making it a manageable addition to your Nashville plans.
• Priced at $175 per person, offering a good mix of food, drink, and guided insight.

This tour offers a straightforward package that combines transportation, tastings, and a guided experience. For $175, you get roughly four hours of Nashville’s finest food and drink, which is genuinely fair considering the quality and variety. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the group size can be up to 57 travelers, though most experiences are more intimate.

The tour kicks off in downtown Nashville, a central location for most visitors. From there, your knowledgeable guide takes you to the first stop: Nashville Barrel Company Distillery. Here, you’re in for a guided tour and whiskey tastings. The distillery is considered one of the best in Nashville, and the guide’s expertise is often highlighted as a high point (one reviewer mentioned the guide being very knowledgeable). You can expect to learn about Tennessee whiskey, rum, and gin, with a chance to sample some of the finest spirits around.

Next, you’ll head to Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que, a spot with a reputation for winning awards for its sauce and consistently being called one of the best barbecue joints. Here, you’ll have about an hour to indulge in some of Nashville’s favorite comfort food. The food is often described as delicious, and the BBQ sauce’s acclaim is a common theme in reviews. This is a no-fuss stop, but worth noting that the experience is mainly about enjoying the food rather than a detailed culinary tour.

The final stop is Tennessee Brew Works (also called New Heights Brewing Company), where you’ll savor a flight of the best local beers. The brewery is considered one of the top in Nashville, and you’ll get to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. While some reviewers were a bit disappointed that this stop lacked a tour or detailed education about beer production, most appreciated the chance to unwind with quality brews.

Guided whiskey tastings are the highlight for many, especially since the tour partners with some of Nashville’s best distilleries. The atmosphere tends to be friendly, and your guide’s knowledge helps make the experience more engaging. You can expect to taste a variety of spirits, including Tennessee whiskey, rum, and gin, depending on what’s available that day.

The BBQ stop at Jack Cawthon’s is a classic Nashville experience. The restaurant has won awards for its sauce, and many travelers rave about the flavor—some even describe it as “Best Sauce on the Planet.” It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect after a few drinks. The only caveat from one review was that the food experience is straightforward, not a culinary tour, so don’t expect a chef-led tasting or culinary history.

The brewery visit offers a laid-back way to round out the tour. The brewery is well-regarded, and you’ll get a chance to sample a flight of beers. However, some found that this part lacked the educational component of the distillery, with no tour or detailed explanation of beer-making. If you’re a beer enthusiast, this might be a missed opportunity, but if you’re simply looking to relax with some local brews, it hits the mark.

Transportation is private and air-conditioned, which adds comfort, especially on hot days. The group size can be up to 57, but the reviews suggest most experience smaller, more personable groups. The tour is approximately four hours long, making it a convenient option without being too time-consuming.

At $175 per person, this tour provides a decent value for the variety packed in. You’re getting a guided whiskey tasting, a hearty BBQ meal, and a brewery flight—all curated experiences rather than just visiting places at your own pace. For Nashville newbies or those wanting a quick, hassle-free way to sample multiple local flavors, this is often worth the cost.

That said, if you’re already a whiskey or beer aficionado, or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might find this somewhat curated and not as in-depth as dedicated tours. Still, the convenience and the chance to sample Nashville’s popular spots make it appealing.

This experience is ideal for food and drink lovers eager to taste some of Nashville’s best offerings without planning each stop individually. It’s suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience with a mix of spirits, hearty food, and beers. It’s also great for visitors with limited time who want a snapshot of Nashville’s beverage scene.

If you’re traveling with friends or a couple, the tour offers a social, fun way to enjoy Nashville’s flavors together. However, if you’re a craft beer or whiskey expert, you might prefer a more focused experience. Also, note that there’s no mention of family-friendliness, so this is primarily geared toward adults.

The Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour offers a solid introduction to Nashville’s food and drink scene in a manageable four-hour package. The guided tastings and well-regarded local spots make it a practical choice for those wanting a taste of Nashville’s signature flavors without the hassle of planning multiple stops. The price is fair, and the experience is generally well-reviewed for its knowledgeable guide and quality offerings.

Keep in mind, the brewery stop may feel a touch “light” on education, but if your goal is to relax and sip local brews, it works perfectly. The BBQ experience is straightforward but highly praised for its flavor, making this tour an easy recommendation for those who want a laid-back, flavorful, and fun outing.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point is at Bob’s Steak & Chop House in downtown Nashville.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs close to 4 hours, making it a manageable part of your day.

Are there any restroom facilities on the bus?
No, there isn’t a restroom on board, so plan ahead before boarding.

What’s the group size like?
Most travelers will find the group to be smaller than the maximum of 57, providing a more intimate experience with the guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?
This tour is designed for adults, mainly because it involves alcohol tastings and drinking.

What’s the main focus of this experience?
It’s primarily about sampling Nashville’s whiskey, barbecue, and beer in a guided, relaxed setting.

Do the locations visited change?
Yes, the stops are subject to availability, so locations may vary slightly.

Is there an educational component?
At the distillery, yes — guided tastings and insights are included. The brewery stop may lack detailed education about beer processing.

In the end, if you’re after a fun, flavorful way to experience Nashville’s signature beverages and hearty food, this tour offers a lively, no-fuss option. Keep your expectations balanced, and you’ll likely enjoy the taste of Music City, one sip and bite at a time.