Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour

If you’re heading to Nashville and looking to get a taste of what makes the city so special beyond its famous music scene, this Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue tour really might be worth your time. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this experience hits many of the right notes for travelers wanting an authentic, flavorful taste of Nashville’s culinary and drink scene.

What we love about this tour is how it balances delicious food and drink with a generous dose of local stories and insider info. Plus, the small-group setup promises a more personal, less rushed experience—something we always appreciate. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour leans a bit more into distillery tastings than pure barbecue, which might matter if you’re mainly craving smoky meats.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy sampling local spirits and hearty eats, and who are up for a relaxed, engaging outing. If you’re a fan of craft beer, whiskey, and great barbecue, this tour could be a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Nashville.

Key Points

• All-in-One Food and Drink Experience: Combines BBQ, craft beer, and whiskey tastings.
• Small Group for a Personal Touch: Max of 14 travelers, ensuring more interaction and less crowding.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides provide stories behind each stop.
• Includes Transport: Air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey comfortable.
• Good Value for the Price: Around $189, covering multiple tastings, transport, and some food.
• Higher Focus on Distillery Tours: BBQ is included but not the main feature, so manage expectations if BBQ is your priority.

What’s on the Itinerary?

The First Stop: Central BBQ (Hillsboro)

This is where you’ll get your first taste of Nashville’s BBQ scene. The tour includes a BBQ Trio Meal, which typically features a variety of smoked meats. Reviewers often mention the quality of the barbecue—some call it “good,” and others note it’s at a solid, enjoyable level. One reviewer, Tina, appreciated their well-organized stop with “good barbecue,” but a few mention that the barbecue could sometimes feel a bit average or day-old, depending on the day.

The hour-long stop allows you to soak in the smoky aromas and chat with your guide about Nashville’s barbecue culture. It’s a decent introduction, especially if you’re new to southern BBQ styles.

The Second Stop: New Heights Brewing Company

Here, the focus shifts to craft beer and more barbecue. You’ll enjoy a flight of beers—sampling different styles—and a BBQ meal designed to complement the drinks. Reviewers praise the quality of the beer, describing it as “great” and well-selected. The guide often shares insights into Nashville’s brewing scene, which adds a layer of local flavor to this stop.

One reviewer, Prem, mentions that the beer tasting was a highlight and that the distillery tour was “good,” with nice tastings and background stories. The emphasis on pairing food with drinks means you’ll get a well-rounded experience, even if you’re not a beer enthusiast.

The Final Stop: Local Distillery Tour & Tastings

No Nashville food and drink tour is complete without sampling some Tennessee whiskey. This tour includes a visit to a distillery—often Pennington—and offers tastings of whiskey and bourbon. Reviewers consistently mention how informative and fun the distillery stops are. For example, Tina notes the “very informative” distillery tours, and Lorelei D says their guide, Caleb, was “educational and knowledgeable.”

This part of the tour offers a chance to learn about Tennessee whiskey traditions, including how bourbon is crafted, and to taste some top-quality spirits. Some reviews mention that the tastings are generous, and guides do a good job of sharing stories behind each pour.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Many reviews highlight the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Ray, in particular, gets high praise for being “amazing” and “wealth of knowledge,” consistently making the stops informative and engaging. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the friendly atmosphere, which makes the whole experience feel more like hanging out with friends than a formal tour.

The transportation by air-conditioned vehicle is another plus, especially during hot summer days. It keeps everyone comfortable, and the small group size means you’re not jostling with dozens of strangers—allowing for easier conversations and a more relaxed pace.

Another aspect worth noting is the balance between food, drink, and storytelling. While some reviewers wished for more barbecue (and less distillery focus), most agree the experience offers great value for the $189 ticket price. You get multiple tastings, a meal, and a guided commentary, making it more than just a food crawl—it’s a well-rounded intro to Nashville’s beverage and barbecue culture.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the tour packs a lot into four hours, it does lean heavily on distillery visits, which might not satisfy barbecue purists looking for a meat-focused experience. The BBQ stop is generally good but sometimes described as average or not as authentic as expected; it’s more of a solid, casual meal than a gourmet feast.

Also, the tour is geared toward adults (21+), with a minimum age of 21, so it’s not suitable for families or those traveling with minors. Expect a lively, adult-oriented atmosphere with plenty of opportunity to sample drinks, so if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, you might want to look elsewhere.

Lastly, this experience is non-refundable—so if the weather turns bad or you change your mind, you won’t get a refund. It operates in all weather conditions, though, so unless there’s severe weather, it should go ahead as planned.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adults who love trying local spirits and hearty barbecue in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided experiences that combine historical tidbits, local stories, and tastings. If you’re interested in craft beer, Tennessee whiskey, or just want a fun, social activity that introduces you to Nashville’s food scene beyond the honky-tonks, this is a good choice.

Travelers who appreciate small-group interactions and prefer a more personalized experience will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s also great for those wanting a structured, all-inclusive afternoon that covers multiple aspects of Nashville’s culinary culture.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the minimum age is 21, as alcohol is involved. It’s an adult-focused experience, so minors won’t be able to join.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $189 ticket covers a 4-hour guided tour, tastings at distilleries, a flight of craft beer, a BBQ meal, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and all taxes and fees.

Can I purchase extra drinks during the tour?
Yes, additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the stops if you want to try more.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transport by an air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to hop from one stop to the next comfortably.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately four hours, starting at 11:30 am. The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

Are the stops walkable?
The stops are accessible via the vehicle, and the physical activity involved is moderate. Comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather. The tour runs rain or shine, so bring layers, sun protection, or rain gear as needed.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s food and drink scene. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy sampling and learning about local spirits and barbecue in a friendly, relaxed environment.

With knowledgeable guides, a comfortable small-group setting, and a decent mix of tastings and storytelling, it’s an experience that can add a flavorful dimension to your Nashville trip. While it might not satisfy the barbecue purist craving a meat-only feast, it offers good value and a lively introduction to some of Nashville’s most iconic flavors.

If you’re after an engaging, adult-oriented outing that covers more than just the usual tourist spots, this tour could be just right for you. It’s a great way to spend a few hours in Nashville, soaking up local culture, history, and mouthwatering eats.