NOLA Distillery Tour

NOLA Distillery Tour Review: A Closer Look at the Spirit of New Orleans

If you’re heading to New Orleans and are curious about the city’s local spirits, the NOLA Distillery Tour might catch your eye. This experience promises a short but sweet peek into Louisiana’s craft distilling scene, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a modern distillery with a tasting thrown in. While it’s not a lengthy or overly elaborate tour, it can be a fun, informative stop—especially if you’re into spirits or just looking for something different to do.

What we like about this tour is its affordable price point, around $30, and the fact that it offers a chance to learn about the distilling process directly from knowledgeable staff. Plus, the opportunity to sample spirits like vodka, bourbon, and gin adds a hands-on flavor to the visit. The tour’s timing options, morning or afternoon, make it flexible enough to fit into your day.

However, it’s worth mentioning that some reviews point out inconsistencies—such as the tour sometimes feeling more like a distribution center than a true distillery, and occasionally encountering staff or product issues. For travelers seeking a more comprehensive or immersive experience, this might seem a bit light. Still, if your main goal is to enjoy some local spirits, learn a little, and perhaps pick up a bottle, this could work well.

This tour is best suited for those with an interest in spirits, casual visitors looking for a quick local experience, or anyone wanting a taste of New Orleans’ craft scene without a hefty time commitment. It’s not a major distillery tour, but it’s a charming way to add a bit of local flavor to your trip.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The tour lasts around 30 minutes, making it easy to slot into a busy day.
• Learning and tasting: You get a guided overview of the distilling process and the chance to sample spirits or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Price point: At about $30 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience local spirits.
• Group size: Limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal.
• Customer feedback varies: Some visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides and smooth vodkas, while others find the experience underwhelming or the product quality lacking.
• Booking in advance: Usually booked about 17 days ahead, so plan ahead if you’re keen to join.

What to Expect on the Tour

When you arrive at 3715 Tchoupitoulas St, the heart of the experience begins at the distillery’s Tasting Bar and Tour area. The tour itself takes roughly 30 minutes, which is perfect for those not wanting to spend hours but still eager to get some insight into Louisiana’s craft spirits.

The Tour Experience

You’ll start by exploring the beautiful distillery and tasting bar, where your guide will walk you through the process of making spirits. The actual visit may vary depending on the day, but most visitors can expect a stop for a shot of handcrafted vodka if they are over 21, or a free non-alcoholic beverage if under 21. The emphasis here is on education, with guides explaining each step from raw ingredients to final product.

Sampling and Tasting

The highlight for many is the sampling session. Visitors have shared that they enjoyed tasting a variety of spirits, including bourbon, gin, and different vodkas. Some reviews, like Kevin_B’s, mention trying the bourbon and loving how smooth their vodka was, which is a good sign for quality. Others, like Heather_K, appreciated the knowledgeable staff and the fact that even non-drinkers found the experience interesting.

Additional Purchases

After the tour, you’re welcome to buy bottles directly from the distillery—a nice perk for spirits enthusiasts. If you’ve fallen for a particular flavor, bringing home a bottle is a straightforward process.

The Atmosphere and Staff

The overall vibe seems casual yet informative. Many visitors praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with some reviews mentioning the bar staff at the end could be less friendly or even rude—so don’t be surprised if your interaction isn’t perfect. The place’s gray interior might not be the most picturesque, but it’s functional and practical for a quick tour.

The Pros and Cons

While many reviews highlight positive aspects, there are some recurring themes worth noting:

Pros

• Affordable and accessible: At $29.99, it’s a reasonably priced experience for a quick introduction to local spirits.
• Knowledgeable guides: Several reviewers mention how much they enjoyed learning from staff who know their craft.
• Tasting variety: The spirits sampled tend to be well-received, especially for those who dislike strong or harsh liquors.
• Flexible scheduling: Morning or afternoon tours make it easier to fit into a day’s itinerary.
• Opportunity to buy bottles: Perfect for spirits collectors or gift shoppers.

Cons

• Limited depth: Some feel the tour is more of a quick overview than an in-depth experience. The facility has been described as more of a distribution center than a true distillery.
• Variability in quality: A few reviews mention that the product or taste was disappointing, or that the owner seemed unfamiliar with products.
• Customer service inconsistency: A few visitors had less-than-stellar interactions, especially at the bar at closing time.
• Weather dependency: As an outdoor or semi-outdoor activity, bad weather could disrupt the experience.
• Cancellations and closures: Due to COVID or weather, some tours were canceled, which is worth keeping in mind.

Why Choose the NOLA Distillery Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys spirits, appreciates learning about how they’re made, and wants a quick but enjoyable experience during your trip, this tour might fit the bill. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a group that includes those with varying alcohol preferences—non-drinkers or designated drivers can enjoy the non-alcoholic options.

However, if you’re seeking an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at a historic distillery or are particular about product quality, you might want to explore more comprehensive options. Still, for a bite-sized introduction to New Orleans’ craft scene, it’s worth considering.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

The NOLA Distillery Tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly look at Louisiana’s unique spirits, led by friendly guides who know their stuff. The tasting component makes it a fun add-on for those curious about what makes local spirits special or simply seeking a quick, social activity. If you’re a casual traveler or a spirits enthusiast looking for a relatively inexpensive experience, it can be a nice little highlight of your trip.

On the flip side, if you’re after a deep dive into the history or production process, or if you’re super particular about product quality, you might find it somewhat underwhelming. The mixed reviews hint that your experience could depend a lot on the day and staff you encounter.

All in all, this tour can be a good value for the money, especially if you keep expectations realistic. It’s a no-frills, relaxed way to get a taste of New Orleans’ craft alcohol scene, and for many, that’s enough to make it worthwhile.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
You must be 18 or older to participate, so it’s not ideal for young children. Under 21s can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and learn about distilling, but the tasting is for adults only.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick stop rather than a full afternoon activity.

Can I buy bottles during the visit?
Yes, you can purchase bottles directly from the distillery if you’re interested in taking some spirits home.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at 3715 Tchoupitoulas St in New Orleans, where the distillery and tasting bar are located.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the experience is outdoors or semi-outdoor, poor weather could cause cancellations. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if that happens.

Is the experience family-friendly?
While children over 18 are allowed, this isn’t a tour aimed at families with young kids. It’s primarily centered around tasting spirits, which aren’t suitable for minors.

Thinking about a quick, fun insight into New Orleans’ local spirits scene? The NOLA Distillery Tour might just be the right fit—just keep your expectations in check and enjoy the taste of Louisiana.