If you think Nashville is just honky tonks and hot chicken, you’re missing a big part of what makes this city truly bold: whiskey. Tennessee whiskey is as storied as the city’s music and just as smooth, especially when you know where to sip it.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect pour, craving some local whiskey history, or planning a memorable outing with friends, this guide to the best Nashville whiskey distillery tours will help you choose the perfect whiskey experience. I’ve personally curated these based on quality, storytelling, and guest experience, and many of them I recommend on my own food and beverage tours.
- 01Craft Distillery Tour Along the Whiskey Trail
- 02Big Machine Distillery Tour with Tastings in Downtown Nashville
- 03Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tour
- 04Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour with 9+ Tastings
- 05Uncle Nearest Bus Tour with Tastings from Nashville
- 06Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour + Tastings + Live Music + BBQ
- 07Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Van Tour
- 08Hot Chicken & Whiskey Walking Tour
- 09Murals, Sightseeing, and Distillery Tour by Golf Cart
- 10Nashville Brewery and Distillery Tour by Golf Cart
- 11Honorable Mention: Corsair Distillery
I only recommend top-rated, locally owned Nashville experiences I know and trust. As a local guide, I’ve personally vetted everything on this page. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you, which helps support this site and the local businesses we love.
Craft Distillery Tour Along the Whiskey Trail
Best luxury whiskey tour in Nashville for craft connoisseurs
This premium van tour caters to travelers who want to dive deeper into the Tennessee Whiskey Trail while keeping things upscale. You’ll be chauffeured to three boutique distilleries, each offering exclusive tastings and a close-up look at the artistry behind every bottle. You’ll have at least 11 whiskey tastings on this all inclusive tour.
Expect detailed explanations, passionate guides, and whiskies that go beyond the mainstream, perfect for seasoned sippers who are ready for the next level.
What’s included:
11+ Tastings at three different distilleries
Luxury van transportation
Intimate group size for deeper interaction
Big Machine Distillery Tour with Tastings in Downtown Nashville
Experience Downtown nashville’s Premier Distillery
If you want to sip whiskey right in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Big Machine Distillery Tour & Tasting delivers. Located just steps from Broadway, this spot makes it easy to blend your distillery experience with a night out on the town.
On this guided tour, you’ll see how Big Machine crafts their award-winning spirits, from grain to glass. You’ll walk through the production process and then head straight to the tasting bar, where you’ll sample their Tennessee whiskey, vodka, and specialty spirits. The staff is laid-back and approachable, making it a great introduction for casual drinkers while still offering enough detail to keep whiskey lovers engaged.
If you’re looking for something even more special, book their Single Barrel Deep Dive Tour to get your tastings straight from the barrel.
The best part? You don’t have to travel outside the city limits for a full distillery experience. If you’re short on time but still want an authentic Nashville whiskey tour, Big Machine is your downtown go-to.
Pro Move: Book this tour in the late afternoon, then roll straight into your evening plans on Broadway. It’s the perfect warm-up for a night of music and more whiskey.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tour
Best downtown Nashville whiskey tour for Tennessee history lovers
Step into a piece of Tennessee history with a visit to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, one of the most charming and meaningful stops on Nashville’s whiskey trail. Tucked away in Marathon Motor Works, this working distillery brings a pre-Prohibition legend back to life.
Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson discovered their great-great-great-grandfather’s whiskey distillery had once been one of the largest in the country before it was shut down by Prohibition. What followed was a decade-long journey to revive the brand, and you can feel that passion in every corner of their facility.
The 45-minute tour walks you through both the historic tale and the modern craft of whiskey-making, and ends with a tasting that includes their signature bourbons and Tennessee whiskey blends.
Why it stands out:
Fascinating origin story with family legacy
Stylish tasting room with high-end cocktail bar
4 half ounce pour tastings included
Located walking distance from great restaurants and shops within Marathon Village
This area is a stop on most hop on hop off bus routes
Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour with 9+ Tastings
Best Nashville distillery tour for all-in-one tastings and transportation
You know that feeling when you want to sample a bit of everything but don’t want to worry about who’s driving? This is the solution. The Premier Distillery & Brewery Tour is your no-hassle, all-flavor ticket to some of Nashville’s best small-batch producers.
You’ll hop aboard a comfortable mini coach with a local guide who knows the ins and outs of the city’s craft scene. Along the way, you’ll visit two distilleries and one brewery, sampling over nine different tastings, including barrel-aged bourbons, smooth moonshines, and hop-forward beers brewed right here in town.
Expect to laugh, learn, and maybe discover a new favorite whiskey you’ve never heard of before.
What’s included:
Guided transportation
Tastings at three unique stops
9+ tastings included
Small-group experience
Uncle Nearest Bus Tour with Tastings from Nashville
Best whiskey tour near Nashville for Black history and premium spirits
This isn’t just a whiskey tour, it’s a tribute to one of the most important and overlooked figures in American spirits. Nearest Green was the first known African American master distiller, and his legacy lives on in the brand that bears his name: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
The tour starts in Nashville, but the real magic happens once you reach the distillery in Shelbyville, a breathtaking, modern estate built to honor Nearest Green’s story. Expect detailed storytelling, powerful cultural history, exceptional whiskeys, and a deep emotional impact.
The property itself feels like a destination, with a grand visitor center, cocktail bar, gift shop, and expansive tasting spaces that invite you to linger long after the final pour.
What’s included:
Round-trip transportation from Nashville
Guided tour + tastings at the distillery
Beautiful grounds with time to explore
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour + Tastings + Live Music + BBQ
Best full-day distillery tour from Nashville to Lynchburg
Few brands in the world are as recognizable as Jack Daniel’s, but seeing where it all started hits different. This all-day guided experience takes you on a road trip from Nashville to Lynchburg, TN, where the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery still operates in a dry county (yes, really).
The tour includes guided tastings of rare Jack Daniel’s expressions, plus a stop for BBQ and hear live music from a local songwriter at one of the area’s most beloved local spots. This one is ideal if you want to say “I did the real thing.”
Why it’s worth the trip:
Iconic destination + scenic countryside
Live music + Southern BBQ lunch included
Taste premium Jack Daniel’s expressions not available in stores
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Van Tour
Best Nashville whiskey and food tour combo for groups
This is one of my favorite high-converting experiences, and it’s easy to see why. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour is a full-flavor adventure through Nashville’s craft drink scene and culinary staples. You’ll visit a brewery, a distillery, and one of the city’s best BBQ spots, all while riding in a comfortable van with local guides who keep the vibe fun and inclusive. This is currently one of my favorite bourbon tour Nashville offers.
It’s ideal for groups, celebrations, or anyone who wants a true taste of Nashville without having to figure out parking, planning, or waiting in line.
Why I always recommend it:
Includes food and drinks (huge win)
Smooth pacing between stops
Great for birthdays, couples, or friend groups
Hot Chicken & Whiskey Walking Tour
Best whiskey tour in downtown Nashville for food lovers
If you're looking for a food tour that turns up the volume on flavor and fun, the Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour is a must. This guided, half-day adventure gives you VIP access to two award-winning distilleries and one of Nashville’s most iconic meals - hot chicken from the legendary Hattie B’s.
You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a cooler, cold water, and a friendly, knowledgeable guide who keeps the experience relaxed and engaging. Whether you're a foodie, whiskey lover, or first-time visitor looking to try something truly local, this tour delivers.
Includes:
Hot chicken at a local favorite
VIP access to 2 award winning distilleries
Tastings and a full meal included
Luxury and comfortable transportation.
Murals, Sightseeing, and Distillery Tour by Golf Cart
Best Nashville whiskey tour for art lovers and first-time visitors
If you want to hit some of Nashville’s most iconic sights without piling into a party van or walking for miles, this golf cart tour is the perfect option. You’ll cruise through the city in an open-air, street-legal golf cart, which sounds quirky, but it’s actually one of the best ways to explore Nashville’s neighborhoods up close.
This tour gives you the rare combo of public art, historic landmarks, and whiskey tasting, all in one compact route. Your guide will take you to the city’s most famous murals (perfect for photos), share fun and surprising stories about Nashville’s growth, and wrap the experience with a stop at two local distilleries for proper Tennessee whiskey and moonshine tasting.
Why this one’s special:
Great balance of art, history, and whiskey
Golf carts let you go places tour buses can’t
Includes 3 distillery stops + mural photos
Nashville Brewery and Distillery Tour by Golf Cart
Best affordable whiskey and beer tour in Nashville
Looking for a low-key way to enjoy Nashville’s drink scene without committing to a full-day tour? This affordable and fun golf cart tour takes you to a mix of up to 4 breweries and distilleries where you can sip, learn, and relax at your own pace.
This is a great pick if you want to get a feel for Nashville’s craft scene but don’t have time (or interest) in the bigger, more structured tours.
Highlights:
Quick and flexible (1.5–2 hours)
Personalized stops at local breweries and distilleries
Perfect mid-day activity or pre-dinner outing
No tastings are included
Honorable Mention: Corsair Distillery
While not on a formal tour route, Corsair deserves a spot on any whiskey-lover’s list. Known for boundary-pushing spirits, Corsair experiments with smoked malts, quinoa mash, and botanical infusions. If you’re into creativity and complexity, this place will blow you away.
Located in Marathon Village, you can drop in for a tasting or take a more detailed guided tour (check times in advance).
Tips for Choosing the Right Whiskey Tour
Short on time? Stick with in-town single distillery tours like Nelson’s or Corsair.
Don’t want to drive? Go with a van or bus tour, they handle everything.
Looking for food and drink? Choose Beer, Bourbon & BBQ or Hot Chicken & Whiskey.
History + impact? You won’t forget Uncle Nearest or Jack Daniel’s.
Luxury and exclusivity? Book the Craft Distillery Trail tour.
FAQ: Nashville Whiskey Tours
Which Nashville whiskey Distillery tour is best for first-timers?
The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ or Hot Chicken & Whiskey tours are fun, well-paced, and include both food and drinks, perfect for first-timers.
Can I tour Jack Daniel’s from Nashville in a day?
Yes! Several full-day tours include round-trip transport, tastings, and even lunch.
Is there a distillery trail in Nashville?
Nashville is part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, and several guided tours make it easy to explore key stops without planning yourself.
Are whiskey tastings included in every tour?
Almost always, but check the fine print. Some include more premium expressions or cocktail pairings than others.
Can I combine food and Nashville whiskey distilleries on the same tour?
Absolutely. Look for tours like Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour or Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour, both include local eats and tastings.
Other Nashville Experiences You Might Like
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East Nashville for Foodies: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore
Final Thoughts
Whether you're visiting for the music or staying for the food, a Nashville whiskey tour adds depth, flavor, and unforgettable stories to your trip. From the legacy of Uncle Nearest to the innovation of Corsair, these experiences offer more than a drink, they connect you to the soul of Tennessee.
And the best part? You don’t have to plan a thing, just book the one that speaks to your taste, and let the whiskey lead the way.
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