Nashville’s Big Machine Distillery Guided Tour with Tastings

Get ready to explore Nashville’s Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, a lively downtown spot known for its handcrafted spirits, including vodka, whiskey, gin, and moonshine. Priced at just $25 per person and lasting about 45 minutes, this guided tour offers a compact yet informative look at the distillation process, making it ideal for foodies and spirits enthusiasts alike. The experience features a guided tasting of Big Machine Spirits, including a flight of spirits and a cocktail, plus opportunities to shop in the gift shop.

While the distillery is small—limiting the group to just five people—this adds to its intimate charm. The tour is operated by Big Machine Brewery & Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee, and is highly rated with a perfect 5-star score based on 291 reviews. You can often book this experience 11 days in advance, with free cancellation available if your plans change.

Key Points

• Affordable and short: The tour costs $25 and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
• Limited group size: Small-group experience with just five participants for personalized attention.
• Comprehensive tasting: Includes a flight of spirits plus a cocktail, with spirits available for purchase afterward.
• Focus on handcrafted spirits: Learn how vodka, whiskey, gin, and moonshine are made in Nashville.
• Engaging guides: Known for knowledgeable and friendly staff, such as Kimber, Cody, and M.
• Easy to access: Located at 122 3rd Ave S, near public transportation, with good reviews emphasizing the guides’ expertise.

The Location and Setting of Nashville’s Big Machine Distillery

This distillery is situated in the heart of downtown Nashville, making it a convenient stop during a day of exploring the city. The main venue includes a sleek, modern tasting room where visitors relax and sample cocktails while waiting for the tour. The production area showcases the craftsmanship behind each spirit, with a focus on handmade products.

The VIP lounge offers an upstairs view of the distillery, where guests get to watch the spirits being made while enjoying a guided tasting. This setting provides a comfortable environment for learning about the distilling process and sampling the different spirits.

Inside the Distillery: Where Spirits Are Crafted

The core of the experience takes place in the production area, where the distillery’s spirits are lovingly crafted and bottled by hand. One highlight includes seeing how Big Machine vodka is made from corn, emphasizing the handcrafted nature of their products. The special filter used for vodka production is explained during the tour, giving insight into the unique methods employed.

Visitors are invited to observe the distillery in action from the VIP lounge, which provides an upstairs vantage point. The guide explains the distillation techniques and details about the spirits, making it both educational and engaging.

The Guided Tasting Experience

The main attraction is the guided tasting in the VIP lounge. Guests sample a flight of Big Machine Spirits, which typically includes eight different spirits in small 1/3 oz pours. The tasting often features Tennessee whiskey, vodka, gin, and moonshine, giving a broad overview of the distillery’s range.

In addition, the tasting includes a cocktail, showcasing how these spirits can be enjoyed in mixed drinks. The guide’s knowledgeable explanations and friendly demeanor receive high praise, often making the experience both fun and informative. After the tasting, visitors have the chance to purchase spirits and exclusive merchandise from the shop, adding a tangible souvenir to their Nashville trip.

The Atmosphere and Tour Group Dynamics

Although the distillery is small, this results in an intimate experience, with limited to five people per tour. Many reviews mention private or semi-private experiences, especially when weather or timing results in fewer participants. The guides, such as Kimber, Cody, and M, are noted for their friendliness and expertise, making the atmosphere warm and engaging.

Most tours last around 45 minutes, providing a welcoming pace that balances detailed explanation with tasting and browsing. The small group size makes it easy to ask questions and receive personalized attention.

Shopping and Additional Offerings

At the end of the tour, visitors can browse the gift shop, which offers spirits for purchase as well as exclusive merchandise. This is a good opportunity to pick up a bottle of Tennessee whiskey or a souvenir to remember the visit. Many reviews highlight the quality of the spirits and the friendly service in the shop.

Accessibility and Logistics

This tour departs from 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville, a location near public transportation, making it easy to access for most visitors. The experience is designed to accommodate most travelers, with good reviews noting the accessibility and friendly staff. The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable environment for all participants.

Booking is straightforward, with the ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. The timing generally fits well into a Nashville sightseeing schedule, and the 45-minute duration is manageable for most itineraries.

The Price and Value of This Tour

At $25 per person, this distillery tour offers great value for the amount of information, tastings, and experience provided. Many reviews mention that the tastings alone—eight spirits and a cocktail—make the price worthwhile. The small-group setting and guides’ expertise add to the overall worth.

While the distillery is small, the quality of the experience—including learning about spirits and distillation, enjoying tastings, and shopping—makes it a popular choice for visitors wanting a personalized and educational activity in Nashville.

The Personal Touch of Guides and Staff

The guides at Big Machine Distillery receive consistently positive reviews for their knowledge, friendly manner, and ability to answer questions clearly. Guides like Kimber, Cody, and M are described as super knowledgeable, fun, and approachable. Some reviews highlight personalized experiences, especially when unexpected events like weather delays** occur, with staff accommodating guests warmly.

Final Thoughts on the Nashville Distillery Tour

This 45-minute guided tour at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery offers a compact, engaging look at handcrafted spirits. The small group size enhances the experience, permitting personal interaction and in-depth explanations. The spirits tasting, including a cocktail, paired with the opportunity to shop for spirits and merchandise, provides excellent value for money.

Although the distillery is small, the quality of guides and the in-depth learning make it a worthwhile stop in downtown Nashville. Perfect for spirits lovers, foodies, or those interested in how Tennessee spirits are made, this tour offers both education and tastings in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What is included in the tasting?
The tasting features a flight of Big Machine Spirits, typically eight different spirits in small pours, plus a cocktail.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, it is designed to accommodate most travelers, with good reviews on accessibility and group size.

Can spirits be purchased after the tour?
Yes, visitors can buy spirits and exclusive merchandise at the shop afterward.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended about 11 days ahead; the tour is popular and often booked out.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small group size, friendly guides, and comprehensive tastings make this an informative and enjoyable experience in Nashville.

Is this tour worth the price?
Absolutely, at $25, it offers great value with educational content, spirits tastings, and a personalized experience.