Whiskey, beer, and zero taxi stress. In about 3 hours you’ll hop between multiple Nashville distilleries and breweries with 9–12 drink samples, guided the whole way so you can focus on the pours, not the logistics. It’s a fun way to taste a bunch of local styles in one go, without needing a map plus a designated driver.

I especially like the private transportation between stops. It keeps the day moving and saves you from playing Nashville taxi roulette. I also like the variety of tasting formats you can run into on this route, from classic whiskey and bourbon stops to craft beer sessions, with guides like Jack, Jimmy, Ryan, and Shawn often praised for pacing the visit and sharing the kind of on-site context that makes the drinks click.

One drawback to keep in mind: the exact stops can change. You’ll always hit at least 3 places, but you might not get every brand you hope for, and not every location will feel the same (some are more production-focused, others are more tasting-and-bottling focused).

Key things to know before you go

• 9–12 tastings in roughly 3 hours means you’ll sample a lot without planning a whole route.
• Private transportation included cuts out taxi/ride-share time between venues.
• At least 3 stops are guaranteed, but the exact distilleries and breweries can vary.
• Small group size with a max of 13 people helps the day feel social, not chaotic.
• IDs matter: you must be 21+ with a valid photo ID.
• Guides are a big part of the appeal, with names like Jack, Jimmy, and Ryan showing up in strong recommendations.

The real deal: what this tour does well in Nashville

This is built for one main thing: tasting more Nashville spirits and craft beer without spending your vacation on planning and shuffling between addresses.

For $114.99 per person, you’re not just buying access to drinks. You’re buying time. The tour runs about 3 hours, includes private transportation between sites, and keeps you moving so you’re not stuck waiting for ride-shares while the good pours happen elsewhere. And because tastings come in the 9–12 drink range, the value lands best if you’re the type of person who likes options—bourbon one stop, maybe moonshine-style flavors at another, plus craft beer along the way.

You’ll also see the “bus tour” part done in a smart way. You’re not doing a long haul tour of the outskirts with one quick stop. You’re doing a tight circuit in Nashville that’s designed to get you into multiple venues without losing the morning (or your buzz).

Price and value: how the $114.99 math actually works

A lot of Nashville “tour” options charge for transportation and call it a day. This one leans into tastings and multiple stops.

Here’s how I’d think about the cost:

• You’re paying once for the group logistics and the route.
• You get repeated tasting opportunities across more than one venue.
• The tour caps at 13 travelers, which usually means less standing around and more time receiving pours and asking questions.

If you were to DIY this—pick 3 to 4 spots, schedule tours, arrange rides, and then hope you can get tastings—you’d likely spend more than you expect in ride-share time alone. The “no taxis needed” point matters more than it sounds. In Nashville, getting from one popular venue to the next can eat up your schedule faster than the tastings themselves.

That said, not every stop will feel like a classic, ticketed, behind-the-scenes distillery tour. Some stops may focus more on tastings, bottles, or bar-style pours, depending on what’s available that day.

How the day runs: meeting at Green Light Bar and ending at Big Machine

Your day starts at The Green Light Bar, 833 Hawkins St, Nashville, TN 37203, then ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201.

The stops are designed as short, focused visits. You’ll spend about 45 minutes at the first Nashville-area stop and around 30 minutes at several later locations. That’s a good rhythm if you don’t want to spend your entire afternoon in one building.

Also, because locations can change, I’d plan mentally as: you’re buying a spirits and beer circuit, not a strict checklist of three exact venues every time.

Stop-by-stop: what you’ll likely get at each venue

Stop 1: Nashville (45 minutes)

The first stop is listed as Nashville and can vary by booking, but it’s always part of the “at least 3 places” promise. Practically, this is where the tour sets your pace: you arrive, get the rules (21+, ID out, don’t wing it), and then jump into tastings right away.

This first segment is where I think the tour helps the most. If you’ve never been to Nashville’s bar-and-distillery scene, it can feel like you’re showing up for an event where you don’t know the process. Having a guide and a set route means less guessing.

What to watch: since this stop can vary, you might find it more bar-like than tour-like. That can be totally fine if your goal is tasting variety over deep production tours.

Stop 2: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

This is a major anchor on the tour route when it’s included. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is part of Marathon Village, and the admission ticket is included.

When this stop hits, it’s a good fit for people who want Tennessee spirits with a real sense of place. One of the standout details from the information you have is that it includes a structured stop, not just a quick sip. A guide at this distillery (noted by name in one account) was PJ, and that stop is described as giving both history and a tour feel rather than only pouring.

One consideration: because stops can change, you should not treat Nelson’s Green Brier as guaranteed for every departure. If it’s your #1 must-see, check the booking details close to your date and accept that the route may swap.

Stop 3: Nashville Barrel Company Distillery

This stop is described as an “amazing whiskey and bourbon experience” and runs about 30 minutes, with admission included.

Here’s the practical angle: Nashville Barrel Company can feel different than a classic distillery tour. It’s part of the broader Tennessee whiskey scene, and some of the experience may be about what’s in the bottle—how barrels and spirits get curated, selected, and poured—rather than a long, in-depth production walk.

That matters if you’re expecting walls-to-walls distilling equipment and a strict manufacturing timeline. If your main goal is tasting multiple whiskey and bourbon styles quickly and moving on, this stop can still work well. If you want the deepest production focus possible, you’ll be happier when the other distillery stops lean more traditional.

Stop 4: New Heights Brewing Company

This is the craft beer stop on the route, listed as a Nashville staple and held about 30 minutes with admission included.

Why this matters: it gives balance. After whiskey and bourbon sampling, switching to craft beer keeps your palate from turning into a blur. It also gives you a break from distilled spirits without stopping the action.

Also, beer tastings tend to be easier to pace if you’re sensitive to alcohol intensity. You’ll still be tasting, but it’s often a slightly more relaxed vibe than some straight whiskey flights.

Ending at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery: the last pours

The tour ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery in downtown Nashville. This is where you cap the experience, and it’s a strong place to do it because it’s set up for a good final atmosphere.

One thing you should know: depending on what’s scheduled that day, you might find the tasting emphasis leaning toward cocktails or beer rather than a pure whiskey final. The “best vibe” comments are linked to the setting, including mention of live music, so even if your focus is whiskey, the finish can still feel like a proper Nashville send-off.

The tasting approach: 9–12 samples means pacing is everything

When a tour promises 9–12 alcoholic drink samples, you should assume you’ll be drinking more than you think by stop #3. That’s not a downside—just plan for it.

Here’s what works best:

• Start slow at the first stop. Your body needs time to reset.
• Ask the guide what’s best for your taste. If you like sweet bourbon notes, say so early.
• Take small sips when a pour gets intense, then switch to the next sample.

The tour’s structure helps because you’re not stuck at one place. Still, if you get carried away and treat every tasting like a full-size drink, the last stop can feel harder than it needs to.

Guides make the difference: names you might meet

This tour has a clear pattern in feedback: the guide experience often drives the day. Names that have shown up with strong praise include Tyler, Jack, Ryan, Joe, Jimmy, Shawn, and Swade.

What I’d look for in a guide, based on what’s described:

• Clear explanations that connect the drink to Nashville and the specific venue
• A pace that avoids rushing you out mid-conversation
• Quick tips that help you navigate the crowds and choose what to order after the tour

Even when the tour itself is similar in structure, the guide can change how fun it feels. A good guide turns a tasting session into a little story you’ll remember when you see a bottle later.

What you may love if this fits your style

This tour is a great match if you’re traveling for a “taste sampler” goal rather than a “one distillery, maximum depth” goal.

You’re likely to enjoy it if you:

• Want multiple tastings without planning
• Like mixing distilleries and breweries in one day
• Prefer a guided pace over self-guided hopping
• Value transportation help more than total customization

It’s also a smart choice for first-time visitors. This is the kind of activity that helps you learn what you like quickly, so your next day in Nashville can be more focused.

A fair caution: where disappointment can happen

I’m glad you asked for a balanced review, because there are a couple realistic ways this could fall short.

1) Stop substitutions

Since locations can change and Nelson’s Green Brier isn’t guaranteed for every departure, your dream route might not match your expectations. You’ll still visit at least 3 places, but the “which ones” can vary.

2) Not every stop is the same type of experience

Some venues can be more bar-like or tasting-oriented, while others feel more like a traditional distillery visit. If you only want classic production tours, you may wish you’d booked a more single-location distillery experience.

3) Final tasting format may vary

The last venue can still feel great, but the tasting menu can lean more cocktail/beer depending on how that stop is run. If whiskey-only is your goal, keep an open mind.

Who should book this tour

Book it if you want a quick, guided Nashville sampling session with transportation built in.

It’s especially good for:

• Couples on a short trip who want a memorable afternoon
• Friends who want group energy and tastings spread across multiple venues
• People who like learning the basics of Tennessee whiskey and craft beer while tasting

If you’re the type who wants a full, deep, single distillery production day with no tradeoffs, you might be happier with a focused distillery tour instead.

Should you book Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour?

Yes, if you want maximum tasting variety in one 3-hour loop and you’re tired of planning rides between stops. The included transportation and the 9–12 sample structure make it good value for time-squeezed travelers.

Consider a different option if:

• Your trip has only one must-see distillery and you can’t risk substitutions
• You’re only interested in production-style tours and don’t want bar-style tasting stops
• You prefer a slower day with fewer pours rather than several quick tastings

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 3 hours, with each stop lasting roughly 30–45 minutes depending on the location.

How many tastings are included?

You’re provided 9–12 alcoholic drink samples as part of the tour experience.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $114.99 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at The Green Light Bar, 833 Hawkins St, Nashville and ends at Big Machine Brewery & Distillery, 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville.

Do I need a photo ID?

Yes. All guests must be 21 or older and have a valid photo ID, or they will be turned away for drinks.

Are stops guaranteed to be the same?

No. Distillery and brewery locations are subject to change, but you’ll always visit at least 3 places.

Is transportation between stops included?

Yes. Private transportation between sites is included, so you should not need to book taxis.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 13 travelers, and it requires a minimum number of travelers to operate.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed on this tour.