Nashville: Big Machine Distillery Tour with Tasting

Discover Nashville’s Big Machine Distillery Tour with Tasting

If you’re curious about the spirits behind Nashville’s thriving craft scene, the Big Machine Distillery Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into brewing and distilling in Music City. This one-hour experience combines education, tasting, and a touch of musical magic — all in the heart of downtown Nashville. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about spirits, this tour provides a balanced look at what makes Big Machine a standout.

What we really like about this experience is the opportunity to taste a flight of award-winning spirits, including their signature Platinum Filtered Vodka, renowned for being the “smoothest tasting vodka, period.” Plus, the guided aspect means you’ll learn not just about the process but also about the legacy of Big Machine, a brand founded by a music mogul. A potential consideration is that the tour is relatively short — just about an hour — so it’s best suited for those looking for a quick, informative tasting rather than a comprehensive distillery experience. This tour is perfect for fans of music, spirits, or Nashville history who want a relaxed, engaging peek behind the scenes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Educational and fun: Learn about the distillation process and Big Machine’s history in an engaging guided tour.
• Premium tasting: Enjoy a flight of thoughtfully crafted spirits, including award-winning vodka, gin, moonshine, and bourbon.
• Music connection: Experience the ambiance of Big Machine music playing as you sip, blending Nashville’s musical spirit with craft spirits.
• Authentic focus: Discover the story behind the Big Machine brand and its unique role in Nashville’s spirits scene.
• Convenient location: Meet at the upstairs bar of Big Machine Brewery and Distillery in downtown Nashville for easy access.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, making it easy to fit into your Nashville itinerary.

An In-Depth Look at the Big Machine Distillery Tour

The Setting and Logistics

The tour begins at the upstairs bar of Big Machine Brewery and Distillery, located at 122 3rd Ave South. It’s easy to find in downtown Nashville, close enough to other attractions for those exploring the city on foot. The meeting point’s convenient location means you won’t have to worry about complicated transportation, and the entire experience lasts about one hour — perfect for a quick stop amid a busy Nashville day.

The tour is guided in English, with a live guide providing insights into both the distillation process and the brand’s story. It’s worth noting that the group size is likely limited, ensuring a more personal experience. The tour is suitable for those over 21, though it’s important to remember that participants under this age cannot sample alcohol.

What to Expect During the Tour

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed into a space that marries Nashville’s musical heritage with the craft of spirits-making. As you settle in, the guide will walk you through the history of Big Machine — a brand established in 2015 by Scott Borchetta, a notable figure in the music industry. The connection between music and spirits here is emphasized, with Big Machine’s famous soundtracks playing throughout.

The core of the tour revolves around a guided explanation of the distillation process, from raw ingredients to the final product. This includes an overview of their flagship product: the Platinum Filtered Vodka, which has won a Double Gold Award and is touted as the smoothest vodka available, thanks to a proprietary Platinum Filtration system. We loved the way the guide explained that this process is the only one of its kind in the world, making it clear why this spirit has gained such recognition.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Tasting Experience

After the educational part, everyone gets to sample a flight of spirits. You’ll taste a variety, including craft Tennessee whiskey, American-style gin, moonshine, and single-batch bourbons. The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere, with music softly playing in the background, which adds to the overall vibe.

People have remarked that the spirits are of high quality, with one reviewer noting, “The dedication to purity and refinement sets Big Machine apart, and each sip delivers a clean, smooth experience.” The vodka, in particular, is praised as “The Smoothest Tasting Vodka, Period,” thanks to its unique filtration method.

Authenticity and Legacy

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on telling the story of Big Machine, not just showcasing the spirits. The guide shares the brand’s origins, growth, and connection to Nashville’s musical roots. As one review puts it, “The tour isn’t just about spirits; it’s about understanding a brand that’s built on innovation and a love of music.”

Value and Practical Considerations

For the price, the tour offers good value. The one-hour guided experience includes a flight of spirits and a chance to learn about each one’s unique qualities. You’ll also get a chance to purchase bottles in the tasting room, which makes a nice souvenir.

The tour’s limited duration appeals to those looking for a quick, engaging activity without the commitment of a full-day tour. However, if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration of the entire distilling process, this might feel somewhat brief.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Participants must bring a passport or ID card to verify their age. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, as the physical setup may not accommodate such needs comfortably. Smoking is not permitted on-site, in line with standard alcohol production regulations.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for music lovers and spirits enthusiasts alike. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate quality craft spirits and want to learn the story behind a rising Nashville brand. If you’re new to spirits, the concise, guided format offers enough insight without feeling overwhelming. The tour also works well for small groups or couples seeking a relaxed activity with a local flavor.

While it’s not a comprehensive distillery visit, it offers a good balance of education, tasting, and entertainment. For anyone wanting a quick yet authentic taste of Nashville’s spirits scene, this tour makes a compelling choice.

The Sum Up

The Big Machine Distillery Tour delivers a neat, well-rounded experience for travelers wanting a taste (literally and figuratively) of Nashville’s craft spirits scene. With its focus on quality, innovation, and music, it manages to be both educational and enjoyable without taking up too much of your time. The guided format, combined with the chance to sample top-notch spirits, offers solid value — particularly if you’re a fan of music or looking to expand your knowledge of craft distilling.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, are interested in learning about brand stories, or want a quick indoor activity with a distinctly Nashville twist. It’s a nice way to connect with the city’s spirit (pun intended) and discover a side of Nashville beyond the honky-tonks and country hits.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people under 21?
Participants must be 21 or older to sample spirits, but those under 21 can still participate in the guided tour and learn about the distillation process.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick but informative activity.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet in the upstairs bar of Big Machine Brewery and Distillery at 122 3rd Ave South, Nashville. Coordinates: 36.16079330444336, -86.77516174316406.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking offers flexibility to match your travel plans.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour is based at a walkable location in downtown Nashville, with no transportation included.

Are there any restrictions on mobility?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs, as the setup may not accommodate such needs.

Can I buy spirits after the tour?
Yes, you can purchase bottles in the tasting room, making it a nice opportunity to bring home a souvenir.

Whether you’re a Nashville veteran or a first-time visitor, the Big Machine Distillery Tour provides a lively, authentic taste of Music City’s spirit-making craft. It’s a short, sweet experience that combines good storytelling, premium tastings, and a dash of musical ambiance — all in one charming downtown spot.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby