Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville and want to soak up some of the city’s signature flavors — whiskey, barbecue, and craft beer — this tour might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact experience, reviews and detailed descriptions provide a clear picture of what to expect. It’s designed for anyone wanting a fun, relaxed way to taste some local favorites without the hassle of planning every stop.

Three things we love about this tour are the guided whiskey tastings at Nashville Barrel Company, the beloved Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que with award-winning sauce, and the variety of Nashville’s best beers at New Heights Brewing. The convenience of transportation and the chance to learn about Nashville’s drink scene make it appealing. One potential downside? The last beer stop reportedly lacks the same educational or tour element, which might leave some wanting a bit more insight.

This experience is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, social outing that combines delicious food, local drinks, and a bit of Nashville’s unique culture. If you’re a drink enthusiast, a foodie, or simply want an easy way to sample Nashville’s flavors, this tour offers good value for the price.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Experiences: Whiskey tastings, BBQ lunch/dinner, and craft beer flight included.
• Comfortable Transportation: Private, air-conditioned bus makes traveling between stops easy.
• Knowledgeable Guides: The tour driver and guides are praised for their insights and friendliness.
• Flexible and Convenient: Most travelers book about a month in advance, and the tour is suitable for many.
• Limited Stops, Big Flavor: Three main stops pack a lot of flavor and local culture into around four hours.
• Potential for Improvement: The last stop’s lack of tour or education might disappoint some.

What to Expect from the Nashville Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour

This four-hour tour is a compact, well-structured way to explore some of Nashville’s most celebrated culinary and drink destinations. It’s run by Tennessee Whiskey Tours, and they keep things straightforward, focusing on quality experiences without overloading your day.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins in downtown Nashville at Bob’s Steak & Chop House, right in the heart of the city. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a professional driver and guide. The group size can be up to 57 travelers, which isn’t small but remains manageable for conversation and interaction. The transportation aspect is a major plus — you get to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving or parking.

The Whiskey Stop at Nashville Barrel Company

Your first stop is the Nashville Barrel Company Distillery, one of the top spots for whiskey in the city. Here, you’ll take a guided tour which lasts about an hour. The focus is on Tennessee whiskey, and you’ll get to sample some of the best the state has to offer—rum and gin are also available in the broader tour lineup, adding variety. Reviewers mention guides being very knowledgeable, adding depth and context to the tasting.

The whiskey experience seems to be a highlight for most, with visitors noting the quality of the spirits and the friendliness of the staff. One reviewer, Jean Z, remarked, “Our tour rep was very knowledgeable. Whiskeys, Rum, and Gin were great,” which suggests the guides are well-versed and engage guests effectively.

BBQ at Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que

Next, the tour moves to Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que, a local favorite for its award-winning sauce—multiple times declared the best sauce on the planet. The meal lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to enjoy their signature dishes. The reviews highlight the deliciousness of the food and the reputation of the sauce, which really is a standout. For many, this is a true taste of Nashville’s barbecue scene, offering smoky, tender meats paired with flavorful sides.

While the tour description emphasizes the food, some reviews mention the importance of timing—it’s a quick but satisfying stop. The entire experience feels authentic, with a chance to enjoy some of the city’s most praised barbecue.

Craft Beer Flight at New Heights Brewing

The final stop is at Tennessee Brew Works, specifically at New Heights Brewing Company. Here, you’ll get a flight of local beers, allowing you to sample a variety of Nashville’s craft offerings. Reviewers note that this stop is a relaxed environment where you can unwind, chat, and enjoy the local brews, many of which are considered top-tier.

However, one review pointed out that this stop lacked a tour or educational component—“There was no tour or education on their beer or processing”—which might leave some wanting more insight into the brewing process. Still, the quality of the beers themselves was praised, and the opportunity to hang out and soak up Nashville’s beer scene is a clear plus.

The Value of the Tour

At $175 per person, this tour offers a lot of value considering the inclusions: private transportation, guided tastings, and a curated food and drink experience. For those interested in Nashville’s spirits and culinary culture, spending four hours exploring these three highlights makes sense. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a guided experience that minimizes hassle, with everything arranged for you.

The tour’s timing — about four hours — strikes a good balance between seeing multiple locations without feeling rushed. Plus, booking roughly a month in advance suggests it’s popular enough to warrant planning ahead, and it’s suitable for most travelers, with no specific restrictions apart from planning for restroom breaks (since the bus doesn’t have a restroom).

What the Tour Gets Right

Knowledgeable guides are a big plus, with reviews citing the tour rep’s expertise and friendliness. The whiskey and BBQ stops are praised for their authenticity and quality—particularly the award-winning BBQ sauce and the spirits at Nashville Barrel Company. The convenience of private transportation around Nashville means less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying each stop.

What Could Be Better

The last stop at Tennessee Brew Works, while pleasant and enjoyable for beer lovers, could be improved with added insights into the brewing process or a mini-tour. As one reviewer pointed out, “There was no tour or education on their beer or processing,” which might disappoint those expecting a more educational experience. Plus, the lack of a restroom on the bus means travelers should plan accordingly, especially after tasting spirits and beer.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals to a broad range of travelers. Foodies and drink enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here, especially those who appreciate guided tours that combine taste testing with local culture. It’s suitable for groups, couples, or even solo travelers looking for a fun, social outing.

Since it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, it’s best for guests staying near the downtown area or those comfortable using public transportation to and from the meeting point. It’s also worth noting that the tour is most appreciated by those willing to taste multiple spirits, beers, and hearty barbecue.

Final Thoughts

This Nashville Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s most iconic flavors. It’s a practical way to sample the best whiskey, barbecue, and craft beer without the hassle of planning separate visits. You’ll love the knowledgeable guides, the chance to taste local spirits, and the authentic barbecue that captures Nashville’s culinary spirit.

While the last stop could be more educational, it still provides a relaxed environment to unwind after two flavorful stops. The value for the cost is good, especially considering all inclusions, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Nashville’s drink and food scene efficiently.

In sum, if you’re after a fun, tasty introduction to Nashville’s drink and barbecue culture with easy logistics, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those who want to explore, taste, and learn about Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene without spending all day on it.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at Bob’s Steak & Chop House in downtown Nashville, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
Yes, the tour includes a guided whiskey tasting, a flight of craft beers, and alcohol at the BBQ stop.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but you should be comfortable with walking a bit and drinking alcohol. The tour is also not suitable for those needing restroom facilities on the bus.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.

Can I expect to learn about the brewing process at the beer stop?
Based on reviews, there’s no educational tour at the brewery—it’s mainly tastings and hanging out in a relaxed setting.

To sum it up, this Nashville Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour combines the essential tastes and local culture in a convenient, guided format. It’s best suited for those wanting a social, flavorful experience with minimal fuss, especially if you’re eager to sample Nashville’s famous spirits, hearty barbecue, and craft beers all in one go.