Top 10 Whiskey Experiences in Nashville (From a Local)

If you’re a whiskey lover visiting Nashville, you’re in the right place. Tennessee whiskey isn’t just something we serve, it’s part of our story. From barrel tastings and guided distillery tours to secret speakeasies and legacy brands, there are whiskey experiences in Nashville for every kind of traveler.

This local guide highlights 10 unforgettable tours, tastings, and bars, including a few you might miss without insider tips. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, a birthday, or a solo sip-and-stroll, this list is your whiskey roadmap.

Prefer to taste with transportation handled? Pair these bars with a guided Nashville whiskey tasting or tour so you can explore more in less time and never worry about a designated driver.

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 local businesses we love.

Nashville Hot Chicken and Whiskey Tour

1. Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour by Van - $169

Best for: groups, celebrations, and food lovers who want it all.

The Hot Chicken and Whiskey Tour Nashville blends two iconic local flavors into one unforgettable afternoon. You’ll visit top-rated local spots for whiskey tastings and enjoy spicy hot chicken while learning about the city’s rich distilling culture. It's one of the most unique and flavorful whiskey experiences in Nashville, especially for first-time visitors who want to sample the city’s signature heat and hospitality.

  • Includes multiple whiskey tastings and hot chicken from a beloved local joint

  • Great for birthdays, bachelorettes, or couples who love flavor and fun

  • Transportation is included - no need to drive

Perfect Your Whiskey Cocktail Skills

2. Tennessee Whiskey Workshop - $90

Best for: hands-on experiences, cocktail lovers, and curious travelers.

Looking for a hands-on way to dive into Tennessee whiskey? The Tennessee Whiskey Workshop is one of Nashville’s most fun and interactive experiences. It’s perfect for cocktail lovers, birthday groups, or anyone who wants to do more than just sip.

Led by hospitality pros like Chris Mallon, this 90-minute session teaches you to make three different versions of the Old Fashioned, each one using Tennessee whiskey as its base. You'll learn bartender secrets, tasting tips, and local whiskey history as you shake, stir, and sip your way through a guided cocktail class.

What’s Included:

  • Expert-led cocktail instruction (90 minutes total)

  • 3 full-size craft cocktails made by you

  • Stories, laughs, and whiskey education

  • East Nashville location (easy to reach)

Whether you're a cocktail nerd or a total beginner, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Tennessee whiskey, and some new bar skills to show off.

“This is not a sit-and-sip tour. It’s a roll-up-your-sleeves, pour-the-bourbon, and stir-it-yourself kind of night.”

Trusted local partner. Booking helps support Nashville small businesses.

Nashville Barrel Co Tasting Experience

3. Nashville Barrel Company Premium Guided Tasting – $50

Best for: serious sippers and those curious about barrel-proof whiskey.

Led by expert guides, this Nashville Barrel Co guided tasting dives deep into small-batch and limited-release expressions. It’s one of the most refined whiskey tastings in Nashville, offering a quiet, elevated experience perfect for both newcomers and seasoned bourbon collectors.

  • Hosted by one of Nashville’s premier whiskey brands

  • Features rare and experimental barrel releases

  • Intimate, guided setting with personalized insight

Straight From the Barrel Tasting Nashville

4. “Flight from the Barrel” at Nashville Barrel Co - $35

Best for: budget-friendly tasters and barrel-heads.

One of the most unique whiskey flights in Nashville, this experience lets you pull whiskey straight from aging barrels at Nashville Barrel Co. It’s an interactive, educational tasting where you’ll learn how oak, time, and environment shape the flavor profile. If you’re looking for a truly hands-on whiskey experience in Nashville, this is the one.

  • Most affordable option on this list

  • Interactive and educational

  • Rare opportunity to taste whiskey mid-aging

Craft Beer and Whiskey Tour Nashville

5. Premier Distillery & Craft Brewery Bus Tour - $114.99

Best for: groups who want both beer and spirits.

This Nashville distillery tour blends the best of both worlds, local craft beer and Tennessee whiskey, into one fun, flexible outing. You’ll visit multiple breweries and distilleries, enjoy 9+ tastings, and ride in comfort aboard a luxury mini-bus. It’s one of the top picks for anyone looking for a group-friendly craft beer and whiskey tour in Nashville that covers a lot of ground.

  • Includes whiskey and craft beer tastings

  • Great for bachelor parties, birthdays, or group outings

  • Transportation and guide included

Uncle Nearest Tour Nashville

6. Uncle Nearest Bus Tour with Tastings - $129.99

Best for: history lovers and cultural travelers.

This powerful and memorable Uncle Nearest tour from Nashville takes you to the stunning distillery honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green who was the first known African American master distiller. You’ll explore the legacy he left behind, sip award-winning spirits, and dive deep into Tennessee whiskey history. It’s one of the most meaningful whiskey experiences in Nashville, especially for those who want culture and storytelling with every pour.

  • Round-trip transportation from Nashville

  • Tastings included

  • A meaningful story behind every pour

Trusted local partner. Booking helps support Nashville small businesses.

Jack Daniel’s Tour from Nashville

7. Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour, Live Music & BBQ – $137.55

Best for: iconic experiences and full-day adventurers.

This full-day Jack Daniel’s tour from Nashville takes you behind the scenes at the world’s most iconic whiskey brand. Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the experience includes a full Lynchburg whiskey tour, tastings of multiple Jack Daniel’s expressions, a Southern BBQ lunch, and live music from a local singer songwriter. It’s a top rated experience and a must-do for any whiskey fan visiting Music City.

  • Explore the Lynchburg distillery grounds

  • Sample multiple Jack Daniel’s expressions

  • Includes food, music, and history

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tour

8. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tour - $25

Best for: whiskey and bourbon sippers and history buffs.

This whiskey distillery tour in Nashville brings a legacy brand back to life. The Nelson’s Green Brier tour walks you through the history of one of Tennessee’s most iconic pre-Prohibition distilleries—now revived by the founders’ descendants. Located near The Gulch, it’s an easy and enriching stop for anyone exploring Nashville’s whiskey scene.

  • Central location in the city

  • Tour + tasting + cocktail bar access

  • Try the Tennessee whiskey and bourbon cream

Local Tip: After your tour at Nelson’s Greenbriar, walk to the other side of the Marathon Motor Works Building and do a tasting or tour at Corsair Distillery. They make some of the most unique liquors in Nashville including a triple smoke bourbon, vanilla bean vodka, and pumpkin spice moonshine (all with no added sugars), but my favorite is their red absinthe - its devine!

Whiskey Flights Nashville

9. Gertie’s Bar at 404 Kitchen

Best for: quiet nights, whiskey lists, and sipping something special.

If you’re searching for the most thoughtfully curated whiskey flights in Nashville, Gertie’s Bar at 404 Kitchen delivers. With over 200 whiskey options and a knowledgeable staff ready to build custom flights, it’s easily one of the best bourbon bars in Nashville for a relaxed, upscale evening.

  • Try rare, single-barrel, or limited-release options

  • Ask for curated flights or off-menu pours

  • Pair your tasting with Southern-inspired small plates

Want to dive even deeper into Tennessee whiskey history? Check out our History of Tennessee Whiskey post for the stories behind these bottles.

Speakeasy Whiskey Experience in Nashville

10. Red Phone Booth Speakeasy

Best for: night owls and people who love a little mystery.

Red Phone Booth is one of the top whiskey bars in downtown Nashville, offering a Prohibition-era vibe with serious pours and even more serious exclusivity. This speakeasy whiskey experience in Nashville requires a secret code to enter, but once inside, you’ll find an impressive whiskey and bourbon menu served with old-school hospitality.

  • Strict dress code and reservations encouraged

  • Classic Prohibition-inspired atmosphere

  • Huge whiskey and bourbon selection

How to Choose the Right Whiskey Experience in Nashville

For a Full Day Adventure

Go with Jack Daniel’s or Uncle Nearest bus and van tours from Nashville. Both include transportation, tastings, and rich storytelling.

For Whiskey & Food

The Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour is your winner, with bold local flavors and curated spirits.

For Whiskey Education

Try the Tennessee Whiskey Workshop to get hands-on with blending and tasting.

For the Budget-Conscious

Book the Flight from the Barrel for just $35, or sample flights at Gertie’s Bar.

For Group Travel

Choose the Premier Distillery & Brewery Tour or the Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour for group-friendly vibes.

Download the Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Nashville

Planning a whiskey-themed trip? Don’t miss our free guide—packed with insider tips, neighborhood recs, and a printable map of the best whiskey experiences in Nashville.

[Download the Fee Guide Here] (Coming Soon)

FAQ: Planning Your Whiskey Tour in Nashville

What are the best whiskey tastings in Nashville?

Top picks include Nashville Barrel Co, the Tennessee Whiskey Workshop, and Uncle Nearest.

How much do whiskey tastings cost?

They range from $35 to $169 depending on the experience, transportation, and food.

Can I visit Jack Daniel’s from Nashville?

Yes! Several tours offer full-day trips with round-trip transportation from the city.

Where can I get whiskey flights in Nashville?

Try Gertie’s Bar for curated flights or Red Phone Booth for rare sips in a speakeasy setting.

Is there a whiskey experience good for groups or parties?

Absolutely. The Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour and Premier Bus Tour are great for birthdays, bachelor parties, and group outings.

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