Denver: Whiskey & History Walking Tour with Tastings

Summary

Whiskey stories, Irish pubs, saloon laughs and distillery secrets in Denver

You’ll wander Denver with a local guide, tasting Irish whiskies in its oldest pub before sampling rare bourbons at Seven Grand and finishing with craft spirits inside Mile High Spirits’ working distillery. Expect laughs, new flavors, and a few stories you’ll want to retell—plus all your tastings are included.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, Denver was literally founded over a barrel of whiskey?” That’s how our guide kicked things off at Nallen’s Irish Pub, which felt like stepping into someone’s living room—if their living room smelled faintly of wood polish and old books. We tried a flight of Irish whiskies (I still can’t pronounce “Redbreast” right) and listened to stories about the city’s rowdier days. The bartender nodded along, not saying much but pouring just the right amount. You could hear the soft clink of glasses behind us, and I kept noticing how everyone seemed to know each other here.

After that, we wandered down through the Dairy Block—honestly, I’d never paid attention to this part of Denver before—and landed at Seven Grand. It’s got this wall lined with bottles, hundreds of them. Our guide picked out a couple for us (something smoky I can’t remember the name of), and explained how high altitude changes the whole distilling process. There was this moment where someone from another group tried to guess which whiskey was which just by smell—didn’t get it right, but we all laughed anyway. The place buzzed but didn’t feel rushed.

Mile High Spirits was our last stop. It’s huge inside—5,000 square feet or something wild like that—and you can actually see where they make everything. We tasted their own stuff straight from the source; I’m not sure if it was the altitude or just good company but that last sip hit different. Our guide showed us some behind-the-scenes bits (the barrels are bigger than you’d think), and there was this sweet grainy smell everywhere. By then my notes were getting sloppy but nobody cared much. Honestly, I still think about that first pour at Nallen’s sometimes when I walk past on my way home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whiskey tasting and history tour

• Visit Nallen's Irish Pub
• Sample Irish Whiskies
• Stop at Seven Grand
• Sample Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey
• Tour Mile High Spirits distillery
• Sample distillery products

Top questions

How long is the Denver whiskey tour?

The whiskey tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is included in the whiskey & history tour?

The tour includes all whiskey tastings, entry fees, taxes, and a local guide.

Where does the tour start in Denver?

The tour starts at Nallen's Irish Pub in downtown Denver.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; public transportation options are nearby.

Are food or meals provided during the whiskey tour?

No meals are included; only whiskey tastings are provided at each stop.

How many stops are on the Denver whiskey walking tour?

The tour visits three stops: Nallen's Irish Pub, Seven Grand, and Mile High Spirits.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking about 1.5 miles; it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Do you need to bring ID for the whiskey tastings?

Yes, a valid ID is required; Colorado does not accept vertical IDs.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided tastings at Nallen's Irish Pub, Seven Grand, and Mile High Spirits—with all samples covered plus taxes and fees along the way. A savvy local guide leads your small group on foot through central Denver so you won’t miss any stories or sips before heading off on your own adventure afterward.