Nashville: Big Machine Distillery Tour & Guided Tastings

Summary

Hand-crafted spirits, stories from locals, and a taste of Nashville

You’ll join locals and travelers inside Nashville’s Big Machine Distillery for a guided tour with tastings, step into their VIP lounge overlooking production, and finish with time for cocktails or live music in their modern tasting room. Expect real stories, hands-on moments with ingredients, and maybe even a laugh or two—plus that first sip you’ll remember on your way home.

What’s the experience like?

“Y’all ever seen vodka this clear?” That’s how our guide, Marcus, kicked things off as we gathered by the glass wall looking into the heart of Big Machine Distillery in downtown Nashville. I’d never thought much about vodka before — mostly just poured it over ice at home — but here it actually glowed under the lights. The place smelled faintly sweet, like corn mash and a bit of lemon cleaner (in a good way). We started in the tasting room, which was all modern lines and soft music from somewhere behind the bar. There were locals mixing with tourists, everyone kind of sizing up their flights or sipping cocktails while waiting for the tour to start. I was nervous I’d look like a total amateur next to some regulars but honestly no one seemed to care.

Marcus led us through the production area where you could hear bottles clinking and someone humming along to an old country song. He explained how they use this platinum filter — apparently they’re the only ones in the US who do it — and handed around some corn kernels so we could see (and smell) what everything starts from. It was weirdly grounding to hold them. The air was warm and a little sticky near the stills; my glasses kept fogging up every time we leaned in for a closer look. At one point he cracked a joke about “Nashville’s smoothest,” which I think went over my head but made half the group laugh anyway.

Upstairs in the VIP lounge, we got to try a flight of their spirits: vodka first (so smooth it almost disappeared), then whiskey that tasted like caramel if you squint your taste buds right, plus some moonshine that made me cough — quietly, I hope. Marcus told us stories about local musicians who stop by after gigs; apparently there’s always someone famous dropping in when you least expect it. The view down into the distillery was kind of hypnotic — copper pipes twisting everywhere and people moving around like it’s some secret dance. I didn’t expect to feel so at home here.

The tour ended back at the store where you could buy bottles or just hang out with another cocktail if you wanted. Someone played guitar near the bar and people lingered longer than they had to. I still think about that first sip of vodka — not because it changed my life or anything dramatic, but because for once I actually noticed what I was drinking instead of just going through the motions. So yeah… if you’re curious about how Nashville does spirits (and want someone friendly to show you), this is worth your afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Big Machine Distillery tour and tasting

• Arrive at modern tasting room
• Enjoy cocktails and desserts
• Tour the distillery production area
• Learn vodka crafting process
• Visit VIP lounge for guided tasting
• Watch distillery in action
• Shop spirits and merchandise

Top questions

How long is the Big Machine Distillery tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Are tastings included during the distillery tour?

Yes, a flight of Big Machine Spirits is included with your ticket.

Where is Big Machine Distillery located?

It’s right in downtown Nashville.

Can I buy spirits or merchandise after the tour?

Yes, there’s a store at the end where you can purchase bottles and exclusive items.

Is there live music at Big Machine Distillery?

You can enjoy live music in the tasting room as part of your visit.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are close to the distillery.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are pregnant travelers recommended to join?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes access to Big Machine’s tasting room for cocktails and live music before or after your guided 45-minute distillery tour through production areas and up to their exclusive VIP lounge for spirit tastings—plus time at their store if you want to bring something home.