Uncle Nearest Distillery Tour Nashville: Award-Winning Whiskey

Learn the story of the first African American master distiller while tasting award-winning whiskey

This is a round-trip bus tour from downtown Nashville to the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, where you take a 90-minute guided tasting and learn the history of Nathan "Nearest" Green, who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. The tour includes distillery admission, a professional guide, transportation in an air-conditioned coach or van, and a stop at Humble Baron, home of the world's longest bar. You're 21 or older with a valid photo ID.

Step-by-step itinerary

Distillery tour and tastings from Nashville

• Bus pickup in downtown Nashville
• Travel to Nearest Green Distillery
• Guided 90-minute distillery tour
• Whiskey tasting at distillery
• Explore distillery grounds
• Visit Humble Baron for a drink
• Return to Nashville by bus

The experience

The bus picks you up in downtown Nashville right off Broadway, in front of Bob's Steak & Chophouse near the Omni Hotel, so you don't need to arrange a rental or figure out the drive to Shelbyville. The round-trip takes about five hours total, which means you can fit this into an afternoon without losing the rest of your day in Nashville. A professional driver and guide handle everything. You just board and settle in.

At the Nearest Green Distillery, the 90-minute guided tour walks you through the story of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the enslaved distiller who became the first known African American master distiller and taught Jack Daniel the craft. You'll taste Uncle Nearest whiskey itself, one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the country, and explore the distillery grounds. The tour is built around that history as much as the whiskey. It's why people come back to this place.

On the way back, you'll stop at Humble Baron, which holds the record for the world's longest bar. The bus is air-conditioned, and depending on group size you'll travel by coach bus or a 15-passenger van. Tours run regardless of weather, so dress for the conditions. There are no restrooms on the bus, so plan a bathroom stop before you board.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach bus or 15-passenger van.
• admission to the Nearest Green Distillery.
• 90-minute guided whiskey tasting tour.
• professional driver and guide.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Under 21: can't be booked

GroupUp to 57

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tennessee Whiskey Tours

Is this one for you?The five-hour commitment means you can do this in an afternoon without sacrificing the rest of your Nashville day, and the bus pickup in downtown Broadway saves you the drive and the logistics of getting to Shelbyville yourself.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Who was Nathan "Nearest" Green and why does his story matter?

Nathan "Nearest" Green was an enslaved distiller who became the first known African American master distiller in the United States. He taught Jack Daniel the techniques of whiskey making, making him a pivotal but long-overlooked figure in American spirits history. The Nearest Green Distillery tour centers on his legacy and the whiskey brand named in his honor.

Do I need to bring my own ID, or will a passport work?

You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A passport works as long as it's not expired, and foreign driver's licenses are accepted too. You have to be at least 21 years old to participate.

What's included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes round-trip transportation from downtown Nashville, admission to the Nearest Green Distillery, the 90-minute guided tour, whiskey tastings, and a professional driver and guide. All taxes and fees are built in, so there are no hidden costs at checkout.

How long is the whole tour, and when do I get back to Nashville?

The full tour is about five hours from pickup to drop-off, which includes the drive to Shelbyville, the 90-minute distillery tour, the stop at Humble Baron, and the return trip to downtown Nashville.

What should I know about the distillery itself?

The Nearest Green Distillery is located in historic Shelbyville, Tennessee. The tour involves ascending and descending many steps, so it's not recommended for people with mobility challenges. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the full experience.