Nashville: Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience

If you’re visiting Nashville and have a taste for bourbon (or just want to see how the magic happens), the Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon tour at Big Machine Distillery offers a hands-on experience that combines education, tasting, and a dash of creativity. For two hours, you’ll be guided by knowledgeable whiskey stewards through the intricate process of bourbon making, sample six different barrels, and craft a personalized bottle to take home. It’s a perfect stop for spirits enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of bourbon or for curious travelers looking for a unique local experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the interactive nature—you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively blending your own whiskey with expert guidance. Second, the opportunity to take home a custom-bottled bourbon adds a memorable keepsake to your Nashville trip. While the experience is quite engaging, it does require a bit of patience and an appreciation for nuanced flavors. And, because it’s limited to small groups—just eight per session—you’ll get plenty of personal attention, making this a worthwhile activity for those who want an authentic, less rushed experience.

One thing to consider is that this tour is strictly for those over 21—so no children, and unfortunately, pregnant women or those with mobility impairments might find it less accessible. Still, if you’re a whisky lover or want a fun, educational activity that offers more than just tasting, this experience hits the mark.

This tour is best suited for adult travelers interested in whiskey, particularly those who enjoy learning the craft behind their favorite spirits. It’s also ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a personalized souvenir from Nashville that’s a little different from the usual live music and barbecue.

Key Points

• Hands-on blending: You’ll create your own unique bourbon blend with expert help.
• Tasting experience: Sampling six barrels helps you understand different flavor profiles.
• Personalized bottle: Take home a 750mL bottle of your custom bourbon.
• Educational insight: Tour guides share details about the whiskey-making process.
• Small group setting: Limited to eight participants for a more personal experience.
• Age restriction: Must be 21 or older; not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Location

Located within Nashville’s vibrant whiskey scene, Big Machine Distillery provides a setting that’s both welcoming and professional. The tour starts at the main bar, just through the entrance to the Bourbon Barrel Library (coordinates 36.16079330444336, -86.77516174316406). The whole experience lasts about two hours, making it a manageable addition to your Nashville itinerary, especially if you’re a fan of spirits or curious about craft distilling.

What to Expect During the Tour

The experience begins with a guided tour of the distillery, where a knowledgeable guide (likely someone like Lee, based on reviews) walks you through the whiskey-making process. During this part, you’ll learn about the history of the distillery, the ingredients, and the unique characteristics that influence bourbon flavor. This segment is as much about education as it is about fostering appreciation for the craft.

Next, comes the tasting session. You’ll sample six different barrels, each with its own distinct flavor profile—ranging from sweet and mellow to bold and spicy. Participants often comment on the variety of aromas and tastes, which helps you understand how different barrels contribute to the final blend. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way each barrel had its own unique personality,” emphasizing how this part of the experience deepens your appreciation of bourbon’s complexity.

Creating Your Own Blend

Armed with new knowledge and tasting experience, you’ll move on to the blending phase. With the guidance of whiskey stewards, you’ll experiment with different combinations of the sampled barrels to craft a bourbon that suits your palate. This part is surprisingly fun—like being a small-scale master distiller for a moment. You get to decide what flavor profile best reflects your taste, whether that’s a smooth and sweet bourbon or something with a bit more spice.

Throughout this process, guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. One review highlights that “our guide was very patient and explained every step clearly, making us feel confident in our choices.” That personal touch makes a difference, especially for those who are new to blending.

Bottling and Taking Home Your Creation

The final step is bottling your custom blend into a 750mL bottle labeled with your name or a personalized tag. This takes a few moments, and you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that carries your personal signature. The bottle is ready to take home and share—or keep as a special memento from Nashville.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value of the Experience

While the tour costs a bit more than a standard tasting or a quick distillery visit, the value lies in the hands-on learning and the personalized product. You’re not just tasting; you’re creating something unique, which makes it a memorable highlight. For whiskey lovers, this is an educational experience that demystifies the distillation process without feeling overly technical or inaccessible.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to eight participants, the small group setting fosters interaction and allows guides to give personalized attention. Many travelers appreciate this intimacy, noting that it feels more like a private class than a mass tour. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share thoughts about flavors.

Practical Details

Reservations are recommended, and the booking system allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility as plans change. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk commitment. Remember that ID is required for participation; the tour is strictly for those 21 and older.

Transportation isn’t provided, so plan to arrive via taxi, rideshare, or personal vehicle. The tour runs at multiple times daily—check the schedule for availability.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re a whiskey enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding of bourbon, this experience offers more than just tasting. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on activity, appreciate a small-group setting, and want a personalized souvenir from Nashville. It’s also a great choice for couples or small groups who want to share a memorable, educational activity that’s a bit different from the typical Nashville fare.

However, it may not be ideal for families with children or those with mobility issues, given the age restriction and the nature of the activity. Also, if you’re seeking a quick overview of Nashville’s distilling scene without much interaction, this might not be the best fit.

This tour offers a thoughtful, engaging, and authentic look into Nashville’s craft bourbon scene, with plenty of flavor, education, and fun wrapped into just two hours. It’s a worthwhile addition for spirits lovers wanting a unique souvenir and a story worth telling.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. Guides are friendly and explain each step clearly, making it accessible whether you’re new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast.

What is included in the price?
You get a tour of the distillery, tastings of six different barrels, and a personalized 750mL bottle of your custom blend to take home.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, participants must be 21 or older. This is a legal requirement due to alcohol consumption.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID card to verify your age. No other special items are necessary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included, so plan to arrive by taxi, rideshare, or personal vehicle.

Will I learn about the entire bourbon-making process?
Yes, the tour covers the process from start to finish, giving you insights into what makes each barrel unique and how they’re blended.

This experience offers a true taste of Nashville’s craft distilling spirit—perfect for those eager to take a deeper dive into bourbon crafting with guidance from experts. Whether you’re a dedicated whiskey fan or just curious about the process, this tour provides a memorable blend of education, fun, and a personalized souvenir to remember Nashville by.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby