Distillery Tour at Gate 11

When visiting Chattanooga, a city known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning river views, adding a distillery tour to your list can be surprisingly rewarding. For just $18, you can spend about an hour exploring Gate 11 Distillery, a boutique operation that takes pride in crafting a wide range of award-winning spirits—from vodka and rum to absinthe and agave, not to mention their stellar gin and house-made whiskeys. Located conveniently in downtown Chattanooga, the tour is intimate, capped at just 10 guests, which makes for a personal and engaging experience.

What we love most about this tour is the detailed explanation of the distillation process combined with the chance to sample some of the best spirits you’ll find in the U.S. We also appreciate the passionate guides, like Quinton, who clearly love sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm. On the downside, the short duration means you won’t get an in-depth look at every aspect of the distillation process, but for most visitors, the well-rounded overview hits the spot. This tour is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a taste of local craftsmanship in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Affordable at just $18 per person for a one-hour tour.
• Personalized experience with small group size (max 10 travelers).
• Wide variety of spirits showcased, including vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and absinthe.
• Insightful guides like Quinton make the experience engaging and memorable.
• Behind-the-scenes look at both the production and history of Gate 11’s spirits.
• Tasting included with some of the best spirits in the country.

The Details of the Tour Experience

Location and Accessibility

Starting at 1400 Market St, Suite 108, in downtown Chattanooga, this tour is easy to find, especially if you’re using public transportation or walking from nearby hotels and attractions. The distillery itself is a small, craft operation with two floors, positioned near cocktail bars and a bottle shop—perfect for combining a drink or two after the tour.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins on the first floor, where guides walk you through Gate 11’s award-winning spirits. You’ll see the bottling lines, mash cooker, and fermenter, gaining insight into how their spirits are crafted from raw ingredients. This part is especially valuable for those interested in the mechanics of distilling, seeing the bottom portions of the pot and column stills.

Climbing up to the second level, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the still systems—the top sections of the stills and their three smaller botanical extraction stills. Here, the guide shares stories about the unique spirits they produce and offers a bit of history about the distillery itself. This dual-level setup provides a comprehensive perspective—from raw ingredients to the final product.

The Spirit Tasting and Development

After the tour, guests are invited to sample some of the best spirits in Tennessee, including their gin, which many consider among the very best in the country. The reviews highlight the quality — one traveler called their vodka “the best I’ve ever had,” which is high praise indeed. The tasting experience is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy exploring different flavors and learning about what makes each spirit unique.

Guides and Atmosphere

Many visitors mention the knowledge and passion of the guides, particularly Quinton, who makes the tour both fun and educational. With a small group size, the atmosphere feels relaxed and informal, perfect for asking questions and getting personalized attention. The storytelling about the distillery’s history and product development adds depth, making the experience more than just a tasting.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Price: $18 per person
• Group size: Max 10 travelers
• Availability: Can be booked with mobile tickets, confirming immediately upon booking
• Accessibility: Near public transportation
• Age restriction: Must be 21+ to sample alcohol
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for last-minute plans

Authenticity and Value: Why It Matters

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of educational content and tasting, in a small, intimate setting. For just $18, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at a craft distillery, guided by someone who clearly loves their craft. The small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the hands-on view of the stills offers a rare glimpse into the art of spirits-making.

The reviews emphasize the quality of the spirits, with one guest praising the vodka as perhaps the best they’ve ever had. This is a significant point — many tours focus solely on the process without offering such high-caliber tastings. Here, you get both insight and a memorable tasting experience.

The storytelling aspect, especially about the history of the building and mechanics of distilling, makes this more than a simple tasting — it’s an educational journey. Guides like Quinton are passionate and articulate, making complex processes understandable and engaging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for spirits lovers, curious travelers, and those interested in small-batch craft. If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic peek into the world of distillation without spending a fortune, this tour fits the bill. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples who want a personalized and informative experience. Not suitable for children, but genuinely great for adults wanting to learn about regional craft spirits in an approachable environment.

The Gate 11 Distillery Tour offers excellent value for its modest price. It combines educational insight with delicious tasting, all delivered by passionate guides in an intimate setting. You get to see how a boutique distillery operates, learn about the craft, and enjoy spirits that stand out nationally. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious about how spirits are made, this tour will give you a more meaningful appreciation for the art behind the bottle.

The small group size and personal touch are especially appreciated, as is the opportunity to sample some of the best spirits in Tennessee. While the tour’s one-hour length means it’s brief, it’s packed with enough detail to satisfy most spirits enthusiasts. This experience is especially well-suited for those wanting a relaxed, authentic, and educational activity in the heart of Chattanooga.

Final thought: If you’re in Chattanooga and want a fun, informative, and delicious taste of local craftsmanship, this distillery tour offers a genuine, well-rounded experience that won’t disappoint.

Is the tour suitable for children or minors?
No, only travelers aged 21 and above can participate in the tasting, but the tour itself is safe for all ages.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately one hour, making it a perfect quick activity without overcommitting.

What is included in the price?
The $18 fee covers the guided tour, behind-the-scenes access, and tastings of several spirits.

Is the tour available with mobile tickets?
Yes, the tour features a mobile ticket option for convenient booking and entry.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 1400 Market St, Suite 108, Chattanooga.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The tour is conducted at a single venue near public transportation; specific accessibility details aren’t provided, but the small size suggests manageable access.

What spirits can I expect to taste?
Expect to sample vodka, rum, absinthe, agave spirits, and gin, with some reviews praising the gin and vodka as particularly outstanding.

Is this tour a good value?
Absolutely—considering the quality of spirits, behind-the-scenes access, and expert guides, $18 is a very reasonable price for this experience.

If you’re seeking an authentic, approachable introduction to craft distilling in Chattanooga, the Gate 11 Distillery Tour offers just that — a small-group, spirited journey worth your time.