Experience the Art of Crafting Alcohol at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery in Santa Fe
If you’re craving a taste of authentic, locally made spirits and beers in Santa Fe, the Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at how small-batch, organic drinks come to life. For just $18 per person, you’ll spend between 45 minutes and an hour and a half exploring a working brewery and distillery, learning from passionate experts, and sampling some of their finest creations.
What makes this experience truly stand out? First, the interactive, multi-sensory approach—you won’t just listen to a lecture; you’ll see, smell, and taste as the seasoned brewers and distillers walk you through their processes. Second, the use of organic, garden-grown, and wild-harvested ingredients makes their products not only flavorful but also rooted in local sustainability. Only 17 reviews so far, but every one is glowing, with a perfect 5.0 rating, and a 100% recommendation rate, indicating this is a must-do for anyone interested in craft beverages.
A small consideration to keep in mind is that most reviews mention lots of standing—wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to join the tour. The tour’s intimate size—limited to 20 travelers—means it’s perfect for those who prefer a personal experience with plenty of interaction. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want more than just a tasting—they want to understand the craft and meet the passionate people behind the drinks.
This tour suits visitors who appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and a hands-on experience. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a curious solo traveler, or a small group seeking an engaging activity, Tumbleroot’s tour offers a genuine taste of Santa Fe’s vibrant craft beverage scene.
Key Points
- Authentic Local Experience: Visits a Santa Fe-based brewery & distillery that creates everything from scratch.
- Expert-Led Tour: Led by experienced brewers and distillers, sharing insights and stories.
- Interactive and Tactile: Not just a walk-and-listen, but an engaging, multi-sensory experience.
- Organic & Sustainable: Focus on ingredients grown in gardens or wild-harvested locally.
- Tasting Included: Enjoy a flight of beers and spirits crafted on-site.
- Intimate Group Size: Max 20 travelers, allowing plenty of personal interaction.
Exploring the Santa Fe Tumbleroot Experience
When you arrive at the Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery on Bisbee Court, you step into a lively space where craftsmanship is front and center. The location is easily accessible near public transportation, making it convenient for most visitors. As you gather with a small group, you’ll quickly notice the friendly, professional atmosphere—something several reviewers highlight. Guides like Sean or Jason (if mentioned) are praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery, making complex processes understandable and interesting.
The tour begins with an overview of Tumbleroot’s philosophy—that every product is made from scratch using organic and wild-harvested ingredients. You’ll learn about their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, which adds extra meaning to every sip. The process? Expect to see beer and spirits being produced, from raw ingredients to fermenting and distillation. One reviewer notes, “Very informative. Wear comfortable shoes. (Lots of standing).” Be prepared for a fair amount of movement and some standing, but the hands-on aspect keeps things lively.
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The Distillery and Brewery Tour
The core of the experience is the guided walk through the brewery and distillation area, where you’ll see tanks, barrels, and copper stills. We loved the way the guides explained how plain beer can be distilled into pure alcohol—a fascinating detail that many might not realize. What’s more, the process is explained in a way that demystifies the craft, making it accessible even for novices.
Throughout the tour, the focus on ingredients is evident. The team emphasizes their use of garden-grown and wild ingredients, leading to unique flavors like their barrel-aged rum and coffee liquor—both mentioned positively in reviews. “We really enjoyed the barrel-aged rum and coffee liquor,” says one visitor. This focus on quality and sustainability directly translates into the taste, providing a level of authenticity that many craft beverage enthusiasts will appreciate.
Tasting the Results
After the tour, the experience transitions seamlessly into the tasting portion. Here, you’ll sample a flight of beers and spirits—all made on-site. The tasting room is intimate, giving you a chance to savor your drinks while chatting with the guides. Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the high-quality drinks. One reviewer, Jennifer, mentions, “The drinks were amazing,” and even bought a bottle of their Stout agave spirit barrel-aged to take home.
The tasting offers a good variety—spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey, and agave-based liquors, with some guests finding the products “interesting” or “strongly recommended.” Since all are produced from the same base, it’s compelling to see how different techniques and aging processes create distinct flavors. The tasting is also a chance to ask questions, which many reviewers appreciated. “The owner was very friendly and went into all details about the making process,” reports one guest.
What Sets This Tour Apart?
Beyond the technical aspects, the personal stories and approachability of the staff give this tour a genuine charm. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for plenty of interaction and tailored explanations. This isn’t a slick commercial operation; it’s a passionate, local enterprise that’s eager to share its craft.
Pricing and Value
At $18 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For that price, you gain not only the behind-the-scenes look but also a tasting of hand-made, organic products, which are often priced higher elsewhere. The tour’s duration—about an hour—provides enough time to absorb the process without feeling rushed, making it a great activity for a casual day in Santa Fe.
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Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for spirits lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how things are made. The friendly guides, engaging approach, and focus on sustainability and local ingredients make it especially appealing for travelers who want authentic, educational experiences rather than just a tasting. If you enjoy learning about local craftsmanship and appreciate good drinks, this tour will hit the mark.
Final Thoughts
The Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting provides an authentic, hands-on glimpse into Santa Fe’s craft beverage scene. It’s a rare opportunity to see how small, local producers create their spirits and beers from scratch, using organic ingredients that add depth and character to every drink. The guided, interactive nature of the tour makes it engaging and informative, while the intimate tasting room ensures a relaxed environment for sampling.
The $18 price tag is a bargain considering the quality of information and drinks you receive. Plus, the experience’s focus on sustainability and community-centered production adds a meaningful layer for conscientious travelers. Whether you’re a dedicated cocktail or beer drinker, or simply someone who loves discovering local artisans, this tour offers a memorable, authentic highlight of Santa Fe.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
Most tours last between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the group and how much time you spend tasting and asking questions.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour of the brewery and distillery, as well as a flight of beers and spirits produced on-site.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers can participate, the focus on alcohol production means it’s primarily for adults. The reviews note lots of standing, so wear comfortable shoes.
Are the drinks made with local ingredients?
Yes, the tour emphasizes the use of organic, garden-grown, and wild-harvested ingredients, setting it apart from larger commercial operations.
Can I book the tour in advance?
Absolutely, most travelers book around 31 days in advance, which helps secure a spot for this popular experience.
Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the location is near public transit options, making it convenient for visitors staying in or near Santa Fe.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.
How many people attend each tour?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, fostering a personal and engaging atmosphere.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted to accompany guests during the tour.
Whether you’re in Santa Fe for a quick visit or a longer stay, this tour combines education, local flavor, and a bit of playful discovery—perfect for those with a curious palate and a love for craftsmanship.