If you’re curious about Nashville’s secret past and love a good story with your sip of bourbon, the Bootleg & Barrels: A Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Experience offers just that. This newer tour promises a lively mix of history, storytelling, and exclusive tastings that highlight Nashville’s gritty Prohibition-era days. With a solid rating of 4.8 out of 5 from five reviews, it’s clear many find it both fun and informative.
What we really like about this experience is its focus on authentic local history—you won’t just be sipping whiskey; you’ll be doing so amid tales of gangsters, moonshiners, and the city’s underground liquor trade. Another highlight is the knowledgeable guide, who combines storytelling with expertise in whiskey, making the two hours feel like a lively chat with a knowledgeable friend. The only possible caveat? It’s a walking tour, so comfort and weather considerations matter.
This tour is ideal for whiskey lovers, true crime buffs, or anyone interested in Nashville’s colorful past. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate a guided experience that combines history with a taste of Nashville’s hidden taverns. Just keep in mind, alcohol isn’t included in the tour price, and participants need to be over 21 to enjoy the tastings.
Key Points
- Authentic storytelling: The tour offers engaging stories of Nashville’s Prohibition past, including gangsters, moonshiners, and political corruption.
- Expert guide: Knowledgeable in whiskey and history, the guide enhances the experience with lively, well-informed narration.
- Exclusive access: You’ll visit some of Nashville’s best whisky tasting rooms, including hidden and iconic bars.
- Walking tour: Be prepared for around two hours of walking through downtown Nashville’s historic and often secretive bars.
- Tasting experience: While tastings are not included in the price, there are curated pours and the option to purchase drinks at each stop.
- For ages 21 and over: No minors allowed, and drinking is optional.
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Contents
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Experience
- The Itinerary and Stops
- The Storytelling
- The Value and Cost
- Group Size and Atmosphere
- Practical Tips
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Nashville
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Nashville
- More Tour Reviews in Nashville
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Nashville we have recnetly reviewed
A Closer Look at the Experience
The Bootleg & Barrels tour kicks off in the lobby of the Standard Proof Whiskey Company, setting a fitting tone for a journey into Nashville’s clandestine past. The tour lasts about two hours, usually scheduled for the afternoon or evening, making it a perfect way to add a spirited pause to your day.
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The Itinerary and Stops
You’ll explore some of Nashville’s best-kept secrets, including hidden tasting rooms and historic bars rooted in the Prohibition era. These spots aren’t just any bars—they’re places that once hosted speakeasies, where moonshiners and bootleggers operated under cover of darkness. The guide will share stories about underground distillers dodging revenuers, powerful families controlling Nashville’s liquor trade, and the murder and betrayal that often accompanied this shady business.
A standout for many is the curated pours of Tennessee’s finest spirits, which are served at each stop, paired with tales of their origins. While the main tasting isn’t included in the tour price, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to purchase drinks at each bar—so bring some extra cash if you want to sample more than just the stories.
The Storytelling
What truly sets this tour apart is the expert storytelling. Reviewers consistently praise guides for their knowledge and entertainment value. One traveler from Canada shared, “We had the opportunity of having a tour just for us. We were able to ask questions and get all the info we wanted.” Another from the US said, “Tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining! The best guide ever!”
The stories connect the dots between Nashville’s musical legends and its criminal underworld, making the experience vivid and memorable. You’ll hear about Johnny Cash’s barroom brawls and the raids that targeted illicit distilleries—all told with a mix of humor, intrigue, and historical accuracy.
The Value and Cost
At $38 per person, this tour offers good value for a lively, storytelling-driven experience. The price doesn’t include drinks, but that allows flexibility—you can choose to indulge at your own pace. Plus, the tour provides exclusive access to some of Nashville’s best whiskey tasting experiences, making it a well-rounded outing for those eager to combine history with a bit of local flavor.
More Great Tours NearbyGroup Size and Atmosphere
Many reviews mention that the tour tends to be personalized, especially if you’re a small group—one reviewer noted, “Our tour was a lot of fun as it was just my husband and I.” This suggests a more intimate setting where questions and interactions are encouraged, enhancing the experience. The tour’s walking nature means you’ll want comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire, especially since it’s rain or shine.
Practical Tips
- Bring government-issued ID to confirm you are over 21.
- Dress neatly—prohibition-inspired bars tend to have a dress code (no cut-offs, distressed clothing, or beach footwear).
- Bring an umbrella just in case.
- Feel free to tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience—this is customary and appreciated.
- Consider purchasing an all-inclusive drink package if you want to indulge at multiple stops.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just a typical tasting or bar crawl. If you’re fascinated by true crime, Prohibition history, or Nashville’s underground scene, this tour delivers stories you won’t find in standard guides. Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the curated pours and expert narration, while history buffs will enjoy the vivid storytelling.
It’s also a great choice if you prefer a small, relaxed group rather than a large bus tour. Since the tour is about two hours long, it’s easy to fit into a busy Nashville schedule. However, those who dislike walking or have mobility issues should keep this in mind, as the tour involves some strolling through downtown bars.
The Sum Up
The Bootleg & Barrels tour offers a spirited, well-led glimpse into Nashville’s prohibition days, with the added bonus of tasting some of Tennessee’s best spirits. It’s especially suited for those who relish storytelling, true crime, and hidden histories delivered with humor and authenticity. The expert guides make the experience engaging and memorable, turning a simple whiskey tasting into a lively adventure in local lore.
While it doesn’t include drinks in the price, this allows for flexible spending and the chance to sample exactly what interests you. The tour’s intimate size and fascinating stories make it a charming, educational outing for curious travelers. If your idea of a good time involves a mix of history, storytelling, and a little bit of Nashville’s rebellious spirit, this tour hits all the marks.
Bootleg & Barrels: A Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Experience
“Ryne made the experience truly incredible. Very informative, funny, and overall a great time. Would recommend to anyone who wants to learn a little…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, participants must be 21 or over to enjoy the tastings. The tour itself is open to all ages, but drinking is restricted to adults.
Are alcoholic beverages included in the tour price?
No, tastings are not included but can be purchased at each bar. The tour provides curated pours, and you may choose to buy additional drinks if you wish.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in the lobby of the Standard Proof Whiskey Company, making it easy to find and convenient to start your Nashville adventure.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, with most of that time spent walking and visiting different bars.
Is this tour walkable in any weather?
Yes, it’s rain or shine. Weather-appropriate clothing and an umbrella are recommended for comfort during the outdoor portions.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is gratuity included?
No, tips for guides are not included but are appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.
Can I purchase an all-inclusive drink package?
Yes, there’s an option to buy an exclusive deal on drinks, which might be worthwhile if you plan to indulge at multiple stops.
Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a history buff, the Bootleg & Barrels tour offers a unique way to experience Nashville’s rebellious past with a glass in hand. It’s a lively, authentic journey through a part of Tennessee that’s as intoxicating as the spirits it produced.
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