Uncle Nearest Distillery Bus Tour with Tastings from Nashville

Uncle Nearest Distillery Bus Tour with Tastings from Nashville: A Deep Dive into America’s Whiskey Heritage

If you’re exploring Nashville and have a taste for history and whiskey, the Uncle Nearest Distillery tour offers a compelling combo. This experience takes you beyond downtown Nashville, transporting you to Shelbyville’s renowned distillery, where the story of Nathan “Nearest” Green unfolds through guided tours and tastings. We haven’t done it ourselves but reviewed the participation reports, reviews, and details available, and it seems to tick many boxes for those who want a meaningful, well-organized day trip.

What We Love About This Tour:
First, everything is handled for you — from round-trip transportation to an educational distillery tour. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the experience without worrying about driving or logistics. Second, the focus on authentic storytelling—learning about Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller, adds a layer of significance and depth to your whiskey tasting that you won’t find on generic tours.

One Potential Consideration:
The tour is roughly five hours long, which might be a commitment for those with tight schedules or limited patience for bus travel. Plus, there’s no onboard restroom, so a bit of planning with bathroom breaks is advisable.

Who is this tour best suited for?
This experience appeals most to whiskey enthusiasts, history lovers, and those curious about Tennessee’s cultural roots. It’s also good for visitors wanting a seamless, informative trip with friendly guides, especially if they enjoy a bit of storytelling paired with tastings.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Transportation, tours, tastings, and taxes are covered, providing a hassle-free outing.
• Authentic Storytelling: The focus on Nathan “Nearest” Green offers a meaningful perspective on African American contributions to bourbon and whiskey.
• Comfortable Transportation: The use of air-conditioned buses and professional guides ensures a smooth ride.
• Flexible Itinerary: 3.5 hours at the distillery plus additional time exploring grounds and enjoying a drink at Humble Baron.
• Highly Rated: Consistently positive reviews praising guides, the grounds, and the stories.
• Value for Money: At $129.99, it offers a comprehensive experience for those interested in whiskey and history.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Start at Downtown Nashville

The pick-up spot, right off Broadway outside Bob’s Steak & Chophouse, is convenient and centrally located. It’s just a short four-minute drive to the distillery, so you’ll be on your way quickly. Reviews mention the organization here is smooth, and the bus is comfortable — a good start for the day.

Heading to the Nearest Green Distillery

Once in Shelbyville, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours exploring the distillery’s grounds. The highlight is the 90-minute guided tour, where guides share the story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, a story many reviewers find moving and educational. You’ll learn how he, an African American master distiller, influenced the whiskey industry and taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, making this experience more than just a tasting.

During the tour, expect to see the production area, learn about the distilling process, and hear stories that humanize the craft. Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the history come alive.

Whiskey Tasting and Grounds Exploration

After the tour, you’ll get to sample Uncle Nearest whiskey, one of the fastest-growing brands in the country. Guests often praise the quality of the tastings, describing the whiskey as smooth and delicious. The tasting is guided, so you’ll learn about the different expressions and what makes Uncle Nearest unique.

Plus, visitors have time to walk the scenic grounds, take photographs, and enjoy the beautiful setting of the distillery. The grounds are often described as charming and well-maintained.

Humble Baron: Longer Bar, Longer Stories

The tour includes a 45-minute stop at Humble Baron, claimed to be home of the “longest bar in the world.” Here, you can order a drink (included in the experience) and soak in the lively, historic atmosphere. Several reviews mention the friendly staff, great drink options, and the fun ambiance.

The Practical Side: Transportation and Logistics

The tour employs air-conditioned coach buses, executive buses, minibuses, or high-roof vans depending on the group size. The group size maxes out at around 57 travelers, which is ideal for creating a lively but manageable environment.

The pickup is at a very accessible location near public transportation, making it easy to reach from many Nashville hotels. Just bear in mind, there’s no restroom on board — plan accordingly, especially if you’re prone to frequent breaks.

The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, including transportation, tours, tastings, and free time. This makes it a perfect half-day escape from the city, combining education, scenery, and a bit of Southern hospitality.

Price and Value Analysis

At $129.99 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the inclusive nature — transportation, guided tour, tastings, and tips are all covered. Given the high praise from reviews, which emphasize the guides’ knowledge and the overall experience, many travelers see this as a worthwhile investment to learn about an important figure in whiskey history while enjoying some of the best whiskey Tennessee has to offer.

This isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding the cultural significance behind Uncle Nearest and the craftsmanship involved. The reviews reflect a sense of connection and appreciation that elevates the experience beyond a simple tasting.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

Many reviewers have shared that the guides make the stories come alive, adding personal touches, humor, and southern charm. One reviewer described their guide as “well-educated and extremely nice,” adding that the stories made them feel proud to be part of the narrative.

The grounds themselves are often described as beautiful, with some noting that the property is full of charm and history. The whiskey tasting at the end of the tour is considered a perfect way to round off the experience, with many describing the whiskey as fantastic.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those who love whiskey, the Uncle Nearest Distillery tour offers an educational, meaningful, and enjoyable outing. The combination of authentic storytelling, beautiful grounds, and high-quality tastings makes it a standout experience. The fact that it’s all organized, with transportation taken care of, adds to its convenience and appeal.

If you’re visiting Nashville and want to learn about a pivotal figure in American spirits or simply enjoy a day of scenic travel coupled with great whiskey, this tour is a solid choice.

On the flip side, if you prefer more flexible, self-guided activities or have mobility challenges, you might find the duration and walking involved a bit taxing. Also, remember that tours are subject to slight alterations, so be flexible with scheduling.

This experience is well-suited for whiskey aficionados, history buffs, and curious travelers eager to add depth to their Nashville visit.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from downtown Nashville is included, using comfortable air-conditioned buses or vans.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about five hours, including pickup, travel, grounds exploration, tasting, and the stop at Humble Baron.

Do I need to worry about driving?
No, transportation is handled, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.

Are there any physical requirements?
You should have a moderate physical fitness level, as there will be some walking and stairs involved. The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility challenges.

What’s included in the price?
Admission to the distillery, guided tour, tastings, transportation, and all taxes and fees are included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

In essence, this tour offers a compelling look into Tennessee’s whiskey heritage with the convenience of organized transport and guided storytelling. It’s perfect for those who value history, craftsmanship, and delicious whiskey all in one memorable package.