Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour

Taking a tour of Memphis’s craft beer scene might not be what immediately comes to mind when you think of the city famous for blues and barbecue, but it’s a surprisingly delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just someone curious about local brews, this Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers a well-balanced blend of behind-the-scenes access, educational tidbits, and plenty of tastings. Led by an engaging Beer Guide, you’ll explore a handful of Memphis’s top breweries, learn about the brewing process, and sample some of the best local beers.

What really makes this experience shine is the VIP access to breweries that aren’t always open to the general public. Plus, the inclusion of up to 12 beer samples and a fresh baked snack makes it great value for the price. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves quite a bit of movement, so comfortable shoes and punctuality matter. Perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed yet informative outing, this tour is ideal for visitors wanting to combine their love of good brews with insights into Memphis’s vibrant craft scene.

Key Points

• VIP behind-the-scenes access to Memphis breweries offers an authentic experience.
• Up to 12 beer tastings ensure a good variety of local brews.
• The tour includes local snacks that perfectly complement the beer tastings.
• Round-trip transportation from downtown makes logistics hassle-free.
• Guided by a knowledgeable Beer Guide who entertains and educates.
• Suitable for those 21 and over with valid ID; rain or shine.

Exploring Memphis’s Craft Beer Scene

Memphis is often celebrated for its blues, barbecue, and history, but its craft brewing scene has gained significant momentum. The Signature Guided Brewery Tour capitalizes on this by offering a comprehensive, all-inclusive experience that blends education, tastings, and local culture. The $69 price tag might seem modest for what’s included, but when you consider the VIP access, multiple breweries, and quality of the experience, it’s quite reasonable.

The tour kicks off at the central downtown location, at 149 Union Ave, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable van. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the round-trip transportation means you don’t need to worry about navigating between breweries or finding a designated driver. The guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as knowledgeable and engaging, sets a friendly tone that makes everyone feel at ease from the start.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Intro and Brewery Exploration

After a brief van ride of about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at your first brewery. Here, you’ll get VIP access to private areas, which is a highlight for many. The guide provides insights into the brewery’s history and what makes their beers unique. This initial stop is about 55 minutes, giving you plenty of time to see the brewing environment up close and sample some beers. Guests have commented on the quality of the beers and the friendliness of the staff, which adds to the overall atmosphere.

Second Stop: Beer Tasting and Snack Time

Next, the group heads back into Memphis for another 45-minute segment that combines a guided tour with local snacks and food tasting. These snacks are carefully selected to pair well with the beers—think fresh baked bread or local bites that enhance your tasting experience. Guests like Carla’s review, mentioning how the guide was very personable and tailored the experience, making it feel like a friendly gathering rather than a formal tour.

Final Brewery Visit

The last stop lasts around 45 minutes, again with a guided tasting, allowing for more exploration of different styles of beer. This segment often includes the chance to ask more questions and deepen your understanding of Memphis’s brewing culture. The tour wraps up back at the starting point, concluding roughly around 3.5 hours after it begins.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

VIP access is a key feature, meaning you’ll often get to visit areas normally off-limits to the public, such as private brewing rooms or exclusive tasting spaces. This kind of access provides a richer perspective on the brewing process and the passion behind each beer.

The variety of beers sampled—up to 12—ensures you get to taste a good spectrum of styles, from hoppy IPAs to malty ambers. Guests have reported the beers are award-winning, adding credibility to the experience.

The tour’s educational component about the history of beer and the different styles helps even casual drinkers appreciate what they’re tasting. Plus, the guide’s engaging storytelling makes the learning process enjoyable rather than dry.

Practical Considerations

The price of $69 is quite reasonable for what’s included—transportation, multiple tastings, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide. This package offers excellent value, especially considering the VIP access. It’s also notable that gratuities aren’t included, so if you feel inclined, tipping your guide is appreciated.

The tour is rain or shine, so don’t forget an umbrella if the forecast calls for showers. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety and comfort during the brewery visits, and participants must be 21+ with valid ID—a standard policy but important to remember.

The group size is not specified but given the nature of the reviews, it’s likely small enough to allow for a personalized experience. It’s best suited for those who enjoy social outings, craft beer, and a relaxed pace.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Based on the reviews, this tour hits home with many. Gary found it “awesome,” praising the insight into local brewers and the variety of beers. Ian appreciated the “knowledgeable and engaging guide” and the well-chosen small breweries, describing the time as “perfect” for a half-day adventure. Carla highlighted how her guide was “knowledgeable and fun,” making everyone feel included and personalized, which adds a lot to the experience.

These comments suggest that the tour doesn’t just focus on beer but also on creating a welcoming, informative atmosphere. The guides seem to be genuinely invested in sharing Memphis’s brewing story, making the experience more meaningful than just tasting beers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For beer lovers or anyone curious about Memphis’s local breweries, this tour offers a solid blend of education, tastings, and exclusive access. The cost is justified by the VIP treatment, the number of samples, and the convenience of transportation. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers and get a behind-the-scenes look at Memphis’s emerging craft scene.

If you’re after authentic, local experiences and want to learn more about how Memphis’s breweries craft their beers, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, tasty snacks, and stories behind each brew. It’s not a wild party, but rather a friendly, insightful exploration that adds a fun layer to your Memphis trip.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, making logistics simple.

How many breweries will I visit? The itinerary suggests visiting three breweries, with guided tours and tastings at each.

What is the age restriction? You must be 21 or older with valid ID to participate, as alcohol is served.

Are snacks provided? Yes, a fresh baked snack is included, along with food tastings at one of the stops.

How many beer samples can I expect? Up to 12 different beer samples are included across all brewery visits.

What should I wear? Closed-toe shoes are required for safety and comfort during brewery visits.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for last-minute changes.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather? Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared with weather-appropriate clothing.

Is gratuity included? No, gratuities are not included but are appreciated if you feel the guide provided excellent service.

This Memphis brewery tour offers a well-rounded experience that’s perfect for those looking to explore something different in the city. With engaging guides, VIP access, and plenty of tastings, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Memphis itinerary—especially if you want to see and taste what the local craft scene is all about.