Nashville: Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience

Imagine spending an afternoon in Nashville where you don’t just sip whiskey—you create your own. That’s exactly what the Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience at Big Machine Distillery offers. It’s a hands-on chance to get behind the scenes of the bourbon-making process, sample a variety of barrels, and craft a personalized whiskey that you can actually take home.

Two things we genuinely love about this experience are the guided tasting of six different barrels—which offers a real insight into the complex flavors of bourbon—and the personalized blending session, where you get to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste. Plus, the fact that you leave with a 750mL bottle of your own creation makes this a memorable souvenir.

A possible consideration is that this tour is limited to small groups (max 8 people), which is great for intimacy but might feel a bit crowded if you’re used to larger tour groups. Also, it’s geared specifically toward those aged 21 and over, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women, minors, or visitors with mobility issues.

This experience is ideal for whiskey lovers eager to learn more about bourbon’s nuances, as well as curious travelers wanting a fun, authentic activity that goes beyond typical sightseeing. If you enjoy a hands-on approach and personal customization, this is a real highlight in Nashville.

Key Points

• Personalized bourbon blending: You get to craft your own unique whiskey with expert guidance.
• Tasting six barrels: Sample a variety of flavors to understand what makes each barrel distinctive.
• Souvenir quality: Take home a 750mL bottle of your custom blend—perfect for sharing or keeping.
• Educational tour: Learn about the distillation process and the history of Big Machine Distillery.
• Small group setting: Intimate experience limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Age restrictions: Must be 21+; not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Look at the Big Machine Distillery Experience

When most people think of Nashville, country music, honky-tonks, and vibrant nightlife come to mind. But there’s a sophisticated layer of local craftsmanship that’s worth exploring—like the crafting of bourbon. The Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience provides an inviting glimpse into this tradition, set in the modern yet welcoming environment of Big Machine Distillery.

Arrival and Introduction

The experience begins with a warm welcome at the distillery’s main bar, located right by the Bourbon Barrel Library. It’s a cozy spot that hints at the craftsmanship and passion behind each bottle. Once everyone has gathered, you’ll start with a brief tour of the distillery—an overview that balances storytelling with practical insights. Expect to learn how bourbon is made from grain to glass, and get a feel for what sets Nashville apart in the whiskey scene.

The guides here are not just knowledgeable, but enthusiastic about sharing their expertise. As one reviewer noted, “The guides really knew their stuff and made the process fun without talking down to us.” Their explanations help you appreciate the complexity of bourbon, from the influence of different barrel types to the importance of blending.

Tasting and Selecting Barrels

After the tour, it’s time for the tasting session. You’ll sample six different barrels, each offering a distinct profile—ranging from sweet and caramel notes to spicier, more robust flavors. This part of the experience is particularly engaging because it’s interactive: you’re encouraged to think about what flavors appeal to you, and how they might combine.

Many participants rave about this stage. One shared that “sampling the different barrels was eye-opening; I never realized how much individual barrels can vary.” The guides help you understand the characteristics of each sample, and explain how blending these can influence the final product.

Crafting Your Unique Blend

Once familiar with the barrels, the real fun begins—blending your own bourbon. Working alongside the whiskey stewards, you experiment by combining different barrels to find your ideal flavor balance. It’s a creative process, and you’re encouraged to trust your palate. This is where your personal taste truly comes into play.

The guides provide expert advice, but the choices are yours. The experience is designed to be approachable even for newcomers, but also rewarding for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts. As one review mentions, “Creating my own blend felt like a real achievement—like I was part of the process, not just a spectator.”

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Bottling and Taking Home Your Creation

At the end of your blending session, you’ll bottle your custom bourbon in a 750mL bottle—a tangible, personalized souvenir of your time at Big Machine. The bottles can be labeled with your name, adding a special touch. This isn’t just a keepsake; it’s a genuine bottle of your own creation, which you can enjoy with friends back home or keep as a collector’s item.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 2 hours, which strikes a good balance between learning and fun. The limited group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention, and the experience is conducted in English—accessible to most travelers. Flexible reservation options are available, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You’ll need to bring a valid ID to participate, as the tour strictly enforces the legal drinking age of 21 and over. Smoking is not permitted on-site, aligning with standard safety regulations.

What Sets This Experience Apart

The blend of learning, tasting, and personal creation makes this activity stand out among Nashville’s many whiskey-related offerings. Unlike a typical distillery tour, this experience lets you really get your hands dirty—blending your own whiskey, which provides a sense of accomplishment and a unique connection to the spirit.

Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—their ability to explain complex processes in an accessible way is often highlighted. Many travelers noted that the guides made the experience both informative and fun, with one review stating, “The guides were fantastic—so friendly and full of stories that kept us engaged.”

The opportunity to take home a custom bottle adds significant value, transforming a fun activity into a memorable keepsake. This personalized touch is what makes the experience perfect for whiskey enthusiasts or couples and small groups celebrating special occasions.

Why It’s Worth the Price

While the experience isn’t inexpensive, the cost includes the guided tasting, blending, and a full 750mL bottle of your own creation. For those who enjoy craft spirits or want an authentic, interactive experience, this offers excellent value. It’s more than just a tour; it’s a chance to learn a skill, taste a variety of flavors, and bring home a tangible result.

Who Will Love This Experience?

• Whiskey lovers eager to deepen their understanding of bourbon
• Travelers looking for a unique, hands-on activity
• Small groups or couples celebrating a special occasion
• Anyone interested in the art of blending spirits in a friendly environment

Who Might Not Find This Experience Ideal?

• Visitors under 21 or pregnant women
• Those with mobility impairments (though no specific barriers are mentioned)
• Travelers seeking a fast-paced or large-group tour

The Sum Up

The Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience at Big Machine Distillery offers a rare opportunity to get personal with Nashville’s whiskey scene. It combines education, tasting, and creativity into a memorable two-hour adventure. You’ll walk away not only with a custom bottle but also with a newfound appreciation for the craft behind bourbon.

This experience is especially suited to those who enjoy immersive activities, appreciate small-group intimacy, and want a meaningful souvenir from their Nashville trip. It’s a genuine way to connect with local craftsmanship, learn the nuances of flavor, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment.

For anyone with a curiosity about bourbon or a desire to craft their own signature spirit, this tour provides both insight and enjoyment—making it a worthwhile addition to your Nashville itinerary.

FAQs

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, participants must be 21 or older to partake in this experience.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now with a pay later option adds flexibility.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The experience is conducted in English, so fluency is recommended for full understanding.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time for each part of the process without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
A valid ID is required to verify your age; no other special items are necessary.

Are there any restrictions on bringing smoke or other items?
Smoking is not allowed on-site, complying with safety regulations.

Can I customize my bottle?
You can label your bottle with your name, adding a personal touch to your souvenir.

What if I have dietary restrictions or mobility issues?
The tour specifics don’t mention particular accommodations. It’s best to contact the provider directly if you have concerns.

Is this experience suitable for a couple or small group?
Yes, small groups of up to 8 people make for an intimate and personalized experience.

Where exactly do I meet?
At the main bar near the entrance to the Bourbon Barrel Library, at the coordinates 36.16079330444336, -86.77516174316406.

In sum, the Nashville: Premium Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience is a fantastic choice for those wanting an authentic, educational, and memorable activity that celebrates Nashville’s spirit-making tradition. It’s more than just a tour—it’s an opportunity to become a bourbon creator for a day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby