NOLA Distillery Tour

Visiting New Orleans, you’ll find plenty of attractions, but a distillery tour offers a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s craft spirits scene. The NOLA Distillery Tour is an accessible, short experience that combines a behind-the-scenes look at spirit making with tasting opportunities. While it’s not a sprawling, elaborate excursion, it’s a solid choice for those curious about local spirits or looking for a quick cultural fix.

What we genuinely like about this tour are its friendly guides who are knowledgeable and eager to share their craft, and the chance to sample well-made spirits right at the source. The tour’s cost-effectiveness (at just under $30) adds to its appeal, especially considering the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the distillery. On the downside, some reviews suggest it can feel more like a distribution center than a traditional distillery, and the overall experience might not satisfy those looking for a deep dive into how spirits are crafted.

This tour is best suited for casual visitors with an interest in local flavors or those wanting a brief, fun activity during a busy day of sightseeing. It’s not the place to expect a long, immersive experience, but rather a quick peek into Louisiana’s distilling world with some tastings thrown in.

• Accessible for most travelers; only 18+ for the tour, with samples for all ages.
• Short and sweet: about 30 minutes, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with clear explanations.
• Tastings include spirits and non-alcoholic options, providing good value.
• Purchase opportunities allow you to buy spirits directly from the distillery.
• Mixed reviews highlight the importance of managing expectations—some find it informative and fun, others less impressed.

What to Expect from the NOLA Distillery Tour

The tour begins at the NOLA Distillery located at 3715 Tchoupitoulas Street, a location that’s convenient near public transportation and easy to find. Once you arrive, a friendly guide welcomes you into the beautiful tasting bar and distillery space. The experience lasts roughly 30 minutes—a concise window that offers enough insight without dragging on.

The Tour Itself

Your guide will walk you through the distilling process, explaining how Louisiana spirits like vodka, bourbon, gin, and more are made. We appreciated the clarity and enthusiasm of the guides, who often receive praise for their knowledge—some reviews specifically mention Allison as a particularly great guide.

During the tour, you’ll see the state-of-the-art equipment used in the production process. While some visitors note that the facility is more a distribution center than a traditional working distillery, the modern setup still offers a good sense of how spirits are produced.

Tasting Experience

After the walkthrough, the fun begins—sampling handcrafted spirits like vodka and bourbon. One reviewer called the bourbon “amazing,” highlighting how smooth and flavorful it was, even for those who don’t usually enjoy strong liquor. The tasting bar also offers non-alcoholic beverages for visitors under 21 or those who prefer a soft drink.

Many reviews mention the generous shots and tasting options, with some guests describing it as a highlight of their trip to New Orleans. If you’re interested, you can purchase bottles directly from the distillery to take home, which adds a nice souvenir element.

Additional Tips

• The tour is available in a morning or afternoon slot, giving flexibility for your schedule.
• The group size is limited to 25, providing a more intimate experience.
• Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with support animals.
• Confirmations are received immediately upon booking, ensuring a smooth process.

The Pros and Cons: What Travelers Say

Positive feedback frequently highlights the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the spirits. One reviewer gushed, “Allison was a great guide, try the bourbon—it was amazing,” and others appreciated the fun of tasting multiple spirits. The value is often praised, considering the cost and the opportunity to buy spirits directly from the source.

However, some reviews voice frustrations. A particularly harsh critique mentioned the perception of the place being more like a distribution warehouse rather than a traditional distillery, and the taste of the products was described as “horrible” by one guest. Others found the experience not worth the price, feeling it was a bit overpriced for what was essentially a short tour and tasting.

A few logistical hiccups were noted, including a missed opportunity to reschedule due to weather or scheduling miscommunications. Still, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Is the NOLA Distillery Tour Worth It?

Considering the price point of $29.99, most visitors will find this to be good value for a quick, informative experience. The ability to learn about the spirits and sample products from a local distillery makes it a worthwhile addition to a New Orleans trip, especially for those curious about Louisiana’s beverage culture.

If you’re someone who enjoys spirits, appreciates local craftsmanship, or simply wants a brief break from more traditional sightseeing, this tour hits the right notes. It’s not a comprehensive distillery visit, but it offers enough insight and tasting to justify the trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Casual travelers wanting a quick, fun activity
• Visitors interested in local Louisiana spirits
• Those looking for a family-friendly experience (non-alcoholic options available)
• Guests who prefer small-group settings with knowledgeable guides
• Anyone wanting to purchase spirits directly from the source

Who Might Want to Pass

• Folks seeking a long, in-depth distillery experience
• Visitors on a tight budget or who find $30 steep for a short tour
• Those who dislike spirits or are sensitive to alcohol

Final Thoughts

The NOLA Distillery Tour is a straightforward, pleasant way to learn about Louisiana spirits and enjoy some tastings. Its small group size and friendly guides make it a relaxed experience, and the opportunity to buy bottles directly from the distillery adds a touch of practicality. While it may not satisfy those craving a full-blown distillery immersion, it offers an authentic peek into the local craft.

If you’re in New Orleans and want a light, engaging activity that combines education, tasting, and a bit of local flavor, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check—it’s more about the vibe and taste than a deep dive into distillation techniques.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for under 21?
Yes, those under 21 can participate in the tour and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages, but only those 21+ can sample spirits.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.

Can I purchase spirits at the end of the tour?
Yes, you can buy bottles directly from the distillery, offering a convenient souvenir or gift.

Is the tour available in the morning or afternoon?
Yes, there are options to choose from—either a morning or afternoon session to suit your schedule.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers per group is 25, keeping the experience intimate.

Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted, which is helpful for travelers with support animals.

What is the price?
The tour costs $29.99 per person, offering good value considering the tastings and expert guidance.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
The experience is non-refundable. If the tour is canceled due to weather or other reasons, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

What should I expect at the tasting bar?
Samples include handcrafted vodka, bourbon, gin, and non-alcoholic beverages. Some guests find the spirits notably smooth and enjoyable.

Is this a good activity for non-drinkers?
Absolutely, with non-alcoholic options available and an engaging guide explaining the process, it’s still an interesting cultural experience.

In all, the NOLA Distillery Tour offers a compact, friendly, and reasonably priced way to get a taste of Louisiana’s distilling craftsmanship. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a quick activity, it’s worth a try—just don’t expect a full-blown production tour.