Reno’s Original Brewery Tour

If you’re heading to Reno and want to see beyond the casinos and downtown lights, a tour exploring its local craft breweries offers a lively, authentic taste of the city’s burgeoning beer scene. The Reno’s Original Brewery Tour promises approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes of guided exploration, visiting three carefully selected breweries, sampling up to a dozen unique microbrews, and learning about the art of brewing from passionate local experts. With a friendly group size capped at 14 and hassle-free transportation, it’s a convenient way to sample Reno’s best brews without the fuss of driving.

What really catches our eye is the mix of VIP access and expert guidance. You get to go behind the scenes, taste a variety of innovative beers, and hear stories straight from the people shaping Reno’s craft scene. Plus, the tour’s high rating — a perfect 5.0 from eight reviews — suggests it genuinely delivers on its promises. However, keep in mind that the final itinerary is built around local brewery availability, which means some stops might differ slightly from the sample outline.

This experience suits beer lovers, curious travelers eager for local insights, or anyone looking for a relaxed, fun outing that combines education with tastings. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Reno’s craft side without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience: Learn about brewing techniques and local beer history from knowledgeable guides.
• VIP brewery access: Visit three different breweries, including well-loved spots like Imbib Custom Brews, Brewer’s Cabinet, and Slieve Brewing.
• Diverse beer selection: Tasting up to a dozen craft beers, from IPAs to barrel-aged sours, ensures there’s something for every palate.
• Hassle-free transport: Comfortable bus transfers mean you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about driving.
• Snacks included: One stop features a pairing snack, adding to the enjoyment of your tasting experience.
• Flexibility and value: At $89 per person, it’s a well-priced way to indulge in Reno’s craft beer culture, especially given the VIP access and guided insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Reno’s Original Brewery Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, a centrally located spot that makes it easy for visitors to hop on. With most bookings happening 19 days in advance, it’s clear this experience is popular — snagging your spot early is recommended. The tour uses a mobile ticket system, streamlining check-in and making last-minute planning straightforward.

Group sizes are limited to 14, keeping the atmosphere intimate and allowing guides to give personalized attention. The duration is roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes, a sweet spot for those who want a substantial taste of Reno’s breweries without it turning into a whole day affair.

The Breweries and What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: Imbib Custom Brews
Your journey begins with a visit to Imbib, a brewery that’s been crafting diverse beers since 2012. Their approach isn’t traditional — they emphasize experimental styles, barrel-aging, and award-winning brews. Expect to sample hop-forward IPAs, hazy pale ales, and even dry-hopped sour beers. Reviewers note that the well-known barrel-aged beers, including sour wines and bourbon barrels, are highlights. The 50-minute visit is a great introduction to the depth and variety of Reno’s brewing spectrum.

Stop 2: Brewer’s Cabinet
Next, you head to one of the city’s original craft breweries, famous for its welcoming atmosphere and community vibe. This stop includes a tasting flight of four beers paired with a snack, which helps you savor the flavors while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Guests have praised the guide’s storytelling, with one reviewer mentioning how much they learned about the beer-making process and the history behind it. The focus on quality and innovation makes this a memorable spot for both seasoned beer lovers and newcomers alike.

Stop 3: Slieve Brewing Company
The final stop is in a unique setting — inside a historic firehouse — giving the tour a local, hometown feel. Slieve Brewing is the passion project of a former home brewer turned professional, which means you’re tasting beers crafted with real dedication. The 50-minute visit offers a glimpse into small-batch production versus larger breweries, giving you insights into how local breweries maintain quality and creativity.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

One of the tour’s highlights is the comfortable bus transportation that keeps the focus on the fun, not the logistics. This means you can relax, enjoy your tastings, and chat with your small group. The rate of 19 days in advance booking indicates high demand, so planning ahead is essential if you want to secure a spot.

Value for Money

At $89 per person, this tour offers solid value, considering the VIP access, expert guidance, and multiple tastings included. The reviews repeatedly mention how much guests appreciated the learning component, with guides like John sharing extensive knowledge about brewing techniques and the stories behind each brewery. The inclusion of snacks, along with the variety of beer styles, makes this a well-rounded experience.

Review Highlights and Authentic Insights

Multiple reviewers have lauded the guides, especially John, for his deep knowledge. One comment: “John had a lot of information on how beer is made and its history,” which enhances the tasting experience by providing context and stories that make each sip more meaningful. Guests also appreciated the diversity of breweries visited, from a modern craft operation to a historic firehouse brewery, showcasing the breadth of Reno’s craft beer landscape.

The tour’s small group size fosters a friendly, social atmosphere. Feedback confirms that the transport is comfy, and the stops are well-paced, giving everyone enough time to enjoy the beers and ask questions.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book early to secure a spot, especially during peak times, as it’s popular.
• Arrive at the Renaissance Hotel on time — it’s the easy starting point for the tour.
• Dress comfortably and bring a positive attitude — you’ll be sampling quite a few beers.
• Drink responsibly; the transport means you can enjoy the beers without concern about driving.
• Be prepared for possible final itinerary changes based on brewery availability, though all stops will be local Reno craft spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This brewery tour is best suited for beer enthusiasts eager to learn more about craft brewing, locals wanting to explore their city, or visitors curious about Reno’s local culture. It’s suitable for those who enjoy small group experiences, are comfortable with moderate walking at each stop, and appreciate guided storytelling. The inclusion of snacks and comfortable transport makes it appealing for a relaxed, educational outing.

The Sum Up

The Reno’s Original Brewery Tour offers a well-balanced blend of education, tasting, and local culture. The guides’ knowledge, the diversity of breweries, and the VIP approach make it a standout activity for beer lovers. The modest price point, considering what’s included, offers excellent value for those wanting to go beyond the usual sightseeing and dive into Reno’s craft scene authentically.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual sipper, this experience provides a fun, informative, and tasty way to spend an afternoon. It’s a perfect choice for small groups, curious travelers, or locals looking to rediscover their city’s brewing prowess.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including visits to three breweries with ample tasting time.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers VIP access to three breweries, a sampling of up to a dozen beers, snacks at one stop, and comfortable bus transportation between locations.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, and it returns there at the end of the experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a comfortable bus is included to transport guests between breweries, making it easy to relax and enjoy the drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering peace of mind in case your schedule shifts.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the guide’s insights and the brewery atmosphere, but tasting is a key part of the experience.

Are children allowed?
The tour is geared towards adults, especially with alcohol tasting involved. Check with the provider if traveling with minors.

What should I wear?
Comfortable attire suitable for walking and the weather. Since stops are in breweries, casual and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of expert-guided insights, VIP brewery access, and the opportunity to try a wide variety of local beers makes it a truly engaging and authentic Reno experience.

In sum, if you’re visiting Reno and want to explore its craft beer scene in a relaxed, educational way, this tour hits just the right notes. It’s a charming, tasty experience that offers genuine insight into local brewing culture, all wrapped up in a small-group setting with excellent transportation. Cheers to discovering Nevada’s hidden beer gems!