Touring Big Machine Distillery: A Nashville Sip & Story Experience
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
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About Big Machine Distillery
Website: https://www.bigmachinedistillery.com
Address: 122 3rd Ave. S., Nashville, TN
Phone Number: +1 615-345-4539
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There’s something special about a distillery tour in Nashville—maybe it’s the mix of music, history, and good spirits, or maybe it’s just the way this city knows how to make everything feel like a moment. Our visit to Big Machine Distillery off Broadway was exactly that: a moment worth savoring.
🎶 Pre‑Tour Vibes: Cocktails & Country Music
While waiting for our tour to begin, I settled in at the bar with a Hannah Colada—a tropical little daydream made with Big Machine Southern Spiced Rum, coconut, lime, and pineapple. It was creamy, bright, and just the right amount of sweet. The kind of cocktail that makes you forget you’re in downtown Nashville and not on a beach somewhere with your toes in the sand.
Live country music floated through the space, and honestly, it set the perfect tone. A cocktail in hand, music in the air—this is how every distillery tour should start.
🥃 Meeting the Team: Jim, His Rockstar Assistant & New Friends
When the tour kicked off, we met Jim, our guide for the afternoon, along with his assistant—whose name we sadly didn’t catch, but she was fantastic. Warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the craft, she added so much energy to the experience.
We were also joined by three young ladies visiting from Chicago, celebrating one of their friends turning 21—and doing it Nashville‑style. Their excitement was contagious and added a fun, celebratory vibe to the group. Nothing like a milestone birthday to bring extra sparkle to a spirits tour.
📜 A Story Rooted in Music City
One of the first things we learned: Big Machine Distillery was founded in 2015 by Scott Borchetta, the music executive behind Big Machine Records. Yes—the same Scott who discovered Taylor Swift right here in Nashville.
It makes sense, then, that the brand blends music culture with spirits craftsmanship. It’s a distillery with a soundtrack.
🥃 The Big Machine Family of Spirits
The tour walked us through the evolution of their lineup, and it’s impressive how much they’ve built in just a decade:
• Pickers Vodka – Nashville’s vodka, clean and smooth
• Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey – rooted in tradition
• Borchetta Bourbons – including their Red Corn and Single Barrel expressions
• Special releases – like the Blue Corn Bourbon we were lucky enough to taste
We also learned about their other locations:
• Lynnville, TN – where most of the production magic happens
• Berry Hill, Nashville – home to their tavern and another tasting experience
But today was all about the Broadway location—and it delivered.
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🍇 Tasting Notes: Hers & His
Her Favorites (Nancy Fae)
I was delighted by their Pickers vodkas—especially the blueberry vodka, which was shockingly smooth. No burn, no harshness, just clean fruit flavor that felt elevated, not artificial.
The Blue Corn Bourbon was another standout. Rich, layered, and unique enough that we couldn’t leave without a bottle.
His Favorites (Jeff)
Jeff loved the Single Barrel Bourbon—the caramel notes were right up his alley. It ran a little hot for me, but he thought it was perfect. Classic Jeff: he likes things smooth, sweet, and done right.
He also really enjoyed the history behind the Tennessee whiskey process. If there’s a story about how something is made, he’s locked in
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⭐ Final Thoughts: A Tour Worth Taking
Our visit to Big Machine Distillery was fun, flavorful, and full of personality. Between the music, the cocktails, the history, the tastings, and even celebrating with new friends from Chicago, it checked every box for a great Nashville experience.
We left with new knowledge, a new bottle, and a deeper appreciation for how music and spirits intertwine in this city.
We absolutely recommend the tour.
Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a vodka fan, or just someone who enjoys a good story with your sip, Big Machine has something for you.
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Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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