Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour

Memphis is known for blues and barbecue, but its craft beer scene deserves a place on your plans. This half-day tour links three local brewery stops, giving you a look at brewing methods, beer styles, and the people behind the pints without making you arrange taxis or guess where to go next.

I like the VIP-style brewery access and the fact that up to 12 samples, transportation, and a hot baked snack are included. I also like the guide-led approach. Brian, named by several recent guests, brings beer history and local brewing stories into the ride between stops.

The main drawback is the fixed pace. You spend about 45 to 55 minutes at each brewery, so this suits you if you want a broad taste of Memphis beer rather than a long, relaxed visit at one taproom. You must also be 21 or older, wear closed-toe shoes, and take the tour in English.

Key points at a glance

• Three brewery visits in 210 minutes: The route gives you a useful sample of Memphis brewing instead of focusing on one venue.
• Up to 12 beer samples included: You can compare several styles without paying separately for every taste.
• Brian may be your guide: His tours are praised for clear beer history, local brewing insight, and a friendly manner.
• A fresh baked snack comes with the tastings: This is a small but welcome break during an afternoon of sampling.
• Pickup is simple: Meet the Brew City Tours van at the Peabody Hotel entrance, 149 Union Avenue at Second Street.
• The rules matter: Bring government ID, wear closed-toe shoes, and do not bring drinks into the vehicle.

Three Memphis breweries in one easy afternoon

The clever part of this experience is the route. Memphis breweries are not presented as isolated stops you need to reach on your own. Instead, a van carries you from one brewery to the next while your guide fills in the gaps with beer history and local context.

The total time is 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That is long enough to get a real taste of the city’s brewing scene, but short enough to fit around other Memphis plans. You begin and end at the Peabody Hotel, so the tour works well on a day when you are staying downtown or already sightseeing near Union Avenue.

You will visit three breweries, with roughly 55 minutes at the first, 45 minutes at the second, and 45 minutes at the third. Ten-minute van rides connect the stops. The schedule keeps things moving, although you should not expect a slow afternoon spent nursing one pint in a single taproom.

The first stop: a 55-minute introduction to local beer

The opening brewery visit is the longest, at about 55 minutes. That extra time gives you room to settle in, meet the guide, and get a first look at how Memphis brewers approach their work.

Your guide explains the brewing process and the background behind the beers you taste. The tour also covers beer styles, so the samples are not just a succession of glasses. You get a framework for noticing differences in flavor, strength, and brewing method.

The word VIP here is useful, but keep your expectations sensible. It means access to the brewery experience and behind-the-scenes attention as part of a guided group, not necessarily a private tour of every working area. Exact brewery names are not provided in advance, so the route may vary.

This first stop is likely to suit you if you enjoy learning as you taste. If you already know a great deal about brewing, the history lesson may feel basic at times, but the chance to compare local beers still gives the stop value.

The second brewery pairs beer with a fresh snack

After a 10-minute ride, the middle stop lasts about 45 minutes and includes food tasting. A hot, fresh baked snack is included, which matters more than it may sound. Beer tastings can become tiring on an empty stomach, and a small bite helps break up the rhythm of repeated samples.

This stop gives the tour a more social feel. You are not only listening to the brewing story and tasting beer, but also seeing how a simple food pairing changes the way a beer comes across. The available food is described as a fresh baked snack rather than a full meal, so plan to eat lunch or dinner separately.

Up to 12 beer samples are included across the three brewery visits. The exact number poured at each location is not specified, and sample sizes may differ. Additional beverage purchases are available if you find a beer you want in a larger serving, but those purchases are not part of the $69 price.

The third stop rounds out the beer styles

The final brewery visit lasts another 45 minutes. By this point, you have had time to compare the first two stops, and the last tasting helps complete the picture of Memphis craft brewing.

The guide continues to explain the beers and the work behind them. This is also where the tour’s broad approach pays off. You may not become an expert in every beer style during one afternoon, but you will leave with a better sense of how different breweries make and present their beer.

Because the three stops are relatively short, I would treat this as a guided sampler rather than a pub crawl. The goal is range, context, and convenience. You get a look at several small or well-known local breweries without spending the day on logistics.

What the guide adds to the experience

A brewery tour can easily become a simple tasting flight with transportation. The guide makes the difference. Your guide explains beer history, brewing methods, and styles while also keeping the group moving between locations.

Brian is specifically named as a guide for this experience. The feedback attached to his tours points to a friendly style, useful local brewing information, and the ability to personalize the conversation quickly. That last point matters in a small-group setting, where the best guide notices what you enjoy and adjusts the explanation.

The guide’s role is not limited to naming the beers. You can expect a mix of education and entertainment, with stories about beer and Memphis brewing woven into the tasting. If you enjoy asking questions, use the van rides for them. Each ride lasts about 10 minutes, so there is enough time for a few quick questions but not for a long lecture.

The tour operates in English only. If you are comfortable following a spoken English presentation, that keeps the format simple. If you need another language, this is not the right choice.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, the tour is priced as a package rather than as three separate brewery visits. The fee includes pickup and drop-off, transportation between stops, beer tastings at all breweries, up to 12 samples, the fresh baked snack, and the guide.

That is useful value if you would otherwise need taxis or rideshares between breweries. It also removes the awkward task of deciding who drives after an afternoon of sampling. You are paying for access, transport, tastings, and a planned route, not simply for beer.

Gratuity is not included, so you should budget extra for your guide. Additional drinks are also separate. If you want a full meal or larger pours, the $69 price will not cover everything you may buy during the afternoon.

I see the strongest value for visitors with limited time in Memphis. You can cover several breweries in three and a half hours and still keep the rest of your day open. If you are a serious beer enthusiast who prefers long conversations with one brewer or plenty of time at one taproom, you may find the fixed schedule less appealing.

Getting to the Peabody Hotel pickup

Meet the Brew City Tours van at the entrance of the Peabody Hotel, at 149 Union Avenue and Second Street. Look for the Brew City Tours vehicle rather than waiting inside without checking for the van.

The central pickup point is practical, especially if your plans already include downtown Memphis. You should arrive ready to board and make sure you have your ID with you. The tour returns to the same address after the final brewery, which makes planning before or after the experience straightforward.

Transportation is part of the appeal. Each transfer takes about 10 minutes, and the van keeps the group together. Smoking and drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle, including alcoholic drinks. Bare feet and open-toed shoes are also not allowed.

What to wear and bring

Closed-toe shoes are required. This is not a suggestion to ignore. Brewery visits can involve working production areas, and the tour rules specifically exclude sandals and other open shoes.

Bring a valid ID proving you are at least 21. Every person taking part must meet the age requirement, and people under 21 cannot join the tour.

You do not need to bring a drink for the van. Outside drinks are prohibited, and the tour already includes beer tastings at each brewery. Since the experience takes place rain or shine, dress for the weather and be ready to follow the planned route even if the day is wet.

A light meal before the tour may be sensible. The included baked snack helps, but it is not described as lunch. You can also purchase additional beverages at the breweries if you want more than the included samples.

Who will enjoy this brewery tour most?

This experience is a good match for you if you want an easy introduction to Memphis craft beer. It works especially well for first-time visitors who want local flavor without building their own brewery route.

It also suits couples and small groups who want a social afternoon with a guide. The transport removes the driving problem, and the tasting format gives everyone something to discuss between stops.

You may want a different plan if you are under 21, do not drink alcohol, need a tour in another language, or dislike fixed schedules. The tour is built around sampling beer, so it is not a general Memphis sightseeing trip with a few optional tastes.

It may also be less suitable if you need a substantial meal, prefer large servings, or want to spend several hours at one brewery. The baked snack is helpful, but it does not replace a full dining stop.

Cancellation and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Memphis schedule is still changing.

Starting times depend on availability, so check the date and time before booking. The tour lasts 210 minutes, and the stated route includes three 10-minute van transfers plus brewery visits of about 55, 45, and 45 minutes.

The activity runs in all weather. Plan on completing the route as scheduled rather than expecting a weather-related change.

Should you book the Memphis brewery tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized introduction to several Memphis breweries, with beer samples, local stories, a snack, and round-trip transport included in one price. Brian’s friendly, informative style is another reason to feel good about the format if he is leading your departure.

Skip it if you want a full meal, a long stay at one brewery, or a flexible afternoon built around your own drinking pace. For most visitors seeking a convenient taste of Memphis beer culture, the $69 cost is reasonable, especially because it includes transportation and up to 12 samples. Just bring ID, wear proper shoes, and arrive ready for a brisk three-stop route.

FAQ

How long does the Memphis brewery tour last?

The tour lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

Pickup and drop-off are at the Peabody Hotel entrance, 149 Union Avenue at Second Street, downtown Memphis.

How many breweries does the tour visit?

The tour visits three Memphis breweries.

How many beer samples are included?

Up to 12 beer samples are included across the brewery stops.

Is food included?

Yes. A hot, fresh baked snack and food tasting are included. A full meal is not specified.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from the Peabody Hotel and van transfers between the breweries are included.

Do I need to be 21 to join?

Yes. All participants must be at least 21 and must bring valid identification.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required. Open-toed shoes and bare feet are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.