A distillery tour may seem to consist of only sampling some local brews after some food and visiting the tasting rooms. However, it is surprisingly easy for a beginner to make poor decisions that will lead to an uncomfortable, rushed excursion.
Timing can completely ruin the day. Lack of planning of any form can drastically change the itinerary. Whether traveling on Austin’s Brewery Trail, the Dripping Springs Spirits Trail, or the Austin City Distillery Tour, being prepared will definitely enhance your experience.
The following are seven examples of things people do that ruin their distillery tour experiences.
1. Too Many Stops
More Stops Does Not Translate to More Fun
One major mistake is trying to do too much in one day, usually by trying to pack in too many stops. A stop at a distillery can take a good portion of the day due to everything that can happen, such as taking a tour, tasting, purchasing, and eating a meal.
To enjoy everything, instead of rushing to the next stop, reduce stops, maybe to three, on your route to really enjoy the stops.
Give Yourself Extra Time and Space
Plan to spend more time at your stops than you would normally to account for all the extra time you will spend waiting for things, like traffic, finding parking, eating, restroom break time, and delays.
2. Failing to Reserve Transportation
Everyone Has Their Role
One of the easiest distillery tour planning mistakes is forgetting to reserve transportation. Without transportation, the visit is significantly impaired.
No Drinking and Driving
All transportation for a trip taking you to and from distilleries must provide a sober
driver. Transportation with a drunk driver is not an option.
Book Wisely
Arrange for transportation to be available as needed throughout the distillery tour.
3. Arriving Without Advance Booking
Popular Tasting Rooms Fill Up
There are tasting rooms that will take last-minute guests, but there are others that take scheduled tours and/or tasting appointments. Going there without checking if they are taking guests is a risk of waiting or even not getting a chance to join.
Reservations are suggested to avoid overcapacity, especially on weekends, holidays, and for large groups. Distilleries typically post their current tour schedules, so check those and plan your route accordingly.
Confirm What Your Reservation Covers
Most reservations include the tour and some tastings, but check the details and what to expect when you get there.
4. Treating Every Tasting Like a Full Drink
Pace Yourself from the First Stop
The tasting experience involves a sampling of smaller pours, and multiple stops mean multiple drinks for you at the end of the day. Slowly enjoy and appreciate each sample, or you risk ruining the trip for everyone.
Take your time. Try to drink water between tastings and consider eating before or during the outing.
Pay attention to the spirits
Compared to just trying to see which spirit is the strongest, pay attention to the differences between spirits based on production methods or ingredients. This applies not only to Whiskey, but to Vodka and Rum distilleries as well.
5. Ignoring the Food Plan
Food is usually neglected when there are several stops to a full-day distillery tour.
Eat after you have explored the distilleries and take a break while you let your food settle. Food really does help relax you and let you reset after multiple distillery tastings.
Don’t Assume Food Is There
Not every distillery has food. This is especially true at rural distilleries, so make sure you double-check to see if they do in case you plan on going to that particular distillery on the spirits trail.
6. Failing to Ask Questions
The enthusiasm to ask finally comes after a lot of tours. A lot of first-time distillery visitors are shy. Don’t be. The party bus Austin is more in-depth than the tasting.
If you have a preference, tell the staff. You will likely get a spirit that will suit your taste.
You could stumble upon a discovery that would otherwise be out of your range.
Making the Tasting About You
Have you found your signature flavor? Tell the tasting room staff. Based on your preferences, they can help you find a spirit that fits you. You may even delight in something your inner connoisseur wouldn’t normally pick.
7. Forgetting to Enjoy the Experience
Don’t Turn the Day Into a Checklist
Distillery Hopping can become so focused on getting to the next stop on your list that you forget to enjoy where you are.
Take photos, browse the gift shop, and enjoy the company of your guests. A good distillery outing is as much about enjoying the experience as the tastings. If you’re planning a day of distillery tours, try to plan some time in between stops for the scenery and, of course, a leisurely lunch.
How Can Austin Nites Party Bus Make a Distillery Day Easier?
Planning group transportation can be one of the trickiest parts of a distillery outing. Austin Nites Party Bus gives groups a convenient way to travel together between tasting destinations without putting one person behind the wheel.
Instead of organizing many vehicles for your outing, a Party Bus can schedule one convenient pickup time for your entire group. This is a great way to take some of the stress of planning your outing off your hands, especially for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette outings and celebrations, as well as group distillery tours.
Party Buses can accommodate up to 45 Passengers! For availability, vehicle options, and scheduling details, contact Austin Nites Party Bus before booking your outing.
An Enjoyable First Distillery Tour
Your first distillery tour shouldn’t be a mad dash tour. Booking a good itinerary, securing transportation, eating, staying hydrated, and planning eliminates the majority of potential stress and allows you to enjoy each stop.
Plan your day, whether it is a distillery hop with your friends or exploring Austin’s distilleries for the first time, and let us take care of the transportation so you get to enjoy your day and not worry about that. With Austin Nites Party Bus being your transport, you can focus on engaging with each new flavor while making memories with friends, all while laughing the entire way.
What Should You Know Before Your First Distillery Tour?
Can I visit multiple distilleries in one day? Absolutely! Check out a minimum of three distilleries so you can go on full tours and tastings and not feel rushed!
Should I make reservations for a distillery tour? Reservations are recommended for tours with large groups and for the weekend in general. Check each tasting room’s policies to determine if reservations are necessary.
What do I need to bring to a distillery tour? A valid ID, a few water bottles, comfortable clothing, a phone, and a camera are all you need for a distillery tour.
Is a party bus a safe way to organize transportation for a distillery tour?
Yes, transportation is also part of the tour organization for the group.
How do I organize a distillery tour?
The organization of the tour is done with stops that are on the same line to simplify the route. Check opening times, reserve tours, book other needful vacations (food breaks), and transportation.