Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings

Memphis has a beer story beyond its famous music clubs. This private brewery tour carries you to three local producers, with samples, guide commentary, and a bus ride scored by Memphis indie music and beer trivia from DJ Ric Chetter of Radio Memphis. It is an easy way to see a less obvious side of the city without arranging rides between tasting rooms.

I like the three-brewery format, which lets you compare different brewing styles in one afternoon or evening. I also like the relaxed setup: snacks and water are on the bus, and you are dropped back at the central meeting point ready to continue your night. The main thing to consider is that the brewery names and exact starting times are not fixed in the information provided, so check the available date before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Three Memphis breweries in 210 minutes: You get a broad taste of the city’s craft beer scene rather than spending the whole tour in one taproom.
• A private bus for your group: Transportation is arranged between stops, so you do not need to drive after tasting.
• Samples at every brewery: Each stop gives you a chance to compare local beers and find styles you may not usually order.
• DJ Ric Chetter’s onboard narration: Beer trivia, brewing history, and Memphis indie music keep the rides entertaining.
• Snacks and water included: These small touches matter during a tasting-heavy outing.
• Adults 21 and older only: Bring a passport, ID card, or driver’s license, and plan for rain or shine.

Three breweries, one useful Memphis introduction

The heart of this outing is simple: visit three local breweries and taste what each one makes. Since the exact breweries can depend on the operating schedule, you should treat this as a citywide sampling route rather than a promise of three named taprooms.

That flexibility can be useful. Memphis has a growing craft beer identity, and three stops give you a better sense of its range than one tasting room can. You may prefer one brewery’s lighter beers, another’s darker pours, and a third’s more unusual recipe. The point is comparison.

You are not just dropped at a bar and left to order on your own. A guide stays with the group and adds local stories and beer facts along the way. That makes the outing more social and more useful for someone who wants context, not just a drink in a glass.

The time is limited to 210 minutes, or three and a half hours. That is long enough for three stops and travel between them, but it is not a leisurely full-day brewery crawl. You should expect a focused tour with a steady rhythm: ride, taste, learn, ride again.

Stop one: Start with a local introduction

The first brewery is your opening look at Memphis beer. You can expect beer samples and an introduction to the brewery, though the supplied details do not name the first location or specify the number of pours.

This first stop matters because it gives you a reference point for the rest of the route. Pay attention to what you like early on. Do you prefer a crisp beer, a fuller malt flavor, or something with a stronger hop character? You can use that first taste to judge the next two stops more clearly.

The behind-the-scenes element is another useful feature. The tour is designed to show how different breweries make their beer, rather than treating each place as a simple drinking stop. The amount of access can vary, so do not assume a full production-floor tour, but the experience does include a look at the brewing side of the business.

I would use the first stop to ask questions. Your guide is there to keep the pace moving, but the tour is built around local insight. If you are new to craft beer, this is a good moment to ask about styles and ingredients without feeling you need to know the vocabulary already.

Stop two: Compare the details

The second brewery is where the comparison starts to become more useful. You have already sampled one producer, so you can notice differences in flavor, presentation, and atmosphere instead of judging each beer in isolation.

The breweries are presented as distinct local businesses, each with its own character. That is important. A good craft beer tour should not feel like three copies of the same taproom, and this route is meant to show the individual personality of each stop.

You may find that the second location suits your taste better than the first. That is part of the value. You are not being told which beer is best. You get a small, guided sample of the city’s brewing scene and the freedom to form your own opinion.

The bus keeps the outing practical. You do not need to map out three locations, find parking, or decide who will drive. You can also use the ride to talk with your group. The setup is especially handy for a birthday outing, a weekend with friends, or a private group that wants an activity before going out for the night.

Stop three: Finish with a favorite

The third brewery rounds out the tasting. By this point, you should have a clearer idea of the styles and brewing approaches you enjoy, so the final stop can feel less like an introduction and more like a chance to pick a favorite.

The route does not promise a particular beer lineup. Breweries change what they pour, and the information provided does not state that every sample is available all year. Keep your expectations flexible and focus on the experience of comparing local producers rather than chasing one exact beer.

This last stop also gives the guide a chance to tie the afternoon together. You may hear more about Memphis beer culture, local brewing, or the way small producers create different identities. The tour is strongest when you treat it as a guided introduction, not a checklist of specific drinks.

After the third brewery, the bus returns you to the centrally located meeting point. That is a practical finish. You can make dinner plans, visit another Memphis venue, or simply head back to your accommodation without arranging a second ride.

The brew bus makes the evening easier

Transportation is more important here than it may first appear. Three brewery visits can become awkward if you rely on separate taxis, rideshares, or a designated driver. This tour handles the movement for you and lets your group stay together.

The bus is described as comfortable, and snacks and water are included onboard. Those provisions do not replace a meal, but they are welcome during a tasting session. Eat properly before or after the tour, especially if you know alcohol affects you quickly.

The ride itself is part of the entertainment. DJ Ric Chetter of Radio Memphis provides recorded narration with beer trivia, beer history, and Memphis indie music. This gives the transfer time a local soundtrack instead of leaving you with dead time between breweries.

The private format is also worth noting. The bus is described as being just for your group, so this is not the same as joining a large public coach where you meet everyone on the spot. A private ride can make conversation easier and may suit a birthday, reunion, or small weekend gathering.

Still, private does not mean completely flexible. The tour has a set duration of 210 minutes, and the route must fit three brewery visits. If you want to linger at one place for hours, this is not the right format. You are paying for variety and transportation, not an open-ended pub afternoon.

What the guide adds beyond the beer

The guide is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour instead of visiting breweries independently. You get a person who can explain the stops, keep the schedule on track, and add local anecdotes during the ride.

The experience also has a clear Memphis angle. The city is introduced through beer, music, and local businesses rather than only through its most famous tourist sights. DJ Ric Chetter’s connection to Radio Memphis helps reinforce that local feel, especially for anyone who wants music woven into the outing.

This is not a formal brewing class. You should not expect technical instruction at the level of a professional beer course. Instead, you get approachable information, samples, stories, and a chance to see how several local breweries differ.

I would recommend speaking up if you want more detail. Ask what makes one beer different from another, how the breweries approach their recipes, or which styles are popular locally. The guide can make the experience more personal, while the narration fills the road time with useful background.

A good choice even if beer is not your main drink

You need to be 21 or older, but you do not need to be an expert beer drinker. One person who joined the outing as a non-beer lover still found several beers they liked and enjoyed the history, brewery visits, and general atmosphere.

That makes the tour workable for a mixed group. Beer fans get several samples and a chance to compare breweries. Less committed drinkers can treat the outing as a local food and culture experience, with beer as the main thread.

The tour is not ideal for someone who strongly dislikes beer or does not want alcohol around for three and a half hours. There is no separate non-drinker program listed, so check directly if that matters to someone in your group.

For beer fans, the attraction is obvious. For everyone else, the value comes from the combination of transportation, local stories, music, and access to three different brewing businesses. A birthday outing even worked well for a family group, with the beer-loving guest enjoying the tastings while others enjoyed the wider experience.

Is $58 a fair price?

At $58 per person, this tour sits in a reasonable range for a three-and-a-half-hour private outing with brewery samples and transportation. You are not paying only for beer. The price also covers a guide, the bus, the driver, snacks, water, and the work of coordinating three stops.

The value improves if your alternative would involve several rides between breweries. Independent visits may look cheaper at first, but transportation can add up, and someone in the group may need to avoid drinking. This tour removes that problem.

The price is less compelling if you already have a car-free plan, know the Memphis brewery scene well, and prefer to stay in one taproom. In that case, the guided route may feel too structured.

For most first-time visitors, I think the price is justified by the variety and convenience. The tour also makes sense for a private group that wants a planned activity but does not want to spend time researching breweries and arranging transport.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The tour lasts 210 minutes, but available starting times can vary. Check the date before you book, especially if you have dinner reservations or evening plans afterward.

Bring a passport, ID card, or driver’s license. The activity is only for people 21 and older, and you should expect to show identification if asked.

The tour runs rain or shine. Wear something comfortable and be ready to move between the bus and brewery locations in changing weather. Since the route is not canceled simply because conditions are wet, a light rain layer is a sensible choice.

The included snacks and water are helpful, but they are not described as a full meal. Have a proper meal before or after the tour, and pace yourself across the three stops. The goal is to compare beers and enjoy Memphis, not to rush through every sample.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Memphis schedule is still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this Memphis brewery tour?

I would choose this tour for:

• A couple wanting a relaxed introduction to local beer
• A group celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Friends who want to taste without arranging a designated driver
• Visitors who enjoy music and local stories along with drinks
• Beer fans who want to compare three producers in one outing
• Mixed groups where not everyone considers themselves a beer expert

I would think twice if you want a long stay at one brewery, a detailed technical brewing lesson, or complete control over the route. The experience is built around variety, a fixed schedule, and group transportation.

The strong points are the guide, driver, private bus, and overall mood. The outing has been described as relaxing and fun, with the brewery visits providing enough substance to keep it from feeling like a simple bar crawl.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an easy, social way to see three Memphis breweries without driving between them. The combination of samples, local commentary, beer trivia, Memphis music, snacks, and a central drop-off gives you a full evening starter for $58.

I would especially recommend it for a birthday, a small private group, or anyone who wants a broader introduction than one taproom can provide. Just confirm the starting time and understand that the brewery names, beer selection, and exact stop details are not specified in advance.

Skip it if you prefer to choose every beer yourself or spend several hours at one location. For most visitors looking for a relaxed, guided taste of Memphis craft beer, this is a practical and enjoyable choice.

FAQ

How long does the Memphis brewery tour last?

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

How many breweries does the tour visit?

The route visits three local Memphis breweries.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation between breweries is provided on a brew bus, with a driver included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The brew bus is described as being just for you and your group.

Are beer samples included?

Yes. Beer samples are included at each brewery.

Are snacks and water provided?

Yes. Snacks and water are available on the bus.

Who narrates the bus ride?

DJ Ric Chetter of Radio Memphis provides recorded narration with beer trivia, beer history, and Memphis indie music.

Is a tour guide included?

Yes. A local English-speaking tour guide accompanies the experience.

Can people under 21 join?

No. The tour is not suitable for people under 21 years old.

What identification should you bring?

Bring a passport, ID card, or driver’s license.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Can you cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.