Downtown Reno Distillery Tour

Craft distilling has found a home in downtown Reno, and a visit to one of its distilleries is an easy way to spend an hour. This guided tour explains how grain, water, and time become whiskey, vodka, gin, or other spirits, then ends with a tasting flight. It is compact, social, and suited to groups of friends, couples, and solo travelers who like to meet people. Because it is indoors and lasts about an hour, it works well before dinner or on a hot or cold afternoon. Participants must be of legal drinking age and should bring identification. Check the tour page for the current schedule and the spirits included in the flight.

The craft spirits movement has reached Nevada in the same way it spread across the country, with small distilleries making limited batches from local grain, botanicals, or fruit. In Reno, that has meant new tasting rooms in older downtown buildings, with copper stills visible behind glass and staff who enjoy explaining the process.

The tasting flight is the centerpiece. Expect small pours of several spirits, served with guidance on how to smell, sip, and compare. Staff usually offer tips for pairing and for mixing at home, and some experiences include a cocktail made with the house spirits. If you are not a spirits drinker, ask whether alternatives are available, though the focus is on alcohol. Pace yourself, drink water, and plan a meal afterward, because the flight can be stronger than it looks. The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal, so beginners are welcome.

Because the tour is short, it fits easily into a day of sightseeing. Many visitors combine it with a walk along the Riverwalk or a late-afternoon visit to a museum, then go to dinner nearby. Weekend afternoons can be busier, so reserve ahead, and arrive a few minutes early to settle in. Tell staff about allergies or dietary restrictions, as some spirits are made with grains that may matter for some guests. If you plan to buy a bottle, ask about packing and flight rules for checked bags and about whether local shipping is available.

As with any alcohol activity, plan transportation responsibly. Downtown Reno is walkable, and ride-share and taxis are easy to find, so you can enjoy the tasting without driving. Age and identification requirements are strict, and the operator can refuse service to anyone who does not comply. Prices and menus change with the season and the distillery's releases, so check the tour page for details.

For anyone who enjoys learning how things are made and likes to taste the result, this is a pleasant, low-effort addition to a Reno itinerary, and it supports a small local business at the same time.

Ask the guide how the spirits differ from supermarket brands, which grains or botanicals are local, and what cocktail you could make at home with a single bottle; the answers make the tasting more useful than a simple pour. Non-drinking companions are usually welcome to join the tour, but check with the operator about whether they need a ticket.