Our group was very small, which the guide said is common in winter months. The bus was comfortable and we were lucky enough to have a great driver, Stacy, and Dan was our guide. They were both really personable and knowledgable, seeming to have a passion for the history of George Dickel and Jack Daniel.
We were picked up at the lobby of the Omni Hotel, in front of the Bongo Java Coffee shop. Mint Julep provided a cooler full of water and the guides were always attentive to whether we were comfortable with the temperature of the van.
Our first stop was the George Dickel distillery and I was really glad we went there before Jack Daniel as the Dickel distillery is a great place to start your whisky (the way GD spells their spirit) adventure. The gift shop at Dickel is fun and the tasting was terrific. Although you cannot take pictures of the actual fermentation or distilling process, make sure to get some photos of the beautiful countryside.
We ate lunch at a spot with a nice salad bar and great whiskey burgers before heading to Lynchburg. The Mint Julep website is really helpful about what you should wear and can/cannot bring on the tour. At Jack Daniel, we saw quite a few women in heeled shoes and lots of people not dressed to be outside. Also, you cannot bring any large purses through Jack Daniel's distillery tour but they do offer smallish lockers in case you did bring a purse. Again, the whiskey sampling was lots of fun.
Both tours required some walking outdoors and step climbing. It was not overly strenuous but is something of which to be aware. After both tours, we had time to check out the gift/bottle shops. The Jack Daniel's gift shop is actually downtown Lynchburg and we had about half an hour to shop. At Dickel, the guide took a photo of us and at Jack Daniel they take a group photo and one of your personal group. Don't forget to stop to check your family/group photo out at Jack Daniel before you leave! We forgot and you can get a copy after but you have to email or call.