Insider Tips for Scoring VIP Spots on Popular Distillery Tours
When it comes to unforgettable experiences, few things rival the authenticity, flavour, and craftsmanship of a well-curated distillery tour. For true spirit lovers and curious first-timers alike, touring a working distillery offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how quality liquors come to life—barrel by barrel, batch by batch. But with the growing demand for immersive, small-batch experiences, especially at standout venues like Bomb City Distillery in Amarillo, VIP tour spots are going fast.
So how do you move beyond the basic walk-through and land yourself one of the coveted VIP experiences? We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide filled with expert tips, event secrets, and booking strategies to help you score the most exclusive spots on popular distillery tours—especially if your destination is Bomb City Distillery, where small-batch spirits and premium guest service define the tour experience.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Why VIP Distillery Tours Are Worth the Effort
Before we get to the booking strategies, it’s important to understand what sets VIP distillery tours apart—and why they’re in such high demand.
At Bomb City Distillery, a VIP tour doesn’t just mean front-row access. It includes:
A private guide through the steam-distillation process
Premium spirit tastings, including limited-edition vodkas and bourbons
Access to exclusive areas like the barrel room and bottling line
Behind-the-scenes insights into grain sourcing and spirit crafting
Optional add-ons like custom bottling, mixology workshops, and branded gifts
It’s a deep-dive experience that elevates your appreciation for local spirits, while offering the kind of connection and customization you simply don’t get from standard group tours. If you want to sip, learn, and engage with the best of Amarillo’s spirit scene, VIP access at Bomb City Distillery is the way to go.
1. Plan Early—VIP Spots Fill Fast
The most important thing you can do to secure VIP access on a distillery tour is book early. Bomb City Distillery’s VIP tours are highly curated, often limited to small groups to maintain an intimate, immersive vibe.
If you're planning around a specific date—like a birthday, bachelor party, anniversary, or team-building event—give yourself a 4- to 6-week lead time. VIP experiences aren't walk-in friendly, and last-minute requests may land you on a waitlist instead of a tour.
Insider tip: Midweek and daytime slots often have more flexibility than weekend evenings. If your schedule allows, opt for less traditional timing to increase your chances of landing the full experience.
2. Reach Out Directly for Private Group Tours
If you're organizing a private event with a larger group or celebrating a special occasion, skip the booking widgets and contact the distillery team directly.
At Bomb City Distillery, custom group bookings often include:
A dedicated tour host and mixologist
Access to private event spaces
Group tasting flights tailored to your group’s preferences
Add-ons like catering, games, or acoustic music
This tip becomes especially important if you’re planning something like a distillery-style private party—a rising trend among corporate teams, as covered in our blog, Elevate Your Corporate Event with a Distillery‑Style Private Party.
By reaching out directly, you’ll bypass online limitations and unlock access to custom experiences not advertised publicly.
3. Follow the Distillery’s Social Channels for Exclusive Drops
VIP spots and new experiences are often announced on social media before they hit the website. Distilleries like Bomb City frequently offer:
Early-access booking links
Flash VIP tasting events
Limited-edition bottle releases tied to tours
Invite-only launch events for new spirits
Following Bomb City Distillery on Instagram and Facebook puts you first in line for these releases. It also keeps you connected to updates on hours, availability, seasonal tours, and local collaborations that can enhance your visit.
Many fans of the distillery have landed VIP tours simply by responding quickly to a limited announcement post—so don’t sleep on your feed.
4. Sign Up for the Email Newsletter and VIP List
Distilleries reward loyal followers—and the best way to be considered one is by joining their email list. Newsletters from Bomb City Distillery include insider updates like:
Advance notice for VIP tour availability
Invitations to private bottling nights
First access to seasonal and small-batch releases
Priority booking windows before dates go public
These perks often get buried in inboxes, but they’re one of the most reliable ways to beat the crowds and secure your spot.
Want bonus access? When you attend a tour or event, ask the staff if there’s a premium guest list or club that includes recurring perks. Some distilleries even offer loyalty programs that include guaranteed access for VIP slots.
5. Tie Your VIP Tour to a Special Event
Want a guaranteed way to lock in a premium experience? Book your VIP tour in tandem with a distillery-hosted event.
Bomb City Distillery regularly hosts:
Holiday-themed tastings
Local food and spirit pairing nights
Bourbon barrel releases
Exclusive workshops for cocktail crafters
When you attend these events and request a VIP tour in advance, the staff is more likely to offer bundled packages or early access slots. It also shows that you’re more than a one-time visitor—you’re invested in the brand and experience.
Many guests secure unforgettable nights by pairing their private tour with a back-room party, as explained in our detailed blog, Top 7 Benefits of Booking a Back‑Room Distillery Party.
When you combine the intimacy of the back room with the depth of the VIP tour, you’ve got one of the most elevated experiences Amarillo has to offer.
6. Be Flexible with Your Group Size
VIP tours work best with smaller groups—and Bomb City Distillery is no exception. While group tours are certainly welcome, there’s a reason why many VIP offerings max out at 6 to 10 guests.
Smaller groups allow for:
Deeper, more customized education about the distillation process
Exclusive pours of rare or limited-edition bottles
Intimate access to production areas
More relaxed, unhurried pacing
If you’re serious about scoring a premium tour, aim for a smaller crew—or split into multiple time slots if your group is larger. The staff may even offer multiple mini-tours in succession to keep everyone engaged without compromising the VIP experience.
7. Make a Personal Connection with Staff
One of the best insider tips for getting on the radar for VIP tour access? Build a genuine relationship with the staff.
Whether it's the tasting room bartender, event coordinator, or distiller-in-chief, the team behind Bomb City Distillery appreciates returning guests and proactive communication.
Here’s how to stand out:
Attend more than one tour or tasting—show your interest
Tag the distillery in posts and stories when you visit
Leave a thoughtful review after a great experience
Mention your interest in future VIP access
Be courteous and flexible during peak hours
These simple gestures put your name at the top of the mental list when limited VIP slots open up. In a small-batch setting, loyalty is noticed—and rewarded.
8. Request a Custom Bottling or Labeling Experience
Another great strategy to upgrade your tour to VIP status? Ask about custom bottling.
Bomb City Distillery offers personalized bottling experiences where guests:
Hand-label their own 750ml spirit
Choose from select vodka or bourbon varieties
Add custom designs or branding for special occasions
This option isn’t always listed on the public site, but staff can often build it into your VIP tour if you request it in advance.
Custom bottling makes for incredible keepsakes at:
Wedding parties
Team recognition events
Holiday gift experiences
Bachelor or bachelorette parties
It’s not just a tour anymore—it’s a collaborative, hands-on moment that leaves your guests with something unforgettable.
9. Be Open to Seasonal Tours and Limited-Time Offerings
VIP doesn’t always mean a set itinerary. In fact, some of the most rewarding experiences come from being open to new tour formats—especially those tied to seasonal production or limited-time releases.
Bomb City Distillery may offer unique tours during:
Grain harvest season
Holiday infusion testing
New bourbon barrel rollouts
Local event weekends in Amarillo
These limited runs are often designed around specific parts of the production calendar, and the groups are small, focused, and premium.
Staying flexible with your date or theme gives you the best chance to experience these one-of-a-kind tours. And when they’re gone, they’re truly gone—making the exclusivity even sweeter.
10. Consider Hosting Your Own VIP Event
When all else fails, make the VIP tour come to you—by booking your own private VIP event.
Bomb City Distillery offers private event rentals that include full access to the tasting room, back-room bar, and sometimes even the production floor. These bookings come with the option to add:
Guided spirit education sessions
Custom cocktail workshops
Branded gifting and bottled spirits
Pairings with food vendors or local chefs
If you’ve missed out on a public VIP tour, this route gives you the chance to create your own—and tailor it to your exact preferences. It’s the perfect fit for groups celebrating milestones, brands doing team offsites, or anyone who wants the space (and spirits) all to themselves.
Ready to Score Your VIP Spot?
Securing a VIP tour at a top-tier distillery takes intention—but the payoff is more than worth it. At Bomb City Distillery, you’re not just walking through a production floor. You’re entering a space where quality, transparency, and local craftsmanship come together to create a spirit experience unlike any other.
Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of steam distillation, explore flavor pairings with seasoned guides, or simply enjoy a beautifully crafted drink in good company, VIP access is the doorway to an entirely elevated perspective.
Follow the tips above, act early, and don’t be afraid to connect personally with the team. Your next unforgettable sip could be just one email or message away.
To start planning your VIP experience today, visit the Bomb City Distillery tour and booking page and let the spirit of Amarillo welcome you with authenticity, quality, and unmatched hospitality.
