Five pours, one hour, behind-the-scenes rum magic. I like how this owner-led small-group tour stays personal, and I love that the five-rum tasting flight is included in the $15 price. One thing to plan for: the tasting is 21+ and the pours can feel strong, so eat and hydrate first.

It’s at Roulaison Distilling Co, a bit off the French Quarter crowd, which makes the whole experience feel more local than packaged. You’ll get a mobile ticket, a maximum group size of 8, and the kind of Q&A that’s easier when the guide is running the operation.

Key things to know before you go

• Small groups (max 8) mean more time for questions, not just watching screens
• Five rum samples included in the ticket price, with chances for special-release pours
• Owner-run energy: the tour often moves quickly into real details and practical answers
• 21+ only and the tasting flight can be potent, so plan for food and water
• Short and sweet: about one hour total, which fits easily into a New Orleans day

Roulaison Distilling Co: A small operation on South Broad

This is not one of those big, stainless-steel, factory-style tours with a long walk and a distant guide. Roulaison Distilling Co is a smaller setup, which changes the feel right away. You’re closer to the process and you’re not competing for attention.

The best part is that the tour often turns into a conversation. Many visitors talk about having the owner step in with the explanations, and that tends to make the whole thing more human. If you like asking why a rum tastes a certain way, or how the distillery handles a step differently, this format gives you room to do it.

You’re also stepping out of the most tourist-heavy pocket of New Orleans. That sounds minor, but it matters. A lot of time in the French Quarter is loud, hot, and full of quick stops. This lets you slow down for a focused hour—rum, history, process, and tasting—then you head right back into the city.

Price and timing: What $15 buys you in one hour

At $15 per person for about one hour, this is priced like a practical add-on, not a big-ticket activity. The big value is that the ticket includes your tasting flight—five rum samples—so you’re not stuck paying extra after you arrive.

That “included” part is more than a convenience. Rum tasting is one of those things where costs can creep up fast if you’re also buying drinks. Here, you get a set flight as part of admission, which makes it easier to plan your day and keep your budget steady.

The timing works well if you want:

• a quick guided stop between meals
• something adults-only (it’s 21+) that’s still educational
• a break from the constant walking and nightlife planning

The trade-off is also obvious: it’s not a half-day production tour. If you’re hoping for a long, slow, in-depth walkthrough with time to linger, you might find it brisk. But if you want an efficient, high-value taste of the process, this schedule is exactly the point.

How to get there and find the door

The meeting point is Roulaison Distilling Co, 2727 S Broad Ave Suite #103, New Orleans, LA 70125. It’s set up more like a small business you access from a side/back location than a front-and-center downtown landmark.

A practical tip: give yourself a few extra minutes the first time you go. The distillery can be easy to miss if you’re expecting a prominent storefront at street level. Once you spot the right entrance and parking area, it’s straightforward—walk in and you’re in the right place.

Transport-wise, you’re on your own. Private transportation isn’t included, but rideshare is usually the simplest option if you’re staying near the French Quarter. If you’re using public transit, the activity is listed as being near public transportation, so you can plan around your route without needing a car.

Also bring a real ID. This is 21+ only, and the tasting is part of the experience.

Your one-stop itinerary: The distillery tour at Roulaison

The tour is centered on one main stop: the Roulaison Distilling Co guided experience, roughly one hour total with your tasting built in.

Here’s what you should expect in that hour, based on how the tour is described and how it’s run on the floor:

The story and the process come together

You’ll start with context: rum’s deep roots in New Orleans and the Caribbean, and how that history shaped the techniques used at this distillery. This matters because rum can seem like a “generic brown spirit” from afar. On a good tour, you learn it’s not one thing—it’s choices: ingredients, fermentation, distillation approach, aging decisions, and blending.

Then you get practical detail. The guide will walk you through the production approach at Roulaison and how it compares to most modern rum production. In other words, you’re not just learning what rum is—you’re learning how a specific distillery thinks about making it.

You get owner-level access (when Andrew or an owner leads)

Many visitors highlight having the owner involved in the tour. Andrew is frequently mentioned as an owner who guides groups and answers questions with real enthusiasm. If you land with an owner at the mic, you’ll likely feel like you’re getting the “why” behind the product, not just a scripted explanation.

And yes, it can get very interactive. People talk about asking questions and getting solid, direct answers—not a quick nod and a back-of-house line.

The tour stays short, so you’ll want to pay attention

Since it’s about an hour, the flow is efficient. You’ll move through key production points, then shift into tasting. That’s good for time, but it means you’ll want to stay present. If you zone out at the history part, you’ll miss the reason those flavor differences exist.

One more small warning: if you’re the type who loves reading every label and watching every step in slow motion, you might wish you had more time. Still, the hour is packed in a way that tends to feel fair for the price.

The Five-Rum Tasting Flight: Strength, styles, and special releases

The highlight for most people is the 5-Rum Tasting Flight included with your ticket. The tour experience includes five rum samples, and the description also notes that the flight can include distillery-exclusive special release bottlings.

What that means for you:

• You’re tasting a range, not just one “standard” pour
• You may get a chance to taste bottles that aren’t always on every shelf
• You can compare styles and pick up on production choices through flavor

The tasting can feel strong—plan like an adult

Several visitors point out that the samples are strong. That doesn’t mean they’re sloppy or watered down; it just means you should treat it like a real tasting flight, not a casual sip.

Do this before you arrive:

• eat beforehand
• drink water
• go slow during the pours

If you’re tempted to power through, you’ll end up spending the walk back thinking about the floor. Better to take your time and enjoy the differences.

Limited pours and extra small surprises

You can expect five set samples, but the tone of the experience suggests you’ll be able to ask questions and get more conversation. Some groups mention the guide adding an extra spirit during the tasting, so don’t be afraid to ask what pairs with your preferences—just remember you’re already in the 21+ tasting zone.

What you might taste

Specific bottle names aren’t guaranteed in the data you provided, but the tasting format includes a variety across light to barrel-aged styles in the experience people describe. One example that shows up in feedback is a chocolate rum option (often as a liquor, sometimes as part of the tasting lineup).

If you’re a rum drinker, you’ll likely find something you like. If you’re not, this is one of those tours that can change your mind because it shows rum as a set of styles, not one flavor.

Buying bottles (and souvenirs) after the tasting

There’s often time to purchase spirits and related products at the distillery shop. People mention finding limited edition bottles and discounts tied to the visit.

A small practical tip: if you’re planning to bring a bottle back home or pack it into luggage, check your airline rules for alcohol. If you’re not flying, grab what you’ll actually drink—this is a great souvenir, but it’s also a real bottle, not a tiny sample.

Who should book this rum tour (and who should skip it)

This works best if you want:

• a short, guided stop that won’t swallow your whole day
• a small group experience where questions are welcome
• a rum tasting that’s included in the ticket price
• the “behind the scenes” feel of a distillery run by actual people

It may not be ideal if you:

• want a long tour with lots of walking and big-production theatrics
• aren’t into alcohol tastings or you prefer very mild sips
• dislike strong tasting flights (even with smart pace and water, it’s still a tasting)

If you’re visiting New Orleans for the big sights and food, this is a smart pairing. It gives you something adult and focused without needing a full day commitment. If you’re a couple looking for a calm break from nightlife energy, it also fits nicely.

Making it work with the rest of your New Orleans day

A lot of people treat this as a side step from the French Quarter. That strategy is smart. You’ll probably spend the morning or afternoon doing sights and eating, then come here when you’re ready to slow down.

Here’s how I’d plan it:

1. Eat first. Seriously. You’ll enjoy the tasting more.
2. Hydrate. Don’t rely on willpower.
3. Use rideshare if you’re not local. It’s off the busiest area, and that’s part of the charm.
4. Ask questions during the tour. If the owner is guiding, lean in. This experience is built for back-and-forth.

There can also be other drink options near the waiting area on the property (mead and cider get mentioned), which helps if you arrive early. If you do show up early, you’ll have something to sip while you wait—just keep it in the same slow-andsteady mindset.

Finally, remember the end point is back at the starting location. After your hour, you’re free to head out for dinner, cocktails, or a night walk—without needing to plan a whole second transport leg.

Should you book the Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting?

Yes, if you want a high-value, short, owner-led rum experience with five included samples and a real chance to ask questions. For $15, getting the tasting included is the financial win, and the small group size is the quality win.

Book it if:

• you like learning how something is made
• you want a break from the busiest parts of New Orleans
• you’re 21+ and ready to treat the tasting seriously (with food and water)

Skip it if:

• you hate alcohol tastings
• you need a longer tour format
• you’re going to show up hungry and hoping luck does the rest

If you’re the type who enjoys craft drinks and thoughtful stories, this is one of the easiest tickets you’ll buy all week.

FAQ

What is the price of the guided distillery tour?

The tour costs $15.00 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The experience runs for about 1 hour.

What is included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes admission and a five-rum tasting flight (five rum samples). Alcoholic beverages are included.

Is the rum tasting age restricted?

Yes. The tour and tastings are 21+.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Roulaison Distilling Co, 2727 S Broad Ave Suite #103, New Orleans, LA 70125 and ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.