From the rolling hills of Scotland to the bustling streets of Tokyo, whiskey lovers have splendid options to explore their passion around the globe. Here’s a curated list of 20 must-visit destinations for anyone who appreciates the art of whiskey.
1. Islay, Scotland
Known for its peaty single malt whiskies, Islay is home to legendary distilleries like Laphroaig and Ardbeg. A visit here is a pilgrimage for lovers of smoky flavors.
2. Speyside, Scotland
Speyside boasts the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland, including the famous Glenfiddich and Macallan. It’s a region rich in history and complex flavors.
3. Dublin, Ireland
Experience the Irish whiskey renaissance firsthand in Dublin, with visits to the Jameson Distillery and the Teeling Distillery, which is revitalizing the city’s historic distilling district.
4. Louisville, Kentucky, USA
As the gateway to the American Bourbon Trail, Louisville offers iconic distilleries like Angel’s Envy and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in the urban setting.
5. Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Nashville isn’t just about music; it’s also a hotspot for whiskey lovers with distilleries like Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offering a deep dive into craft whiskey production.
6. Hokkaido, Japan
Visit the Yoichi Distillery, where the cooler climate mirrors that of Scotland, to understand why Japanese whiskies have gained such a remarkable reputation for quality.
7. Kyoto, Japan
The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery near Kyoto is Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, offering tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits.
8. Campbeltown, Scotland
Once known as the ‘Whisky Capital of the World,’ Campbeltown now features three operating distilleries including Springbank, known for its traditional methods of production.
9. Dufftown, Scotland
Often regarded as the Scotch whisky capital of the world, Dufftown is home to iconic distilleries like Glenfiddich and Balvenie. A dream for those who appreciate single malts.
10. Portland, Oregon, USA
Explore the craft distillery scene in Portland, where innovative producers like Westward Whiskey are redefining American single malt.
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
A visit to Edinburgh must include the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Here, you can immerse yourself in a sensorial introduction to whisky production across Scotland.
12. Cork, Ireland
In Cork, you can explore the Jameson Experience in Midleton, where you’ll learn about the rich heritage of Irish whiskey in the idyllic Irish countryside.
13. Toronto, Canada
Home to the Canadian Whisky Distillery of the Year, Toronto offers a thriving urban whiskey scene with distilleries like the Toronto Distillery Company pioneering organic whiskies.
14. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s Starward Distillery is at the forefront of the Australian whisky scene, known for maturing their whisky in Australian red wine barrels.
15. Taipei, Taiwan
The Kavalan Distillery in Taipei has rapidly gained a prestigious international reputation for its innovative and flavorful whiskies.
16. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow’s Clydeside Distillery offers a modern whisky experience in a historic setting, providing insights into the growing urban whisky production trend in Scotland.
17. New York, New York, USA
New York City boasts several craft distilleries such as Kings County Distillery, offering tours and premium products in the heart of Brooklyn.
18. Berlin, Germany
Explore the German whisky scene with a visit to Spreewood Distillers near Berlin, where you can sample some of Germany’s finest single malts and ryes.
19. Launceston, Tasmania
Tasmania’s whisky industry has been booming, and Launceston is a great place to start with distilleries like Launceston Distillery housed in an historic hangar.
20. Cape Town, South Africa
At the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town’s James Sedgwick Distillery is pioneering African whisky with its unique climate influencing the maturation process.
Cheers
Each of these destinations offers a unique insight into the varied world of whiskey production and culture. Whether you’re exploring the classic distilleries of Scotland or the innovative upstarts in cities like Portland and Taipei, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting for every whiskey enthusiast.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pavel Laputskov.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.