A travel guide for whisky enthusiasts

Are you looking to do a little globe-trotting while sampling some delicious whisky? 

Combining two of your favourite hobbies is the key to happiness, which is why we’ve created this guide just for you. 

We’ve listed some great places to add to your travel itinerary, from the rolling hills of Scotland to Japan’s lulling cherry blossoms, offering some of the world’s best whisky profiles and flavours. 

After all, the journey to discovering your new favourite whisky can be just as sweet and memorable as the first taste, so why not make it one full of adventure? So buckle up as we provide some must-see destinations for your next trip. You could even turn it into a whisky lovers' group excursion!

In the meantime, take your taste buds on a journey from the comfort of your couch with our whisky tasting sets, curated for every type of whisky enthusiast. 

1. Scotland

We couldn’t start this off without Scotland; it is, after all, one of the most famous places in the world for its countless whisky distilleries.

In fact, the country boasts over 150 working distilleries and welcomed more than 2 million visitors in 2022 alone, making it one of the top tourist destinations for whisky lovers!

One of the best things about Scotland is that each region has something unique to offer. You can enjoy smooth, fruity single malts in Speyside or Campbeltown, then contrast them with the bold, peaty drams of Islay’s rugged islands.

To make things easier, read our list of the top places in Scotland to visit and their most famous distilleries:

• Speyside: Boasts famous names like Glenfiddich and The Macallan, and its famous Malt Whisky Trail.
• Island of Islay: Home to legendary distilleries such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin and more. You can even attend the annual Feis Ile whisky festival each May.
• Campbeltown: Located on the Kintyre Peninsula and once known as the “Whisky Capital of the World,” you can visit the famous Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle distilleries. 

We also suggest touring the historic Strathisla Distillery in Speyside, which was established in 1786. Here, you’ll be able to wander through storybook buildings and sample some tasty whisky. 

Working whisky estates like Glenfiddich or Dalwhinnie also take you behind the scenes of the whisky-making process. And if you’re an avid enthusiast with a lot of time and money to spend, consider timing your trip for a whisky festival: the Spirit of Speyside Festival in spring or Islay’s festival in late May are excellent choices (if we do say so ourselves).

2. Japan

Japan is a place rich in culture and beauty, and that is reflected perfectly in its whiskies. 

A trip to Japan offers a firsthand look at their whisky portfolio and production processes, providing an opportunity to see how tradition and innovation have combined to create truly exceptional drams. 

While their whisky was originally inspired by Scottish tradition, they have created something unique and distinctive, which people travel far and wide to taste. Many often praise them for their craftsmanship, purity of flavour, and balance.

Here are some places you need to make a stop at in Japan:

• Kyoto: Located outside of Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery was Japan’s first malt whisky distillery. It allows you to walk through the production areas, learn about the history, and enjoy a guided tasting tour.
• Yamanashi: Nestled in a forested mountain area of Yamanashi Prefecture, Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery is known for its crisp, lightly peated whisky and beautiful natural spring water.
• Hokkaido Island: Here, you’ll find Yoichi Distillery, in a climate similar to Scotland’s cool, damp weather. Here, you can get a glimpse into traditional whisky making, with features like coal-fired pot stills. 

Aside from Japan's most famous distilleries, the nightlife in Tokyo is something you need to experience at least once in your life. You’ll find legendary whisky bars, such as Bar High Five or Ginza Tender in Tokyo, or Bar Kitchen in Osaka, which serve up Japan’s finest drams.

3. Ireland 

Ireland is another destination that is famous for its whisky, and it’s one of the first countries you’ll think of when organising your whisky trip.

Unlike Scotch, Irish whisky is typically triple-distilled and often blended, creating a smoother, lighter profile with less “burn”. If you’re not a fan of strong whiskies that make your head feel warm after drinking, then you need to visit Ireland.

The country now boasts around 40–42 operational distilleries, each with its own story and many offering tours to tourists. Some places you need to visit include:

• Dublin: You can find the famous Jameson Distillery Bow St in the capital and explore the inactive distillery, or visit the newer Teeling Distillery to taste their award-winning single pot still and single malt whiskies.
• County Antrim: Home to the Old Bushmills Distillery, reputedly the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery, you can walk through over 400 years of whisky-making heritage and sample their famous Irish single malts.
• Cork: If you travel to the south, you can visit the Jameson Experience Midleton, where a museum resides in the old distillery buildings. Here, one of the biggest pot stills in the world is on display.

If you want to experience some smaller, underground distilleries that are up and rising in Ireland, Dingle Distillery in County Kerry is a great choice, praised for its small-batch whisky.

There are also plenty of whisky bars in Killarney or Galway to get a feel for the local atmosphere and dainty pubs.

4. United States 

The USA has truly established its reputation with its whisky collection; after all, bourbon whisky was invented and coined here, a whisky that remains cherished to this day. Whisky enthusiasts will know and love it for its sweet, vanilla-oak flavour.

In fact, the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is akin to Disneyland for whisky lovers, with approximately 60 distilleries participating in 2025. You’ll be given a trail ‘passport’ that you can stamp each time you tour and taste at a new distillery (it’s a great adventure to experience with your mates).

On the Bourbon Trail, you can see venerable distilleries such as Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and many more. You’ll be given a chance to engage in workshops, guided tastings, and distillery tours. 

Some other stops you need to make while in the States include:

• Tennessee: Here, you can visit the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, with a tour showcasing its charcoal mellowing process.
• New York: In the concrete jungle, the whisky scene is constantly growing and thriving. One of the most popular distilleries is Kings County Distillery in the old Brooklyn Navy Yard, which produces acclaimed bourbons and ryes on a small scale with an insight into urban whisky-making.
• Texas: Texas’s Hill Country has a “Texas Whisky Trail” that features excellent distilleries like Garrison Brothers and Balcones with bold new flavours of whisky to sample.

We also suggest hitting up cities like Portland, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco for some atmospheric whisky bars that will truly immerse you in the American whisky scene. They also boast plenty of award-winning craft distilleries.

5. Canada

Canada may not be the first place you think of when planning a whisky trip across the globe, but it’s actually home to its own whisky trail and plenty of historic distilleries that will take you back in time.

Canadian whisky production began in the 1800s and has since given rise to notable brands like Canadian Club and Crown Royal, which are now worldwide staples of whisky. 

So, if you’re hoping to visit Canada to get a closer look at its whisky scene, here are some places you don’t want to miss:

• Ontario: In Windsor, the Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery has been producing whisky for over 160 years and offers limited tours. It’s actually the producer of J.P. Wiser’s and Pike Creek whiskies.
• Alberta: You can tour Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island or Forty Creek Distillery in Ontario’s wine country, known for its award-winning Canadian whiskies. Plus, the scenery is worth travelling to see on its own!
• Nova Scotia: The Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton is a must-see for any whisky enthusiast. Recognised as North America’s first single malt whisky distillery, they offer guided tours and tastings, and you can even stay at their inn and wake up to scenic views of the valley!

If you’re here for the history, you can visit the Distillery District in Toronto, a historic Victorian-era whisky distillery complex that now houses art galleries, cafes, shops, and several theatres. 

Stroll down the cobblestone streets, and you’ll see well-preserved industrial architecture from the 19th century. If you’re in Nova Scotia, don’t miss the Good Cheer Trail, a tourism route that links breweries, wineries, and distilleries (including Glenora) across the province.

6. Australia

Visit the land down under to get a closer look at their whisky scene, and maybe spot a kangaroo or two while you’re there.

In fact, Australian whiskies have won some of the world’s top awards, putting this southern hemisphere nation firmly on the whisky map. Tasmania’s whisky industry has been experiencing significant growth, particularly in recent years, establishing itself as a key destination for whisky.

So, here’s where we suggest visiting while you’re in Australia:

• Tasmania: This compact and scenic island is filled with plenty of distilleries, one being Lark Distillery’s cellar door and the Nant Whisky Bar in Hobart. Distilleries like Sullivan's Cove, Spring Bay, Freycinet, and Hellyers Road also offer tours and tastings.
• Melbourne: Home to the globally famous Starward Distillery, this modern distillery in the Docklands area is known for its Australian red wine barrels and offers tours and a tasting bar.
• Sydney: The Archie Rose Distilling Co produces tasty rye and single malt whiskies, with a stylish bar for group tastings and cocktails.

The Launceston Distillery in Launceston, Tasmania, is also something you don’t want to miss. It’s set in a cool location, a historic aviation hangar at an old airport. 

7. India 

Last, but certainly not least, is India, which is (surprisingly) the world’s largest whisky-consuming nation! Many people would attribute this to the Scots, but Indians drink more whisky (by volume) than any other country. 

If you’re looking for an offbeat travel experience, one that’ll stick with you long after you’ve boarded the plane home, India offers the chance to explore whisky culture where ancient tradition and modern innovation meet. 

In terms of whisky production, the warm climate actually means whisky matures much faster, resulting in bolder flavours. So, here are our top recommendations for whisky enthusiasts: 

• Bangalore: Amrut Distilleries offers tours, which are scheduled by appointment. Here, you’ll discover the typical production process, which includes some unique tweaks due to climate, and get to sample their range, such as Amrut fusion.
• Goa: Set in Goa’s tropical environment, the Paul John Distillery produces rich single malts that have won awards in Europe. You can embark on a guided tour of the facility and taste exclusive special editions. 
• Uttar Pradesh: Home to the Rampur Distillery, an emerging distillery, they often arrange tastings or events in larger cities like Delhi or Mumbai. They produce a premium single malt called Rampur Select. 

While you’re there, visit some trendy bars in Mumbai and Delhi and try an Indian whisky cocktail (you can’t not try it while in India!) 

The Harbour Bar at the Taj Mahal Palace is a particular must-visit place for whisky lovers, as they stock Indian single malts and offer guided tastings. 

Bringing the world of whisky to you

We know that not everyone can drop everything and get on a plane to sample some whiskies, so why not bring the beauty of global whiskies right to your doorstep?

Our whisky of the world tasting sets and subscriptions allow you to explore drams from Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Japan and beyond without leaving your house. Each set comes with hand-picked miniatures, detailed tasting notes, and even tips to help you appreciate the nuances of each region’s style.

It may even fill you with inspiration to finally book that whisky trip once you’ve got a taste of what’s on offer!