As the art of making whiskey (or whisky, depending on your location) spreads around the world, the quality of distilleries across the globe has increased. And whether you’re traveling in the north of Scotland, central Japan, or Vancouver Island, there may well be a great distillery around the corner for you to tour. In fact, you may want to make your travel plans around the best international whiskey distilleries.
There’s no question you’ll have plenty of options. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are more than 130 distilleries in Scotland alone.
Some of these international whiskey distilleries are relatively new facilities; others have been in operation for centuries; and a few more are dedicated entirely to the history of their craft. But all of them offer visitors the opportunity to see a different aspect of the whisk(e)y-making process.
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1. Bruichladdich, Scotland
Bruichladdich, on the island of Islay in the Hebrides, makes some of the most distinctive and sometimes experimental whisky in the world. Their distillery has been active since 1881, and hosts tours throughout the week. Elsewhere on Islay, visitors can take in the island’s history via tours of castles and the Cultoon Stone Circle; the island is home to many other distilleries, for those looking for a wider survey of the spirits made there.
