Whisky wanderlust: 10 incredible distillery tours around the world
Whisky tourism is booming, with enthusiasts flocking to distilleries worldwide to explore their heritage and craftsmanship. Recent data reveals tens of thousands of monthly online searches for whisky tours, while Scottish distilleries alone welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2022 (the most recent data available), indicating that there’s a growing interest in these experiences.
Recognising this burgeoning interest, Daniel Ufland, co-founder of premier online retailer The Whisky Masters, has curated an exclusive list of the top ten whisky tours that every aficionado should experience. Drawing from his extensive knowledge and passion for fine spirits, Ufland's selection spans the globe, offering unique insights into the world of whisky production.
“Each of these tours provides unique insights into the art of whisky-making,” Ufland explains. “Whether it’s their historical narratives, complicated production processes, or exclusive tastings, these experiences capture what makes whisky so enticing.”
Ufland's carefully curated list takes whisky lovers on a journey from the heart of Scotland to the rolling hills of Kentucky, and even to the shores of Japan, promising unforgettable experiences at every stop.
1. The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh, Scotland
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a comprehensive journey through Scotland’s whisky-making history. Highlights include a tour of how single malt Scotch is produced before taking you through the whisky producing regions and the art of blending, finishing with a tasting of the all important dram. They offer paired tastings too, and host the world’s largest whisky collection, dramatically displayed in a vault.
The details - Bookings available online with various packages. Tour duration is 50 minutes to 3 hours, and special amenities include interactive exhibits, whisky shop, and restaurant.
2. Glenfiddich Distillery Tour, Dufftown, Scotland
Located in Dufftown, Scotland, the Glenfiddich Distillery, is one of the few remaining family-owned distilleries, providing a rich history and an intimate look at the whisky-making process. The tour includes visits to the mash house, still house, and warehouse, followed by a tasting of Glenfiddich’s renowned single malts.
The details - Reservations required, available on their website. Tour duration is 1.5 to 3 hours, and special amenities include a visitor center, private tastings, and on-site restaurant.
3.Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour, Dublin, Ireland
At the historic Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, visitors are treated to an engaging guided tour that covers the distillery's history and whiskey production process. The tour concludes with a comparative tasting of Jameson, Scotch, and American whiskies.
The details - Tickets available online. Tour duration is 40 to 90 minutes, and special amenities include Bar, tasting sessions, and whiskey blending experience.
4. Laphroaig Distillery Tour, Islay, Scotland
Laphroaig Distillery, known for its peaty single malts, offers an immersive tour on the Isle of Islay. Guests explore the traditional malting floors, peat kilns, and distillation processes, capped off with a tasting session of their distinct whiskies.
The details - Pre-booking recommended. Tour duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, and special amenities include exclusive tastings, Friends of Laphroaig program.
5. Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour, Lynchburg, Tennessee, USA
Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg provides a deep dive into the making of Tennessee whiskey. The tour includes a look at the natural cave spring, charcoal mellowing process, and barrel aging, ending with a tasting of select Jack Daniel's expressions.
The details - Tickets available online and on-site. Tour duration is 1 to 1.5 hours, and special amenities include historical sites, tasting bar, and gift shop.
6. Bushmills Distillery Tour, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
As the world’s oldest licensed distillery, Bushmills offers a tour steeped in history and tradition. Visitors can observe the copper pot stills and maturation warehouses, followed by a tasting of Bushmills’ range of whiskeys.
The details - Advance booking recommended. Tour duration is 1 to 2 hours, and special amenities include tasting bar, distillery shop.
7. Talisker Distillery Tour, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye provides a dramatic coastal backdrop for its tour. Guests are taken through the production areas and can enjoy a tutored tasting of Talisker’s maritime-influenced single malts.
The details - Reservations required. Tour duration is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, and special amenities include scenic views, tasting sessions, and shop.
8. Maker's Mark Distillery Tour, Loretto, Kentucky, USA
The Maker's Mark Distillery in Kentucky offers an iconic bourbon experience. The tour includes a look at the mash house, fermentation, and distillation areas, with an opportunity to hand-dip your own bottle in the signature red wax.
The details - Tickets available online. Tour duration is 1 to 1.5 hours, and special amenities include custom bottle dipping, tasting bar, and gift shop.
9. Glenmorangie Distillery Tour, Tain, Scotland
Glenmorangie Distillery, located in the Highlands, is renowned for its innovative approaches to whisky making. The tour covers the production process, including their towering stills, and ends with a tasting of their diverse whisky range.
The details - Pre-booking recommended. Tour duration is 1 to 2 hours, and special amenities include exclusive tastings, visitor center, and shop.
10. Yamazaki Distillery Tour, Osaka, Japan
Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery, offers an insightful tour into Japanese whisky craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the production facilities and enjoy a tasting of Yamazaki’s award-winning whiskies.
The details - Reservations required, often booked months in advance. Tour duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, and special amenities include exclusive Tasting sessions, historical exhibits, and shop.
“What many don't realize is that each distillery's environment actually has an impact on the whisky's character. Local water sources, climate, and even air quality all play important roles. For example, coastal distilleries often produce whiskies with subtle briny notes. Additionally, the size and shape of stills, which vary greatly between distilleries, hugely influence flavour profile,” says Daniel Ufland.
“I always advise visitors to pay attention to these details during tours. As well as being interesting facts added to the tour, they're also an important aspect of understanding why each whisky tastes the way it does. Lastly, don't overlook the importance of wood management in maturation. The type of cask used can account for up to 70% of a whisky's final flavour.”