Tour the top distilleries in the world

We’ve compiled a list of the top distilleries to visit to help you plan the most incredible spirits-filled trip.

Visiting a distillery is a wonderful way to get a flavor for a place. The cultural and historical importance of a region is often inseparable from its signature spirit.

To help you plan the most incredible spirits-filled trip, we’ve compiled a list of the top destinations to visit worldwide. From one of the best distillery tours in Ireland to a beach-front rum distillery in Puerto Rico, these magnificent experiences are not to be missed.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, London

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery lies in a flourishing conservation area by the River Test in the Hampshire countryside. Just 60 miles from London, the state-of-the-art gin distillery traces back to the 10th century and was once home to a manor owned by no less than King Henry VIII.

The mill has undergone meticulous renovations to offer a stunning visitor experience. Explore the site’s enchanting architecture on a distillery tour. A friendly host will lead you through the establishment, sharing all the sustainability measures in place and answering your every question.

You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand as a mixologist with a gin cocktail masterclass. An experienced mixologist will teach you how to make two classic cocktails and sample a third. 

Finally, conclude your Bombay Sapphire Distillery gin tour by sitting out on the sun-soaked terrace with a freshly-prepared gin and tonic of your choosing.

Undoubtedly offering one of the best distillery tours in the world, this glorious establishment offers a unique opportunity to get an insight into the production processes and botanicals involved in making Bombay Sapphire, Britain’s leading premium gin.

 

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, Aberfeldy

Tick off one of the best distillery tours in Scotland with a visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. The beautiful stone building lies nestled between the rolling hills and flourishing valleys of the Highlands. 

Between the breathtaking scenery and enchanting architecture, prepare to be blown away by the stunning scenery at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. 

With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, the establishment began as a modest wine and spirits merchant shop and has since become home to one of the world's most highly regarded single malt whiskies.

Tour Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery to embark on a tour of one of Scotland's best whisky distilleries. See first-hand how the magnificent beverage is produced, in a way that the founders would recognize instantly. Tour the warehouse and learn all about the double-ageing process that is used to give the whisky its smooth, rich flavour. 

Afterwards, you can explore the interactive heritage museum, getting an up-close look at items from the archive and uncovering the history of the Dewar family who set out to achieve this whisky perfection

As one of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland, you will of course be invited to give the exceptional beverage a swig. Sample it in all of its glory, with a cask tasting before sitting down to a freshly-prepared cocktail in the company of an expert guide.

La Maison Noilly Prat, Marseillan

Catch a flight to the South of France to uncover the 200-year heritage of one of the world’s finest vermouths at La Maison Noilly Prat. An expert guide will take you on a historic tour of the unspoilt estate that traces back to 1813.

Discover the heritage behind the world-renowned vermouth on a tour. The guide will lead you through the doors of the ancient open-air cellar before giving you the opportunity to taste-test the whole collection. Explore and learn all about the unique methods involved in the ageing process of the glorious beverage. 

Then, you can put all of your learnings to the test during a cocktail masterclass. Embark on the mixing experience of a lifetime at La Maison Noilly Prat’s private and highly exclusive bar.

After blending your own cocktail, sit down to a tasting in which Noilly Prat vermouth is paired with a delightful array of locally-sourced delights and regional produce. With so much to offer, it’s no surprise why this is one of the best spirit tourism experiences in Europe.

Maison Noilly Prat

Château de Cognac, Cognac

Pay a visit to Chateau de Cognac to sample one of the world’s greatest cognacs in its birthplace in an enchanting location deeply intertwined with the history of France. Chateau de Cognac offers one of the best cognac tours in the world, just an hour and a half’s drive from Bordeaux.

One of the most famous kings in French history, François 1er, was born in this grand castle which traces back to the 10th century. Expect your jaw to drop as soon as you set eyes on the architectural marvel. The glorious building reflects the influence of both Gothic and Renaissance styles and is an incredible sight to behold. 

The adventure begins in the heart of the remarkable chateau. Here you will discover enthralling tales surrounding the history of cognac and investigate the castle’s spectacular interior.  After learning all about the heritage, extend out into the cellars to hear how the eaux de vie are aged and matured.

Chateau de Cognac is the home Baron Otard and D’USSE cognac brands, conclude your trip by discovering the delights of the finest house cognacs. Offering majestic scenery and a fascinating history, Chateau de Cognac certainly provides one of the best experiences for a spirit tourism holiday.

Casa Bacardi, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Explore the largest premium rum distillery in the world on a Casa Bacardi tour. Located in a stunning waterfront setting in Puerto Rico, there's no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with a visit to this tropical paradise.

A knowledgeable Bacardi connoisseur will lead you through the distillery teaching you the ins and outs of the history and production of the rum. With over 150 years of heritage, this iconic drink has become a symbol of excellence in the world of spirits and a vital part of the region's cultural legacy.

To enrich your experience, consider a behind-the-scenes visit to the operational side of the distillery. This exclusive opportunity offers an insider's view into the meticulous process involved in creating the beverage today.

Sharpen your mixology with an interactive class and master three classic Bacardi cocktails. This fun and engaging experience will equip you with knowledge and skills that friends and family are sure to benefit from for years to come. to impress your friends and family for years to come.

Located in a stunning waterfront setting in Puerto Rico, there's no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with a visit to this tropical paradise.

 

 

Le Palais Benedictine, Normandy

Le Palais Benedictine is famed as the only Benedictine distillery in the world. Located in Normandy, the glorious establishment is nothing short of breathtaking as it showcases a sensational blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Once you've taken in the stunning beauty of the 19th-century property, delve into its rich history and discover its integral role in the production of the Benedictine liqueur. Explore the museum to see a fascinating selection of sacred art that is intrinsically linked to the legacy of the liquor. 

Then, comes the main event: a guided tour of the distillery. A local expert will share the secrets and art behind the making of Benedictine. Once you have learned about the intricate production process, experience the fruits of all of the hard labor for yourself with a tasting.

You may also wish to participate in a cocktail initiation session during which you will hear all about the steps involved in crafting the finest Benedictine cocktails. An expert mixologist will guide you through the process and show you how to use professional equipment.

Casa Martini, Pessione di Chieri - Turin

Escape to Casa Martini to discover the fascinating history behind vermouth and martini. With a heritage tracing over 150 years and reputation as one of the best vermouth tours in Europe, you certainly won’t want to miss out on a visit to this glamorous establishment while holidaying in Italy.

Explore the world of botanicals on a discovery tour as vermouth connoisseurs reveal the production stages of the iconic drink. You’ll also be able to see the Mondo Martini Gallery and Martini production plant. Then, cement the experience with a complimentary cocktail.

To add an extra layer of excitement, step up to the spotlight and join the bartenders in the Bar Academy. They'll give you the inside scoop on how to create the perfect Martini cocktails, including the Negroni and the Americano. 

Another unique activity that you can participate in during your time at Casa Martini is making your own vermouth. Discover the master techniques behind using botanics and balancing aromatic notes to craft your very own fortified wine. 

 

Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville

The Angel’s Envy Distillery offers one of the best bourbon distillery tours in the world. Take a trip to Louisville, the largest city in the USA state of Kentucky to learn all about the intricate processes involved in making this super premium spirit.

With a fascinating heritage, the distillery was the first to operate on Main Street following the years of Prohibition. You can hear all about the unique history behind the site on a guided tour. A seasoned expert will be able to share all of the secrets and inner workings of one of America's best distilleries.

Visitors will experience Angel’s Envy bourbon distillation process first-hand, from start to finish, and will get into the heart of the distilling operation. The visit ends with a tasting of the Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Casks and Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks.

Afterward, make your way to The Finishing Room, where you can relax and enjoy cocktails. There are few more exceptional experiences to be had than visiting Angel's Envy Distillery in the heart of the Bourbon city.

Teeling Distillery, Dublin

Of course, we cannot list the best tours and distilleries for a spirit tourism holiday without coming to Dublin. Teeling Whiskey Distillery sits right in the center of the island’s buzzing capital and is the beating heart of the country’s whiskey production. 

During your visit, you will be able to take a deep dive into the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the fully operational Irish distillery. On a fully-guided tour, an expert will lead you through the establishment and its 5–year history of making whiskey in Dublin.

Of course, at the centre of the tour will be the Teeling Family who we can thank for the production of this spectacular drink as we know it today. You will also be able to fill your own bottle of whiskey before sitting down to a food pairing experience. 

An experienced connoisseur will expertly match varieties with local produce. However you choose to spend your time here, prepare for an incredible experience in one of the best distillery tours in Ireland.

 

Teeling Distillery

Summary

If you are passionate about spirits and seeking an engaging and interactive vacation, consider embarking on a spirit tourism holiday. From whisky to rum, the world is filled with a diverse range of flavors and aromas to discover.

Wanting to tick off some of the best distillery tours in the world? Check out our tours to the top spirit destinations and set off on an adventure in the birthplace of your favorite drink.

 

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