Whisky is a tipple that is universally adored all over the globe. It’s a drink that brings people together, one with a rich and storied history behind it, and best of all, it’s one which tastes absolutely amazing too (yes, I know I’m biased, but I’m sure you’ll agree).
Because of our line of work here at Great Drams HQ, we’ve been lucky enough to travel the globe and sample all manner of different whiskies. This was especially great because not only do I love whisky/whiskey, but I also love to travel as well. Combining the two together is perfect.
For anybody out there who loves whisky and loves to travel, why not do what we did and combine the two together? Whisky is enjoyed worldwide, and subsequently there are many different countries out there with a rich and storied history when it comes to our favourite wee dram.
So, dust off your passport and pack your suitcase as we share 5 countries you simply must visit if you love whisky/whiskey (including 1 you probably wouldn’t have thought of).
Scotland
Shock horror, the first country on our list today is Bonnie Scotland herself. When you think of whisky, you think of Scotland. It’s that simple.
Considered by many to be the Holy Grail of whisky, you can trace whisky production in this stunning country all the way back to the 1400s.
The best thing about Scotch whisky is the fact that so many different regions offer completely different drams. Smooth and fruity whiskies can be found in Speyside and Campbeltown whereas harsh and peaty drams are distilled on the rugged island of Islay.
There are more than 150 working distilleries in Scotland, meaning it has the greatest concentrations of whisky production on the planet. When you visit, don’t forget to try some haggis (seriously, it tastes amazing and goes so great with single malt) as well as a can of Irn Bru.
Ireland
Again, probably not a huge shock, but the next country on my list for you today is Ireland.
Irish whiskey (note the ‘e’) is typically triple-distilled and blended and is often smoother, with less burn, than some Scotch.
Ireland may only be home to 42 whiskey distilleries (as of 2024) yet each one tells a story and is well worth a visit in our eyes. In particular, the Jameson distillery and the Old Bushmills Distillery are well worth a visit and are very insightful.
Fancy a change from whiskey? Grab yourself a bowl of champ, washed down with a creamy pint of Guinness.
Japan
Japan is one of the largest growing whisky markets in the world today, and each year Japanese whisky becomes more and more popular.
The Japanese take their inspiration from Scotland when it comes to whisky production, and it shows in the finished product, though there is definitely a slight Asian influence there that just works beautifully.
Suntory and Nikka are the two biggest Japanese whisky brands, offering a selection of delectable blended whiskies and single malts.
If you do decide to visit, be sure to check out Japan’s first distillery, the Yamazaki Distillery, as the tour is insightful and allows you to sample both blended and unblended whisky so you can compare the two.
United States of America
Bourbon and rye whiskey are both commonly associated with the USA, and if you enjoy either or both, you need to visit the States.
Typically, bourbon and Tennessee (Here’s looking at you, Jack) whiskey is the most popular. Bourbon is made from a mash consisting primarily of corn (at least 51%) and therefore has a sweeter flavour. It must also be stored in new oak charred barrels so it takes on oaky, sweet, vanilla flavours as it ages.
The Deep South of America is well worth a visit, especially Kentucky, which is known as bourbon country. If you visit, you must do at least some of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Made up of a series of bourbon distilleries, there are currently 46 stops along the way. If you love bourbon, this is the ultimate bucket-list destination.
While in the Deep South, be sure to sample plenty of that Southern soul food.
India
Yes, that’s right. We’re throwing you a bit of a curveball today and are recommending India as the final country on our list.
India consumes more whisky/whiskey than any other nation in the world. They’re also investing in their whisky production and the results are looking very promising indeed.
Amrut for example, is an Indian whisky brand that began by producing rum and branched out into brandy and now whisky.
Amrut has floral, sweet, smoky, and oaky notes. It’s almost like they manage to fit every whisky flavour profile into one and create a Scotch-bourbon hybrid. This is largely down to their climate. In Scotland it’s damp, whereas in Kentucky it’s hot. The climate therefore offers the best of both worlds.
So, there you have it, our look at 5 countries all whisky lovers must visit. Alternatively, if you can’t wait that long, or if you just want to grab a dram to tide you over until your trip, be sure to head on over to the GreatDrams.com shop and browse the selection of rare, limited-edition, and award-winning whiskies we have available.
Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash
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