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, showing a growing interest in these experiences.

Recognizing this burgeoning interest, Daniel Ufland, co-founder of premier online retailer The Whisky Masters (https://thewhiskymasters.com/), 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 a distinctive glimpse into the art of whisky-making,” Ufland explains. “From historical narratives and complicated production processes to exclusive tastings, these experiences capture what makes whisky so seductive.”

Ufland’s Top 10 Whisky Distillery Tours Around the World

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 barrel ride, a tour of the world’s largest whisky collection, and a tutored tasting session.

Booking Information: Available online with various packages.
Tour Duration: 50 minutes to 3 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Reservations required, available on their website.
Tour Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Tickets available online.
Tour Duration: 40 to 90 minutes.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Pre-booking recommended.
Tour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Tickets available online and on-site.
Tour Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Advance booking recommended.
Tour Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Reservations required.
Tour Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Tickets available online.
Tour Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Pre-booking recommended.
Tour Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
Special Amenities: 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.

Booking Information: Reservations required, often booked months in advance.
Tour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Special Amenities: Tasting sessions, historical exhibits, and shop.