Edinburgh whisky venue named best in the world for distillery tour
Whisky is a Scottish export like no other. We have sent the amber nectar out into the world where it has been received with open arms and open mouths across the globe.
Tourism relating to the drink is booming with Scottish distilleries welcoming two million visitors in 2022 alone despite the country still emerging from the Covid pandemic at the time.
So, it should come as no surprise that five of the top ten distillery experiences picked out by a whisky expert are in Scotland - with the top spot being found in our very own capital. Daniel Ufland, co-founder of premier online retailer The Whisky Masters, has created his list of the destinations he believes every aficionado should experience, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
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While the list spans the globe, half are in Scotland with the top two places going to distilleries in the country. Mr Ufland said: "Each of these tours provides unique insights into the art of whisky-making. Whether it's their historical narratives, complicated production processes, or exclusive tastings, these experiences capture what makes whisky so enticing."
He added: "What many don't realise 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 profiles.
"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."
The list is released as Scots and non-Scots alike prepare to raise a glass of whisky to the memory of Robert Burns on January 25 when Burns Night is celebrated. Whisky has become an integral part of a Burns Supper with the Bard himself said to be partial to a dram.
Top 10 whisky destinations in the world
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 the world's largest whisky collection and a tutored tasting session.
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.
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.
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.
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 ageing, ending with a tasting of select Jack Daniel's expressions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.