We’ve scoured the globe for gorgeous distillery tours you’ve gotta see.
As big fans of travelling, we love taking the chance to plan unique trips around the world. Whether it’s visiting quirky hotels or the lesser-known gems in Asia, we love going off the beaten path. This time, we’re indulging our inner alcohol geek and sussing out distilleries all over the globe. Fellow spirit-lovers, what better way to learn more about your favourite boozy brands than by paying a visit to where it all begins? Check out all kinds of distillery tours you can book for an extra special holiday.
The coolest distillery tours around the world
1. Herno Gin Distillery, Sweden
This distillery in Sweden welcomes guests every day during the summer season. You can plan a visit without any bookings. But remember to save your spot if you want to indulge in a gin tasting. You’ll learn about the brand’s story, products, and the essential botanicals going into the signature gin. The team promises to deliver taste experiences with great hospitality that’ll have you relaxing for the day. Soak up the sun in the outdoor lounge within the fields of Dala. Or seek shelter inside the cosy interior and tuck into a Swedish lunch with Herno Gin cocktails. Psst: the tastings are hosted in Swedish so consider bringing a friend who’s fluent!
Herno Gin Distillery, Dala 152, 871 93 Harnosand, Sweden
2. Dewar’s Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery, Scotland
As the only Scotch whisky distillery built by the Dewar family, this spot is a must-visit if you’re in Scotland. Located in the outskirts of Aberfeldy, this distillery sits amongst lush nature and breathtaking views. But main the draw of this particular spot is the stunning Pitilie Burn. It serves as the original water source for all Aberfeldy whiskies. This water is said to be laced with gold, holding deposits of alluvial gold. And it’s famous for its quality and softness.
The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Experience introduces you to the full Dewar’s story through the in-house museum. The establishment is rich in history and takes pride in its heritage and roots. You’ll even find paperwork from the first-ever Dewar’s store on display in the archives. A guided tour through the distillery introduces you to the step-by-step process. This includes getting a whiff of the malts being fermented and tastings of single malt and blended scotch.
For whisky aficionados, we recommend booking the Drams of Your Dreams experience. You’ll get a bespoke tasting of five rare and distinctly Dewar’s-style whiskies. Each has its own unique notes and finishes, showcasing the effects of ageing on each spirit. And the extra special treat? A taste of the Dewar’s Double Double 32 (voted best whisky in the world) and Aberfeldy 40 (the distillery’s oldest ever expression).
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery, Aberfeldy PH15 2EB, United Kingdom
3. Four Pillars Distillery, Australia
You’ve probably seen distinct bottles of Four Pillars gin in supermarkets around Singapore. And for good reason. This once-small craft distillery has been named the world’s leading gin producer two years in a row! It’s also Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral distillery. That’s a ton of achievements for a distillery that’s a little over 10 years old. Distillery tours and masterclasses are available for bookings, with viewings of the solera barrels that age the gin. Fun fact: the stills here are named after the mothers of the founders and longstanding Four Pillars employees.
You can also book a table with friends or a G&T tasting in the location’s private mezzanine. And if you already own a bottle of Four Pillars, don’t throw it away just yet! The distillery offers a special refill service for anyone that visits. This is where you can rinse and refill any empty 700ml bottle with Bloody Shiraz Gin or Rare Dry Gin.
Four Pillars Distillery, 2 Lilydale Road, Healesville, Victoria 3777, Australia
4. Bombay Sapphire Distillery, England
You’ll never guess this distillery used to be a paper mill with the finishing touches by Bombay Sapphire. This includes the custom-made greenhouse created with hundreds of individually made glass panels. There are a plethora of experiences you can book. For those keen on finding out what goes into gin, opt for the Discovery Experience. It begins with a trip into the Turbine Bar where you can sample three different Bombay Sapphire gins available on tap. After warming up, join your distillery host in the greenhouse and get to know the botanicals in the gin.
We’d highly recommend giving The Infusions Experience a go. It includes two Bombay Infusion Gins, Bombay Bramble and Bombay Citron Presse. These spirits have no additional sugars and rely solely on the fruits’ natural flavours. The Bombay Bramble has a rich berry flavour from both blackberries and raspberries – perfect for a summery gin and tonic. Meanwhile, the Bombay Citron Presse is a zesty gin infused with lemons and pairs amazingly with soda water. The Bombay Citron Presse isn’t available in Singapore yet, but after tasting it, we can’t wait for it to hit our shores.
After a guided tour, we enjoyed a tasting to compare the two and learned how to use them in cocktails. The best part – take home a bottle of your fave to continue practising! If you’re not feeling up for a tour, you can always visit The Mill Bar. It’s open to the public on weekends. Spending time outside in the English countryside with a drink in hand and views of the River Test is an incredibly relaxing experience you must try at least once. Trust us.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstone Mill, London Road, Whitchurch RG28 7NR, United Kingdom
5. Casa Silencio, Mexico
A luxury boutique hotel and distillery all in one? That’s what you get when you visit Casa Silencio. This resort was established by the founders of the artisanal brand Mezcal El Silencio. Modern architecture meets rustic charm and material in this building with contemporary design. The tour starts you off with a welcome cocktail before you get to see the inner workings of the mezcal making process. This includes the ovens, tahona wheel, fermentation, and distillation process. Afterwards, settle down for a five-course dinner in the award-winning kitchen.
Casa Silencio, San Pablo Villa de Mitla, 70430 Xaaga, Oaxaca, Mexico
6. Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel
With a commitment to the highest international standards, the Milk & Honey Distillery carries a deep respect for the traditions of whisky making. The Mediterranean climate of Israel introduces a deeper flavour of whisky. Selected casks are left to age in unique terrains, creating layers of complexity. You can dig out the secrets of the barrel room for yourself to better understand how the climate affects the whisky. There are even whisky pairings with cheese and chocolate to enjoy.
Milk & Honey Distillery, Ha Thiya Street 16, Tel Avai-Yafo, Israel
7. Appleton Estate, Jamaica
The Appleton Estate has over 270 years of history behind it. The unique terrain of the land acts as a natural filter for rainwater. Combine that with Jamaica’s climate and fertile land, and you’ve got a recipe for some absolutely delicious rum. The Joy Spence Rum Experience is named after (you guessed it) Joy Spence, who’s credited as the first-ever female master blender in the spirits industry. It’s a multisensorial journey that’s the stepping stone to creating a deeper appreciation for rum. After enjoying a welcome drink, you’ll be taken through the estate grounds to learn about its crafting methods.
Appleton Estate, Siloah PO, Street Elizabeth, Santa Cruz, Jamaica
8. The Macallan Distillery, Scotland
Quality is at the heart of everything the Macallan brand does. As one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed, it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. You can choose from experiences that span through the distillery, Elchies Brasserie, The Macallan Boutique, and The Macallan Bar. There are historical tours, a walk through the distillery, and tasting sessions. Remember to reserve your spots because visits to the Macallan Estate are by appointment only.
The Macallan Distillery, Easter Elchies, Aberlour AB38 9RX, United Kingdom
Book your tickets for these distillery tours now!
