Whiskey tourism is getting bigger and bigger every year. These days, there’s a dizzying array of destinations and distilleries to visit. So much so that it can be difficult to find the place that’s right for you. Have no fear! This article gives you all the best places for a whiskey tour in North America.
Louisville, Kentucky
The Bourbon Trail is a series of four different distilleries and associated sites in the area: Brown-Forman (Jack Daniels), Heaven Hill, Willett, and Maker’s Mark. Each stop brings you to an integral part of the Bourbon making process, from whiskey storage to bottling and beyond. Visitors can stop for tours at whiskey storage warehouses, barrel aging rooms, bottling lines, and more.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t all about gambling and glamour. Especially now, there are online poker rooms where you can do that sort of thing in the comfort of your own home. In fact, Vegas is becoming something of a whiskey capital, thanks mainly to the new boom in micro-distilleries. You can’t go wrong with any of these recommended places: Public, Bad Beat, Death & Taxes, Ochiba Inc., and Able Baker.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is home to two of the most popular new distilleries and tasting rooms in the American whisky scene: Corsair (specializing in experimental and international whiskies) and Prichard’s (which focuses on old-world recipes). Experience their whisky while listening to live music, enjoying a meal at one of the best restaurants in town, relaxing in the strip’s most popular bars, or doing other activities through this guide.
St. Louis, Missouri
If you’re coming to North America for Whiskey Tourism, you simply must make time for St. Louis. Middleton Place is only open during the weekdays, but it offers an excellent collection of old-world whiskies paired with a fine meal. Meanwhile, Tom’s Town is an outstanding destination for cocktails in addition to whisky tasting.
Montreal, Canada
If you’re in Canada, then Montreal is the perfect place for a whiskey tour in North America because it has three fantastic distilleries to see: Black Bridge, Dépanneur du Québec, and Koval. Each brings something different to the table for whisky fans.
Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is full of fine dining options, but only two real whiskey destinations are Bourbon (for premium American whiskies) and Southern Efficiency (for international varieties). You can also visit PX for a fine drink after dinner.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is fast becoming a whiskey hotspot thanks to its thriving bar scene. You’ll find plenty of great places to drink here, but if you want the full experience, then visiting CH Distillery is essential. This craft distillery will introduce you to all kinds of whiskies made out of grains based on popular Chicago recipes.
Virginia
Virginia is one of the hotspots for American whiskey tourism at the moment. The state has more than 60 distilleries, several of which are well worth a visit. At Castle & Key, you can experience whisky that’s made in an 1850s-built estate house, while Everett’s is housed in a former plantation with stunning views. Finally, James River Distillery takes its whiskey-making process seriously by using traditional Scottish methods.
Featured Best places for a whiskey tour in North America
