Every 21 May, 250,000 people around the world clink glasses to celebrate World Whisky Day. One day? ONE DAY??!! Whisky is something to celebrate every day, everywhere, so this week we've rounded up our top whisky distillery tours from around the world. (Hic.)
Old Bushmills Distillery, Northern Ireland
Try a 12-year-old single malt at the world's oldest whiskey distillery. Set on the film-worthy Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland, the four-century-old Bushmills offers a tour that will take you through the mixing room, fermentation hall and the distillery itself, which is rammed with the copper pot stills that give Bushmills whiskey its distinctive taste and character. Sleep it off at the Bushmills Inn, a nearby pub/hotel with hangover-beating Irish breakfasts. bushmills.com
Suntory Yamakazi Distillery, Japan
Built way back in 1923, this was the first distillery in the history of Japanese whisky. It's now an empire of different varieties, and you can try them all while taking in the wooded setting on the outskirts of Kyoto. The single malt is perfectly suited to to sushi, and also makes a good accompaniment to your obligatory karaoke bar session. Arrange your travel with Inside Japan Tours. insidejapantours.com
Stitzel-Weller Distillery, USA
95% of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky, and Louisville is your place to drink it. Micro-distilleries are popping up all over the city, but for a long-established whiskey cathedral, try the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. It opened on Derby Day in 1935 and now creates small-batch spicy Bulleit whiskey for Louisville and beyond. Back in town, Bourbon's Bistro is a late-night hang out where you can try 130 varieties of the liquor. bulleitexperience.com
