It’s not just wine estates making a buck or two from tourism these days. With opportunities to fill your own bottle of Scotch and wade through sugar cane, the world’s best distilleries provide visitors with some unique and unforgettable experiences.
Take a trip to one of these 5 distilleries for a behind-the-scenes look at a spirited tradition.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery – United Kingdom
In renovating Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has taken the utmost care to preserve the natural ecology and heritage of the site. To build a long-term legacy at Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has also committed to building a sustainable future. The award-winning sustainability measures in design and construction are at the heart of this state-of-the art distillery.
The Bundaberg Distilling Company – Austria
Born in 1888, when a band of sugar millers turned an overwhelming surplus of molasses into rum, Bundaberg rum has since been appreciated as one of Australia’s favourite Aussie spirits. The distillery has much more to experience than just the obligatory giant ‘Bundy bottle’ photo opportunity outside the front and, depending on your preference, there are two types of tour to choose from.
The Jose Cuervo tequila distillery – Mexico
The Jose Cuervo tequila distillery is the oldest tequila distillery in the world. It opened in 1795 under the edict of the Spanish King, Carlos IV, and has continually been operated by the Cuervo family. Daily tours of the facility provide wonderful insight into its operations.
The James Sedgwick Distillery – South Africa
Explore the home of Three Ships Whiskies, The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, South Africa and meet the Master Distiller, Andy Watts. It’s the only dedicated whisky distillery in all of Africa and one which is on a par with the most modern in the world. Named after the 19th century sea captain James Sedgwick who became one of the pioneers of the South African liquor industry, it is the home of Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.
Lagavulin Distillery – Isle of Islay, Scotland
The Lagavulin Distillery opened in 1816, but records suggest that illegal distillation had been in place since 1742. It’s one of the three Kildalton Distilleries in the south of Islay and sits comfortably in between Ardbeg and Laphroaig at the “Hollow by the Mill”.
