Nothing beats a holiday based around something you love. So what better way to celebrate whisky than to travel to its source? Whisky holidays are perfect for those eager to travel, celebrate and revel in the diverse world of whisky (or whiskey, in Ireland and the USA).

Here we’ll explore holiday destinations in the world’s best-known whisky-producing countries of Scotland, Ireland, The USA, and Japan, and pair them with national festivities and celebrations to give you that extra bang for your buck. 

And for the perfect whisky holiday drinks, we’ll suggest the best whisky pubs and bars to visit on your whisky-themed adventure.

Scotland

Burns Night in Speyside

Celebrated on 25th January in Scotland, Burns Night, is a tribute to the country’s national poet, Robert Burns. It’s a night of poetry, haggis, and, of course, whisky.

For a whisky-loving tourist, combining Burns Night with distillery tours in Speyside makes the perfect whisky holiday in Scotland, as the Speyside region is home to nearly half of Scotland’s distilleries, many of which participate in special Burns Night events.

Begin by enjoying a traditional Burns Supper in a local pub or hotel, where you can enjoy haggis, neeps and tatties paired with fine single malts.  

The following day, venture into Speyside’s whisky wonderland, home to famous names like Macallan, Glenlivet and Glenfiddich for a distillery tour. These distilleries often host special tours and tastings around Burns Night. 

If you’re there for a few days, perhaps make a visit to Speyside Cooperage, the only operating cooperage in Britain.

Drinks

Pay a visit to the iconic Quaich Bar at the Craigallachie Hotel in Aberlour on the banks of the River Spey. The Quaich has over 1000 bottles of whisky and offers a large selection of single malt whiskies including some rare drams.

Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day and Distillery Tours

St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on 17th March, is a global celebration and joyful ode to Irish culture. 

For a whiskey enthusiast, revelling in the fun and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day before setting off to visit Ireland’s iconic distilleries makes the perfect Irish whiskey holiday.

Start your day by taking to the streets to watch the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, which kicks off at noon, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Irish music, dance, and marching bands. 

Then for the afternoon, pre-book a tour of the Jameson Bow Street Distillery where an ambassador will show you a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process before leading you through a comparative whiskey tasting session.

The following day, travel to the north coast of Northern Ireland and take a tour of The Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. On the tour you’ll learn about the copper pot stills and the triple-distillation method before finishing with a tasting in the 1608 bar.

Drinks

Back in Dublin, do not miss out on a visit to the legendary The Palace Bar, world-famous for its lively atmosphere and extensive range of Irish whiskeys.

USA

Fourth of July celebrations in Kentucky & Tennessee

Celebrated on 4th July in the USA, Independence Day, is a patriotic national holiday marked by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and all things American.

For whiskey-loving travellers, this day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the nation’s history while embarking on a journey through its rich whiskey heritage, starting in Kentucky.

Begin by enjoying a traditional Fourth of July parade in Georgetown, Lexington or Campbellsville followed by a barbecue feast, served with classic American bourbon or rye. The following day, venture into the whiskey heartland of Bardstown, the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and visit a handful of the 18 bourbon distilleries in the area.

If you’re there for an extended trip, drive south into neighbouring Tennessee to explore the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery where you will be guided around by seasoned ‘storytellers’. Learn about the origins of Tennessee whiskey and witness the production process, before visiting the famous Barrel House 1-14 where you’ll sample five of Jack Daniels’ whiskies and liqueurs.

Drinks

For whiskey holiday drinks, try Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in Nashville, an impressive bar offering one of the south’s largest ranges of bourbon and rye whiskeys as well as whiskey cocktails to work your way through.

Japan

Cherry Blossom Viewing and Distilleries

Japan’s cherry blossom celebration, known in Japan as ‘Hanami’, is an annual event normally taking place in springtime, when Japan’s iconic cherry and plum trees burst into flower and Japan becomes awash with delicate pink blossoms.

For whisky lovers looking for the perfect whisky holiday, combining this mesmerising spectacle with distillery tours in Japan makes the perfect holiday combination.

Start your trip by strolling beneath the blooming cherry blossoms in Tokyo’s Ueno Park, where there are over 1000 cherry trees as well as museums, temples and shrines. At night, during the festival in late March, a 4km stretch of trees are illuminated by pretty paper lanterns from below. 

Then it’s a half-day trip to tour Suntory’s newly renovated Hakushu Distillery. There you’ll join a tour guide to view the distillery as well as taste the Hakushu single malt whisky. Next, it’s on to the birthplace of Japanese whisky – Yamazaki Distillery. Tour the facilities and whisky museum and see the production process before trying a Yamazaki Highball. 

Drinks 

Back in Tokyo, don’t miss the Tokyo Whisky Library, an old-fashioned lounge with lavish interiors, serving an extensive range of Japanese whisky as well as whiskies from around the world.

Final Thoughts

So, whether it’s the rolling green hills of Scotland, the unforgettable Emerald Isle, the American whiskey heartlands or the pretty landscapes of Japan, there’s a whisky holiday out there for everyone.