Drink in the Local Culture on the World’s Best Spirit Tours

One of the best ways to get to know an area is to eat and drink as the locals do. Sharing a round of drinks with friends, family and even strangers brings the table together. And tasting a place’s indigenous spirits helps tell the unique story of its culture, shedding light on its past, present and even its future.

Whether you’re drinking the pre-Hispanic fermented pulque in Mexico, sipping a single malt whisky from the misty Scottish Highlands or watching the sun come up in Rio with a frosty caipirinha in hand, when you’re raising a cup of the local spirit, you’re quite literally drinking in its culture. So where do we begin? We’ve rounded up the 25 best spirit tours around the world.

Bottoms up!

Malt Whisky Trail

Location: Glenlivet to Forres, Scotland

Can't-miss distillery: Glenfiddich Distillery

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The Local Experience

The Scots Gaelic term for whisky is "Uisge beatha," which translates to "water of life." And they really mean it! Whisky is a national treasure in Scotland and iconic to the culture. The first mention of malt whisky dates back to the 15th century, though experts believe the whisky-making process had been around for quite some time. 

Whisky became a point of contention between the Scots and the English, especially as the two bloodily clashed over politics and land. Whisky smuggling became a way of life for many poor farmers in the Scottish Highlands and remained that way for nearly two centuries.

Tirol Schnapps Route

Location: Tirol, Austria

Can't-miss distillery: Feindestillerie Christoph Kössler

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Tirol, Austria, has been distilling delicious (and potent) schnapps since the 18th century. In fact, the region is home to more than 4,000 distilleries, and many of them still go off the centuries-old recipes that have been passed down through the generations. 

The Tirol Schnapps Route includes a collection of 41 artisan distilleries, so you can mix and match your way all around the region.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Location: Kentucky, United States

Can't-miss distillery: Maker’s Mark

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Did you know that about 95 percent of the world's bourbon is distilled in Kentucky? Bourbon is actually a type of whiskey, but in order to be called “bourbon,” it must be made with a minimum of 51 percent corn, aged in new, charred oak containers. It can be no more than 125 proof and no less than 80 proof. 

A 1964 Congressional Resolution stated that no other country can make a product and call it bourbon, which is why it is often referred to as the native spirit of America.

Gin Trail

Location: London, England

Can't-miss distillery: Beefeater

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Back in the Middle Ages, gin was first used as herbal medicine. By the 17th century, the juniper berry-flavored spirit had become a popular drink when King William of Orange dropped the tax on spirit production. By the 18th century, about 25 percent of residences in St. Giles parish (north of Covent Garden) were gin shops. 

Today, London's gin scene is part of an ever-evolving renaissance of the spirit. U.K. gin brands have more than doubled since 2010. London's Gin trail has more than 10 distilleries to visit, which can make for a very exciting themed trip.

Tequila Trail

Location: Jalisco, Mexico

Can't-miss distillery: Mundo Cuervo

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You may know tequila comes from Mexico, but how much beyond that do you know? Tequila is one of the finest spirits in the world, with a sophisticated aging process like any other world-class liquor. And it all happens along Mexico's La Ruta del Tequila, or the Tequila Trail. 

Since the 16th century, La Ruta has been the spot where tequila has been perfected and refined, particularly in the Magical Towns of Tequila, Arenal and Amatitan near the city of Guadalajara. Today, there are more than 150 registered distilleries along La Ruta. If you want an even more unique experience, look into Mundo Cuervo’s tequila train, the Jose Cuervo Express.

Whiskey Trail

Location: Ireland

Can't-miss distillery: Jameson Distillery

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It goes without saying that the best place to taste Irish whiskey would be Ireland, and the Irish Whiskey Trail makes it easy to get your fix. The trail traverses the country, from the southwestern shores of Dingle up to the northeastern city of Belfast. 

Along the way are 20 visitors centers to help maximize the experience. What makes Irish whiskey different is that it uses a blend of malted and unsalted barley, whereas Scotch whisky uses only malted barley. The distillation process between the two is also a bit different.

Mezcal Trail

Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Can't-miss distillery: Gracias a Dios

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While tequila is the most famous indigenous beverage from Mexico, its sister drink (or, rather, parent drink) is becoming just as famous. Mezcal, native to the state of Oaxaca, is another type of spirit distilled from the agave plant. In fact, tequila is actually a specific type of mezcal. 

Mezcal has been enjoyed in Mexico since the Spanish colonial times. Today, most neophytes describe the taste as "smoky," but aficionados will tell you it's the nuances of the flavors that really set this spirit on a whole new level. Even more impressive? Mezcal has the reputation for leaving you completely clear-headed in the morning, even after a big night of indulging.

Sake Trail

Location: Kobe, Japan

Can’t-miss brewery: Hakutsuru Yamadanishiki

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Japan is known for its native beverage, sake, particularly in the city of Kobe. Its Nada district features some of the best sake breweries in Japan. 

Nada has been heralded for its sake production due to the water, weather and high quality of rice. Within the mile-and-a-half of Nada are breweries that operate as exhibition rooms, tasting rooms and museums.

Rum Route

Location: Martinique

Can't-miss distillery: Saint-James

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Spread across Martinique's 425 square miles are a whopping 10 rhum distilleries worth your time. But first, what is the difference between “rum” and “rhum?” Simply put, rhum is the only type of rum in the world that comes from Martinique. It is made from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, which means it is less processed than your typical rum. 

Sipping rhum anywhere is like a tropical vacation, but trying it in its land of origin is an even bigger treat. This self-guided tour takes you all across the island to sample the very best rhums that the Caribbean has to offer.

Cachaca Trail

Location: Paraty, Brazil

Can't-miss distillery: Cachaca Maria Izabel

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The undisputed national drink of Brazil is the caipirinha, a cocktail that is reliant on the national liquor, cachaca. The spirit is created from the fermentation and distillation of fresh sugarcane. Today, there are more than 40,000 producers of cachaca across the country. 

But the part of Brazil most famous for cachaca is the area surrounding Paraty. Paraty is a colonial town on the coast in Rio de Janeiro state and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The distilleries here are most iconic and traditional when it comes to the production of Brazil's native beverage.

Port Route

Location: Porto and Douro Valley, Portugal

Can’t-miss winery: Quinta do Noval

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Portugal's oldest export, and biggest bragging right, is the national beverage, port. Hailing from the terraces of the Douro Valley, port has been regarded around the world as one of the finest fermented beverages around. 

In fact, the vineyards of the Douro Valley have been classified by UNESCO. The wine-growing region is divided into three areas. Eventually, the beverage ends up in the port city of Porto, where it is exported all over the world. 

Cognac Trail

Location: France

Can't-miss distillery: Hennessy

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While most people are exploring the various wine routes throughout France's world-famous regions, a select number of connoisseurs are exploring its other claim to fame — cognac. The silky, rich liqueur, which has been produced for more than 400 years, is one of France's biggest exports. Ninety-eight percent of what is produced is sent abroad. 

The best place to try Cognac is in, you guessed it, Cognac itself, where some of the best-known distillers in the world can trace their histories back to the beginning.

The Sherry Triangle

Location: Cadiz, Spain

Can’t Miss Bodega: Gonzalez Byass

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With hundreds of years of history, Sherry is one of Spain's most touted exports. Historically, Sherry comes from the Moors who invaded Spain in the 8th century. But today, it has become decidedly Spanish, especially in the Jerez region. 

The fortified wine is produced between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria — all located in the Cadiz province. Sherry is produced by the fermentation of white grapes, sugar and yeast, and then blended with a grape brandy called destilado and distilled.

Absinthe Trail

Location: Jura Mountains, Switzerland

Can't-miss distillery: La Clandestine

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The subject of much folklore and myth, absinthe has been bewitching imbibers for centuries. Born in the town of Couvet, the spirit was banned in the United States, as it was rumored to have hallucinogenic properties. This has been proven to be a myth; however, travelers are still intrigued by its potency and unusual flavors of anise and fennel. 

Many people believe absinthe originated in Eastern Europe, but the birthplace of absinthe is most certainly Switzerland along the border of France. 

Canadian Whisky

Location: Canada

Can't-miss distillery: Alberta Distillers

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Canadian whiskies are known for being smoother than their American counterparts. You may even hear the term rye whiskey, which is interchangeable with Canadian whiskey. This is because many whiskey distilleries in Canada will add a high amount of rye grain to the mash. 

There are a handful of major distillers across the country, but boutique distilleries are opening all the time. 

Vodka Trail

Location: Russia

Can't-miss distillery: Beluga

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In case you weren't aware, Russians love their vodka. They love it so much that the term vodka actually comes from the word “voda,” which means water. There is some debate as to whether vodka originated in Russia or Poland, but no evidence points definitively to either. 

Originally used as medicine, vodka became a pleasure drink in the 1500s, and distilleries can be found all across the country.

Grogue Trail

Location: Cape Verde

Can't-miss distillery: M&G

The Local Experience

Scattered off the western coast of Africa, Cape Verde is a collection of islands. The tropical islands are known for many things — grogue being one of them. Grogue is a type of rum distilled from cane sugar with hints of banana. 

The cordial-like substance is often used for cocktails but can also be used for medicinal qualities, especially when mixed with spices like rosemary or anise. The best grogue is said to come from the island of Santo Antao.

Pulque Route

Location: Tlaxcala, Mexico

Can’t-miss brewery: Pulque Hacienda 1881

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Before there was tequila and mezcal, there was pulque. A fermented drink that dates back to pre-Hispanic times, pulque comes from the maguey cactus and was particularly popular in the parts of Mexico now occupied by the states of Mexico, Hidalgo, Puebla and Tlaxacala. 

For a while, pulque was pushed back into the shadows, but as the younger Mexican generations wanted to learn more about their heritage and history, the popularity of pulque went on the rise. They made it trendy, threw it in cans, and today, it is one of the “must try” treats when visiting central Mexico.

Limoncello Trail

Location: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Can't-miss distillery: Liquorificio Carlo Mansi

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Italy certainly has its wine scene, but it also has made a name for the stronger stuff. Limoncello, a popular digestif that is sweet with the taste of lemons, sugar and alcohol, hails from Italy, most notably the Amalfi Coast. 

The best lemons, they say, come from the islands of Capri, but there is evidence that limoncello, or a lemon liqueur, has been crafted in these parts since the days of the Renaissance. Today, you'll find limoncello being quaffed all along the Amalfi Coast, whose lemons are afforded legal protection by the government.

Rakia Trail

Location: The Balkans

Can't-miss distillery: Belgrade Urban Distillery

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Unequivocally the liquor of the Balkan region, rakia is a fermented and distilled fruit made from plums or grapes that is ubiquitous from Serbia to Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia and beyond. It can be served warm or cold and typically with a variety of spices. 

Each country has its own method of mashing and distilling rakia, but the idea is very much the same, and with borders in these countries that have changed so often throughout the centuries, you'll certainly find overlap in many regions.

Singani Route

Location: Bolivia

Can't-miss distillery: Bodegas Kuhlmann

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Made from the distillation of white Muscat grapes, singani has been produced in Bolivia for about five centuries. Up until recently, it was nearly impossible to find singani outside the borders of Bolivia, which means sampling it is a true treat and a real taste of the country. 

It's similar to brandy, meaning it's relatively sweet and has a high alcoholic content. You may want to compare it to the Pisco liquor of Chile and Peru, but it has a flavor all its own. Die-hards love to sip it with ice and lime, but it has been fashioned into cocktails, especially in modern-day Bolivia.

Pisco Trail

Location: Chile or Peru

Can't-miss distillery: Hacienda Bodega Tacama

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The origins of Pisco are hotly debated, especially among Peruvians and Chileans, both of whom claim rightful ownership of the fermented grape beverage. Whoever invented the drink, locals from both countries love their indigenous liquor, though both prepare them slightly differently.

The grapes are slightly different, and while Peruvian Pisco cannot be aged, Chilean Pisco can be, almost similar to a brandy, in barrels made from American or French oak. The distillation process is also slightly different.

Aguardiente

Location: Colombia

Can't-miss distillery: Cumbe

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One can't visit Colombia without tasting a tipple of the native spirit, aguardiente. With flavors of anise and tropical fruit, aguardiente is often compared to being representative of the Colombian way of life — flavorful, potent and packed with tradition. The name, after all, translates to "fire water." 

Aguardiente is distilled from sugar cane and is typically sipped neat.

Rum Route

Location: Puerto Rico

Can't-miss distillery: Casa Bacardi

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Like many islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is serious about its rum. In fact, Puerto Rican rum is famous all around the world — Bacardi, anyone? There are three rum distilleries on the island, but without a doubt, Bacardi, in Catano, is the most popular. 

When visiting the distillery, be prepared for a welcome cocktail and a choice of three tours. One is on history, one is on rum tasting, and one is on mixology. 

Argentinian Wine Route

Location: Mendoza, Argentina

Can’t-miss winery: Bodega Santa Julia

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No, wine is not a spirit. But this is still a bucket list booze trail worthy of your time. The wines of Argentina's Mendoza region are legendary. Perhaps you've heard of Malbec? This is the region that made that wine world-renowned. 

But Mendoza is known for so much more than Malbecs. The terroir and climate make this part of Argentina ideal for producing delicious Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Cabernet Francs as well as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.