Each year on the third Saturday of May, whisky lovers raise a dram to celebrate World Whisky Day – a global ode to the craft, culture, and character of one of the world’s most storied spirits. But for the true aficionado, it goes beyond sipping. It’s about tracing whisky to its source. From misty glens in the Scottish Highlands to minimalist sanctuaries in Japan, the world’s finest distilleries are as rich in heritage as they are in flavour.
Whether you’re a single malt purist or a curious explorer of world whiskies, this list brings together the ultimate destinations where whisky isn’t just poured but revered.
Scotland
No pilgrimage would be complete without a journey to the birthplace of whisky as we know it. Scotland is a patchwork of whisky regions, each with a distinct terroir and taste.
Speyside boasts the highest concentration of distilleries in the world, including cherished names like The Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie. Its smooth, honeyed malts are crowd-pleasers, often regarded as a gateway into Scotch.
For those who seek smoke and sea, Islay is the promised land. This windswept Hebridean island produces peated legends such as Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin – whiskies that linger like a bonfire on a stormy beach.
The Highlands, vast and diverse, offer bold expressions like Glenmorangie and Dalmore, while Campbeltown, once the whisky capital of the world, remains a hidden gem with cult favourites like Springbank.
Don’t miss: A dram with a view at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown or a peat-scented tour of Laphroaig’s warehouses on Islay.
Ireland
Some say the Irish were distilling uisce beatha – an Irish Gaelic word for “water of life” – long before their Scottish neighbours. Today, Ireland’s whiskey (spelled with an “e”) renaissance is in full swing, merging centuries-old tradition with a new wave of innovation.
The Midleton Distillery in County Cork, home to Jameson and Redbreast, showcases the heart of Irish whiskey’s smooth and approachable style. Meanwhile, Bushmills in Northern Ireland claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world, dating back to 1608.
Newer craft distilleries like Teeling in Dublin are also revitalising the scene, adding spice and complexity to the conversation.
Don’t miss: The Jameson Distillery Experience in Midleton, where guests can enjoy exclusive tastings straight from the cask.
Japan
Japanese whisky has become a global sensation, admired for its balance, nuance, and homage to nature. Here, whisky is not just made simply – it is diligently orchestrated.
The Yamazaki Distillery, nestled between Kyoto and Osaka, is Japan’s first and most iconic, known for pioneering the country’s whisky movement. Its malts, like the Yamazaki 12, are layered with orchard fruit and subtle smoke.
In the Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillery feels more like a forest retreat than a factory, producing whiskies with a crisp, herbal character drawn from its mountain spring waters.
Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distilleries, founded by the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, showcase distinctly northern styles, with Yoichi in particular offering peaty, maritime malts.
Don’t miss: The beautifully curated Suntory Whisky Museum at Yamazaki and a guided tasting in its serene lounge.
USA
American whisky, especially bourbon, is full of swagger. Rooted in rich Southern soil and matured in charred new oak barrels, its boldness and caramel-heavy, robust flavour is unmistakable.
Kentucky is the heartland. The legendary Bourbon Trail winds through bluegrass country, linking distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve. Visitors can tour sprawling barrel houses, dip bottles in signature wax, and sample rare, small-batch releases.
Across the state line in Tennessee, Jack Daniel’s offers an insight into the Lincoln County Process, where whisky is mellowed through sugar maple charcoal before ageing.
Don’t miss: Touring the underground maturation caves at Barton 1792 in Bardstown or a classic cocktail masterclass at Louisville’s Whisky Row.
India
India may surprise some, but it is one of the world’s largest consumers and producers of whisky – and its premium labels are now earning international acclaim.
The award-winning Amrut Distilleries in Bangalore first put Indian single malts on the global map, having won the title of World’s Best Whiskey at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge. Aged in India’s warm climate, Amrut whiskies mature faster and pack an intensity that contradicts their years.
Paul John, based in Goa, crafts lush, tropical malts that are fruity, creamy, and occasionally peated, reflecting the region’s coastal flair.
Unlike traditional whisky regions, Indian distilleries are still relatively young, but what they lack in age, they more than make up for in innovation and spirit.
Don’t miss: A guided tasting at Paul John’s state-of-the-art visitor centre overlooking the Goan countryside.
Featured image: Matt Davis
