She’s complex, amusing, and has a consistency like no other. Originated from Georgia, she is the heart of the celebration, a vital component of happiness. She knows how to cool you off and detach you from the world. No, we’re not talking about a famous female celebrity or your wife; we’re talking about spirits (the hard-core liquor).
We all know how spirit is made; it’s just water, various types of grain, and possibly some exotic spices. However, exploring whisky and learning about it is a different concept to grasp. And in that regard, distilleries come into play. When it comes to exploring the best spirit distilleries worldwide, many people travel to learn the history of their favorite it or try out different flavors. Regardless of how you do it, embarking on a journey to rural regions to learn about liquor and its culture is terrific.
However, planning a distillery visit worldwide is not without its challenges. And with so many resources available online, it can be tough to know where to begin. But fear not, because we’ve compiled a list of how you can explore the world’s best distillery destinations with your glass half full.
So let’s get drunk, shall we?
1. Gather some local knowledge.
When you arrive in a new location, ask a local sommelier which types of bottles they recommend or seek advice from a reputable spirit maker whose style you admire. Before you arrive, try to find a contact in the whisky world, though it’s best to do your research to find one with a good reputation.
Focusing on your region is also another aspect of exploring the best distillery destinations worldwide. As a suggestion, some of the most fantastic places to taste liquor are located in Pigeon Forge. By simply typing in the following catchphrase on Google: “best distillery pigeon forge,” you should be able to find a nice place to unwind and try different flavors and types of spirits. Try exploring different flavors, so you can find one perfect for your taste!
Spirits are the drink of choice for many Americans. Depending on your mood, there’s bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin or rum. But no matter which one it is (or how much time has passed since your last sip), we know that everyone can use some more spirits!
Furthermore, word of mouth is invaluable to get a current sense of a location-based whisky’s vibe. Thus, it’s best if it comes from a reliable source.
2. Know the kind of experience you desire
Another excellent way to have fun on your trip is to narrow down your options and avoid the absurd amount of red tape that comes with bottle tasting.
So what are you looking to get from this trip? Are you looking for something romantic? Are you just trying to get drunk? Or do you want to mix an active itinerary with adventure between tastings?
All of the above are excellent questions. Each should be addressed before proceeding with your trip planning and selecting individual distilleries.
3. Reservations
As you continue to plan a distillery exploration trip, you’ll need to determine whether or not reservations are necessary for a general visit. Many corporate and small-town distilleries only allow visitors if they make a reservation.
On the other hand, many allow you to show up and say, “I’m here; let me drink.” Depending on your research into visiting a region, you’re likely to come across both. You’ll have to decide whether you think the distilleries that require reservations are worth visiting.
4. Know your favorite spirit type(s)
Plan your tastings and tours around your favorite grains to further narrow down the best liquor vacation experience! Consider researching individual distilleries and, if possible, purchasing some of their liquor at your local liquor store to get a feel for what they produce.
Most distilleries are known for certain types of spirit. You can potentially plan your spirit trip around grain varieties or blends that you prefer.
5. Combine liqueurs with other activities and interests when planning your exploration
Consider sport, food, history, architecture, and local literature when visiting a distillery. You could play a round of golf in the morning before checking out a distillery.
Alternatively, have a guide drive you around and tell you about the local history, whether it’s about monks, Romans, or covered wagon settlers. Also, before you go, consider purchasing a book about the region (or even its spirit liquor). Variation is good for life, and contextualizing your visit will help.
6. Pack plenty of water and dress in layers.
Being extremely cold and highly dehydrated are two things that are common in liquor tasting. Why not both? Many spirit distilleries will give tours or tastings of their caves, and bottles of spirit must be stored at 55 degrees! On the other hand, many liquor regions have hot climates, so you might be sweating profusely if you’re tasting outside or touring yards. Moreover, alcohol is also a dehydrating substance by nature, and it is best to be prepared!
7. Choose the aspects you want to learn more about.
Learn to observe, then pick one or two topics that interest you and learn more about them, whether through reading or asking questions. Identify a subject, such as how to age spirits or when to drink spirits neat. Make an effort to learn about these things. It will keep your mind active as you visit different distilleries, making certain aspects of your trip memorable later.
8. There’s more to distilleries than liquor.
Good whisky is sometimes included in distilleries. Consider starting your evening (or whatever time of day) with a glass of suds before popping corks to enjoy some local grain juice. Keep in mind that there are no restrictions when it comes to whisky.
9. Respect your personal taste.
Finally, regardless of what critics or sommeliers say, you are the judge of which types of spirit you enjoy and which you do not. Suppose you’re standing in an opulent tasting room with a stunning view of snow-capped faraway peaks and romantically trimmed vines below. In that case, drinking from a vodka tonic while paying attention to quadraphonic classical music and the taste doesn’t do it for you; that’s it. Try again. Conversely, you could relocate.
Don’t let your mind trick you into disregarding your taste buds because of the environment. It is your journey, your life, and your insight. Don’t let others influence your liking, and don’t succumb to groupthink. Most importantly, have fun! Don’t take spirit tourism too seriously.
Conclusion
We hope that the information above will help you or give you an idea of how you want to explore the best distillery destinations worldwide. Just be sure to take your time, notice, and observe everything with a sharp eye, and eventually, you will get lost in the sweet relief of liquor.
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