Food
In Good Spirits: 5 Destinations To Explore Through Their Drinks
From Jalisco to Japan, uncover the secrets of some of the world’s most beloved tipples as you sip your way through the cities and countrysides that produce them
Anyone who enjoys a good drink knows there’s a story behind every sip: the story of the place it comes from, of its land and its people. These five destinations will guide you along the secrets and nuances of some of the world’s most beloved and iconic tipples, from the blue agave fields of Tequila to the lush tropics of Puerto Rico.
Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico
As the birthplace of Mexico’s signature spirit, the charming town of Tequila awaits with dreamy sunsets and endless fields lined with blue Weber agave – or Agave tequilana, the only variety of agave plant that can be used to make tequila.
[Photo: Jose de Jesus Churion /iStock]
One of the most iconic among the region’s many distilleries is La Rojeña, home to José Cuervo, where you can choose between classic distillery tours or add experiences like chocolate pairing and tequila blending sessions. Another favourite? Hopping aboard the Tequila Express and riding through agave fields until you reach the Casa Sauza distillery, where you can enjoy a Mexican buffet and a musical performance.
We also love smaller distilleries, such as Destilería El Cascahuín, located in the nearby El Arenal (also part of the Tequila Route), and La Guarreña, which produces the delicious El Tequileño. For an extra-special visit, book a stay at cool boutique hotel Casa Salles, and allow the team to organise your visit to La Guarreña. Crown your trip with a Batanga – an iconic tequila and Coke concoction – at the legendary La Capilla bar.
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Sake in Kobe, Japan
While the city’s name may evoke extraordinary beef – and with good reason – Kobe also happens to be a sake paradise. Located in the Hyōgo Prefecture, the mountainous port city is the perfect starting point to explore the legendary Nada Gogo (or ‘Five Villages of Nada’), a region known for producing sake since the 14th century. With local rice and water as their prime materials, combined with coastal weather, the area’s breweries produce some of the best sake in the country.
[Photo: SeanPavonePhoto/iStock]
Unsurprisingly, Nada District is the ideal place for a deep dive into this rice wine that’s synonymous with Japanese gastronomy and culture. Hamafukutsuru offers self-guided tours that allow you to witness all the sake action, in addition to tastings and a boutique featuring sake and fermented products. Over at Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery, home to the award-winning Fukuju sake, the tour includes peeks into the production process, a stop at the speciality shop, and tastings of genshu (sake with no added water). Don’t skip a meal at their Sakabayashi restaurant.
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Bourbon in Kentucky, USA
With around 100 distilleries dotted along its idyllic countryside, this southeastern state has a well-earned reputation as a whiskey mecca. From world-renowned brands to indie labels, the Bourbon Trail promises not only plenty of liquid delights, but also stunning landscapes and warm Southern hospitality.
[Photo: Patrick Jennings/iStock]
Highlights include the beautiful Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles – the state’s smallest distillery and a National Historic Landmark, where you can explore the brand’s “five sources of flavour” during a guided tour, followed by a tasting. In the winter of 2024/25, the season calls for a pairing workshop in partnership with Compartes Chocolate.
Housed in a historic building in Louisville, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery offers three options for visitors: the Discovery Tour, taking you on a journey along the brand’s production process; the Founders Tour, adding a glimpse into the pot still process for distilling for Michter’s Pennsylvania; and the Legacy Tour, a fabulous way to learn about the brand’s processes and secrets, and to taste their whiskies featuring rare expressions. Also in Louisville, Angel’s Envy offers six different experiences, including the Bottle Your Own Single Barrel – can you think of a better souvenir? – and the Behind the Bar Class, where you can unleash your inner mixologist.
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Rum in Puerto Rico
Feel the Caribbean magic as you embark on an exploration of the region’s most iconic spirit. Puerto Rico, with its gorgeous beaches and laid-back vibe, is home to fantastic distilleries – starting with Casa Bacardí, one of the most renowned rum distilleries in the world… and the largest. Also known as “the Cathedral of Rum,” it’s located in Cataño, around 20 minutes from San Juan. Experiences include a rum-tasting tour, a fun mixology class and the Legacy Tour, which delves into the brand’s history.
[Photo: mikolajn/iStock]
Also close to San Juan is Hacienda Santa Ana, home to Ron del Barrilito. A beloved brand that dates back to the 19th century, Del Barrilito welcomes guests into its gorgeous hacienda to enjoy the Heritage Tour, which can be complemented with tasting sessions or mixology lessons.
When the sun goes down, it’s time to check out San Juan’s lively bar scene. Cocktail lovers flock to La Factoría, where rum is the star in many of its outstanding tipples. For a dose of nostalgia, head to the Caribe Hilton, where – according to local legend – bartender Ramón “Mochito” Marrero created the piña colada in 1954.
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Whisky in Speyside, Scotland
A bucket list destination for whisky lovers, Scotland is home to around 150 distilleries spread out around its five producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside, bathed by the River Spey.
[Photo: Peter Burnett/iStock]
Some of the country’s most remarkable whiskies call the latter region home, including The Macallan. The spectacular modern distillery, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, neighbours the brand’s historic Easter Elchies House. Adventures here include The Heart of the Spirit Experience, an immersive tour that will take you on a journey across the brand’s history and innovations. Need more convincing? How about dinner at TimeSpirit, a restaurant developed with the iconic El Celler de Can Roca?
[Photos courtesy The Macallan]
Single malt lovers, on the other hand, must book a visit to Glenfiddich, one of the oldest family-owned distilleries in Scotland. Choose among three tours, including the Glenfiddich Malt Master Tour, which will lead you along the historic distillery and its warehouse – home to Solera casks, where the magic happens. Crown your visit with a tasting and blending session, allowing you to become Malt Master for a day.
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