From the rolling hills of Scotland to the verdant landscapes of Ireland, and from the rugged hills of Himachal Pradesh in India to the bourbon-loving heart of America, the oldest distilleries in the world have dedicated themselves to preserving the art of whiskey-making. These venerable establishments have not only withstood the test of time but have also weathered storms, all to create the intoxicating ‘amber nectar’.

Join us on a spirited journey through time, where expert craftsmanship and traditional distillation practices converge to produce some of the finest spirits known to humanity. 

A toast to history: Discovering the world’s oldest whiskey distilleries

Bushmills, Ireland (1608)

The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, Bushmills was established in 1608 in Northern Ireland. Famous for its exquisite single malt whiskey, the brand has won many accolades in global spirits competitions. Notably, it received the only gold medal ever awarded for whiskey at the Paris Expo of 1889. Bushmills sources water from the River Bush, flowing over basalt rocks, and uses malt barley in the production of its world-renowned whiskey.

Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland (1757)

Founded by Matthew MacManus, Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the oldest in the world, with licence to distil since 1757. While facing financial challenges and temporarily ceasing operations in 1957, it resumed activities at its original site in 2007. Besides the Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, made with traditional Irish ingredients, this distillery on River Brosna produces three notable brands: Kilbeggan, Locke’s Malt, and Locke’s Blend. In addition to its whiskey offerings, it features a restaurant, a fully-restored 19th-century waterwheel, and a steam engine to ensure operations even during the river’s low water levels.

Glenturret Distillery, Scotland (1763)

The Glenturret Distillery is the oldest working distillery in Perthshire, Scotland, and among the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world. Perched on the banks of River Turret, it was officially established in 1763. However, the site has a history of illicit distilling dating back to 1717. Despite changing ownership and facing closures during the First World War and US prohibition, Glenturrent persists as a bastion of whiskey craftsmanship. Glenturret uses water from the River Turret, the finest barley and ages its products to perfection in oak casks.

Bowmore Distillery, Scotland (1779)

One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Bowmore stands on the shores of Indaal Lake on the Isle of Islay. Despite changing ownership several times and facing closures in 1915 and 1925, it resumed operations in 1963 under new leadership and has thrived ever since. Among their notable offerings are the Bowmore 12, Bowmore The 50-Year-Old, and the super-smooth Bowmore 1957. Take a tour to know more.

Strathisla Distillery, Scotland (1786)

As the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Strathisla Distillery, founded in 1786 as Milltown by Alexander Milne and George Taylor, remains an iconic presence. Now owned by the Chivas Bros, it sources water from The Broomhill Spring in Moray for its malt barley and ages its whiskey in used Bourbon casks for a smoother finish.

Balblair Distillery, Scotland (1790)

Established in 1790 by John Ross, Balblair Distillery manufactures classic Highland whiskey with a unique flavour profile. Using Black Isle barley and glade water flowing down Edderton hills, the spirit features fruity undertones and a full body. Balblair employs a 62-hour fermentation process for its single malt. Balblair began releasing Vintage Whiskey in 2007, followed by the exclusive age-statement whiskeys aged 12, 15, 18, and 25 years. 

Oban Distillery, Scotland (1794)

Oban Distillery, established in 1794, is one of the world’s oldest and smallest of its kind in Scotland, with only two pot stills for distillation. Owned by Diageo, a prominent beverage and alcohol company, Oban is known primarily for its 14 and 18-year-old malts, as well as a rare 32-year-old edition, often featured as part of Diageo’s Special Releases.

Glen Garioch Distillery, Scotland (1797)

Founded in 1797 by Thomas Simpson in Aberdeen, Glen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, specialising in small-batch scotch whiskey. Glen Garioch prides itself in offering non-chill-filtered malt whiskey with a honeyed aftertaste and a creamy texture. Their much-adored offerings include a 12-year-old whiskey aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks.

Buffalo Trace Distillery, US (1805)

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, established in 1805, is the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the US. Situated in Kentucky, Buffalo Trace was allowed to operate during Prohibition for the production of ‘medicinal’ whiskey. Known for the Buffalo Trace brand of bourbon, the facility also distils rye whiskey, bitters, bourbon cream liqueur, and vodka.

Kasauli Distillery, India (1855)

Founded in 1855, Kasauli Distillery is the oldest of its kind for scotch whiskey in Asia. Starting as a brewery and distillery in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli, the brewery was relocated to Solan due to insufficient spring water, leaving behind the distillery. Kasauli’s main brands include the much-adored single malt whiskey, Solan No. 1, along with Colonel’s Special, Diplomat Deluxe, and Old Monk rum.

(Feature image credit: bushmills.eu) 

Related: Best Bottles Of Blended Whiskey For The Home Bar, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-Are the oldest distilleries still in operation today?
Yes, some of the oldest are still in operation today, despite changing ownership and experiencing closures for various reasons. 

-What types of whiskey are produced by the oldest distilleries?
Most of the oldest operating ones produce single malt whiskey or peated whiskey.

-Can visitors tour the oldest whiskey distilleries?
Yes, some places, such as Balblair and Bowmore, offer daily tours for visitors interested in gaining insights into the whiskey distillation process.

-What are the specific regions known for hosting multiple old distilleries?
Regions like Scotland and Britain are renowned for hosting numerous old distilleries with rich histories.

-Do the oldest whiskey distilleries adhere to traditional production methods?
While some of the oldest ones maintain their traditional production methods, others have adopted modern techniques and tools.

-Can we buy whiskey directly from these distilleries?
Yes, some of these places have visitor centres and shops where guests can purchase bottles of the brand’s finest offerings.

THE BUSINESS DISTRICT OF Toranomon has a lot going for it these days. Besides a catchy name (Toranomon means “Tiger’s Gate” in Japanese), the neighborhood is ringed by the government offices of Kasumigaseki, the financial center of Marunouchi, and the glitzy shopping of Ginza. This year, a four-skyscraper, decade-plus mega-development called Toranomon Hills was completed, adding a new subway station and enough retail, residential, and commercial space to rival any of Tokyo’s better-known hubs.

Naturally, all that action has attracted a bevy of restaurants and bars, including the relocation to Toranomon of well-established culinary powerhouses like Florilège and Nihonryori Kanda. With the F&B scene really heating up, we’ve curated a roundup of some of our favorite hangouts, starting with the neighborhood’s grande dame…

Rooftop Bar at Andaz Tokyo

The opening of this 52nd-floor bar in 2014 marked the start of Toranomon’s transformation. The giddy views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge from the soaring-ceilinged, semi-open-air terrace and craft cocktails full of Japanese flavors made the neighborhood worth visiting. Nearly a decade later, hotel guests still have to compete with after-work Tokyoites coming for a bit of live music and the bar’s famous sliders. Pro tip: a carafe of Andaz’s original sake “52,” a junmai ginjo produced in collaboration with 150-year-old Miyagi brewer Niizawa, is designed to pair with sushi but goes strangely well with the bar’s truffle fries too.

apothéose

This new wave restaurant by Narisawa protégé Keita Kitamura is part of the newly opened TOKYO NODE complex in Toranomon Hills Station Tower and marks the chef’s triumphant return to Japan after years of being pelted with accolades in Paris. Passing the open-air garden and infinity pool on the way in, it’s easy to forget the restaurant is 49 floors up, but the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Noma-esque monotone dining room quickly make it clear. After that, all focus is on the thrilling delicacy of the food, with ingredients sourced from around Japan coaxed into full-throated flavor.

Gold Bar at EDITION

The Tokyo EDITION’s Insta-worthy bar has been a hit with locals since it opened in 2022. While we were initially drawn in by the shiny black and gold interior, we’ve kept coming back for the rock-solid mixology. Inspired by the golden age of cocktails, the menu features elevated versions of the classics. Think punches, sours, and fizzes dolled up for the new millennium and given a Japanese twist. The recently released Two Faces menu adds to the fun with aspects only visible by blacklight. It’s a lot of flash-bang style, but with plenty of substance too.

Toranomon Brewery

If beers are more your thing, head to this brewpub collaboration between Japan’s Nihonbashi Brewery and Taiwan’s Sunmai. Both companies have their beers on tap, but the must-try is the jointly brewed Lemon Sour Ale, a light and tangy confection that blends the tart flavor of a Japanese bar classic into a lightly hopped ale. Served over ice, it’s weird, delicious, and deeply refreshing. They also have organic salads sourced from a farm in neighboring Kanagawa to balance out the damage of a boozy night.

Tachigui Sushi Akira

This more casual sister restaurant to perennial fave Sushi Shoryu opened in 2021 and takes sushi back to its fast-food roots. Tachigui means “eating while standing” in Japanese and that’s exactly what it sounds like. Akira serves the same quality of seafood as its high-end sibling but by-the-nigiri at a cramped basement counter for just six. You get in, eat delicious sushi at a fast clip, and get out to make room for the next in line. The lighter-on-the-wallet approach has proved popular, particularly at lunch time, so expect to wait for a chance to belly up. And be sure to check their Instagram for their ever-evolving opening hours.

Memento Mori

Tucked into an unassuming corner of the Toranomon Hills Business Tower is Memento Mori, a moody bar with cacao-themed craft cocktails. Put cloyingly sweet chocolate cream liqueurs right out of your mind, though. The cocktails here are more Aztec Xocolatl that Swiss Miss cocoa, with deep complexity and unexpected botanicals. Take the velvety Arequipa, for example. Beet juice and Lapsang Souchong-infused vodka get a bitter-note punch up from fermented cacao syrup and a dusting of Amazon cacao. The menu also includes other far-flung ingredients if chocolate isn’t your thing. The giant water bug G&T is worth a try just for the photo op and bragging rights. And business starts from 2 p.m. for a cheeky afternoon mocktail or parfait.

Kotora Komichi

Kotora Komichi (“Little Tiger Alley”) is the latest in a string of neo-yokochos popping up around Tokyo. Post war, yokocho were hidden alleyways with slap-dash black markets and ramshackle food and drink stands. Most of them have been lost to development, but a renaissance of purpose-built, indoor yokocho is reviving the fun of hopping from booth to booth to try every flavor of regional Japanese soulfood. At Kotora Komichi, you can have a giant sushi roll followed by a Hokkaido lamb skillet and wash it down with Kansai’s famous takoyaki balls, if that’s how you want to roll. The design is over-the-top kitsch, with washi-paper lanterns and brightly lacquered parasols, but after a few carafes of powerful Okinawan awamori, it is the perfect backdrop for a boozy photo shoot.   

Le Pristine

The newest name on this list opened just a few days ago, the first Asian outpost from Dutch master chef Sergio Herman, whose now-shuttered Oud Sluis attained three Michelin stars. Actually, we should say “outposts” because these restaurants are a Toranomon two-fer: Le Pristine Café Tokyo, a sophisticated casual restaurant, and Le Pristine Tokyo by Sergio Herman, a fine-diner set to meld the essence of one-star Le Pristine in Antwerp with the heart of Japan. Watch this space for more information. Or, if you’re in the neighborhood, it won’t be hard to find, with its, unusual for here, glass-windowed façade abuzz with diners at street level.

Eureka!

The honorable mention in this list goes to this sake-focused modern izakaya located in the neighboring Nishi Azabu district because it’s worth every yen of the short cab ride over. Run by well-known sake sommelier Marie Chiba, the counter restaurant’s ever-changing drinks list is full of hard-to-find artisanal brews as well as popular big names. But even total novices need not fret because the knowledgeable staff are pros as finding customers something they’ll like. Just tell them what you normally imbibe, pick an appetizer from the menu of the day, and they’ll do the rest. We recommend starting with the signature poached egg with squid ink mayonnaise for a moreish morsel with visual impact. We guarantee you’ll leave a sake convert.

Lede and hero image courtesy of Hyatt.

It was early evening in Barcelona — that wonderful time in Spain when work was over, but the sun was out, and dinner was still a few hours away. I lounged outside a bar called Morro Fi, drinking vermouth over ice and nibbling olives, potato chips, and conservas, those tinned fish that are such a delicacy in Iberia.

Morro Fi is sleek and modern, with a minimalist interior and an equally minimalist menu. “We only serve vermouth, beer, and snacks,” owner Marcel Fernandez said. “As a kid, I went out with my parents after church for a vermouth, before going to lunch with the family. So, I haven’t been very creative. It’s the same menu a vermutería would have served when I was a kid.”

The best Vermouth bars in Barcelona

The hora del vermut, “vermouth hour,” is a sacred time of day in Barcelona. Originally, it meant sometime around noon or 1 pm, when you had a vermouth and a snack to tide you over until lunch. But these days, the vermouth hour can be any time before a meal, though it usually means day drinking. “We don’t like to be open late at night,” Fernandez said.

Morro Fi operates in a narrow space that was a wineshop from the 1950s until 2010, when Fernandez first opened, after covering the city’s bar scene as a blogger. “This is the perfect bar for me, a contemporary place that hasn’t invented anything,” he said. “I don’t know if this bar would work if you put it in the US”

Vermouth is an aromatised wine, infused with botanicals, herbs, spices, and fruits, that clocks in at around 17 percent alcohol by volume. The ingredients vary but generally include quinine, wormwood, citrus peel, vanilla, gentian root, thyme, ginger, and baking spices. “Producers will say, ‘Ah, our vermouth has thirty or sixty or one million herbs,’ ” said Fernandez, who created his own house vermouth for Morro Fi. “Ours has ten ingredients,” he said, “but they’re secret.”

“Spanish vermouth is not something you spend your time thinking about how complex it is, or how sophisticated you are,” Monti said.”

The historical roots of vermouth lie in Turin, Italy, where the aperitivo became a staple in the late 18th century. By the mid to late 19th century, it was being exported all over the world. Barcelona, in that era, had the largest community of Italian immigrants in Spain, and the local importer of Martini vermouth built a bar that was decorated, in part, by legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

“That’s when vermouth became the drink of choice for Catalans,” François Monti, a Spain-based drinks writer and author of El Gran Libro del Vermut, told me. Catalonia is now the centre of vermouth production in Spain, home to brands including Casa Mariol, Yzaguirre, and Timbal, which can all be found in the US.

One night, I met my friend Lucy Garcia — a Barcelona-based film producer who worked with Anthony Bourdain when he shot in Spain — at Cala del Vermut, near the city’s old Gothic cathedral. There we ate a fantastic tortilla, patatas bravas, and pan con tomate with our vermouth, which was poured from a barrel on the bar. “Fer el vermut (literally ‘to do the vermouth’) was a ritual all around Catalonia but almost disappeared in Barcelona, pretty much around the same time people stopped going to Mass,” Garcia said. “It was basically an old man’s drink until about ten years ago.” That’s when a new generation of trendsetters — like Fernandez — ushered in a vermouth rebirth. At Cala del Vermut that evening, I was surprised to see there were no old men, but rather a good-looking, smartly dressed young crowd.

Spanish vermouth has quite a different taste than its Italian cousin. For one thing, it’s not as bitter, but more citrusy and fresh. And it’s meant to be consumed not in cocktails, but on the rocks, with food. “Spanish vermouth is not something you spend your time thinking about how complex it is, or how sophisticated you are,” Monti said.

In Barcelona, my favourite vermuterías have less to do with the quality of the vermouth, and more with the general feeling, a vibe. When I asked Garcia which was her favourite vermouth bar in Barcelona, she chuckled. “I love the one in front of my apartment.”

Where to drink Vermouth in Barcelona

Morro Fi

One of the places that kicked off the Vermont Renaissance in Barcelona. It has several outposts; the most centrally located is in the L’Eixample neighbourhood.

Senyor Vermut

Just up the street from the original Morro Fi, this makes a perfect second stop for patatas bravas or croquetas.

Quimet & Quimet

This popular Poble Sec spot has some of the most renowned tapas and bocadillos in town, along with house-made vermouth and a large wine list.

Bar Electricitat

You’d be remiss to skip one of the city’s oldest bars, which dates back to 1908.

Cala del Vermut

Next to the Catedral de Barcelona, this narrow spot serves house vermouth from a barrel on the bar.

(Feature image credit: Coke Bartrina)

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: Top 30 Things to Do in Barcelona – Gaudí Landmarks and Cava Bars

IN THE JAPANESE SAKE SCENE, some of the hardest bottles to get your hands on right now are from a tiny Fukushima craft brewer called haccoba. Their iconoclastic offerings, dry hopped like beers or infused with cacoa husks from chocolate production, for example, are outliers in the typically staid industry, yet every batch sells out in a matter of hours, snapped up by fans across the country. 

“We are trying to make sake that pushes the concept of what sake can be, sake that opens up new frontiers,” says 30-year-old founder Taisuke Sato. Motivated by a desire to support the revitalization of Fukushima, he left an IT job in Tokyo in 2019 to learn sake-making from scratch, eventually relocating his family to the little town of Odaka.  

Odaka fell within the exclusion zone established after the meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi in 2011, so for half a decade, the entire town sat empty save for the occasional PPC-wearing decontamination crew demolishing buildings and carting off topsoil. In 2016, that work finally finished and people were allowed back, but after so many years, many former residents had settled elsewhere. Only a fraction returned, many of them elderly. However, the cheaply available land and the flexibility and potential in building a town quite literally from scratch also attracted a handful of new settlers: entrepreneurs looking to try something daring. Sato was able to gather a team of likeminded young professionals and enough crowdfunded capital to renovate an old farmhouse into a brewery and pub, opening haccoba in February 2021. 

Their first brews were dry hopped, reviving a local fermentation technique that nearly died out in the late 1800s when the government banned homebrewing. Prior to that, many Japanese households made their own small-batch sakes called doburoku, and in the Tohoku region, hops were sometimes added as a natural preservative. These early experiments became haccoba’s flagship Hanauta series.  

Hanauta Drops, for example, is brewed with locally grown rice, a Japanese hops variety called Karahana-so, and a blend of yellow and white koji that brings out sweet and sour notes to balance the bitter aromatics of the hops. A touch of fermentation carries on after bottling, imparting a slight effervescence that makes the citrusy concoction even more refreshing. 

haccoba’s team is pursuing more out-of-the-box experimentation with their LAB_series, partnering not only with food producers mundane and surprising (sake from insect egg sacs?!) but also artists, fashion labels, and musicians. A recent release was a collaboration with a fragrance company to create an aromatic sake as powerfully nostalgic as Proust’s iconic cakes, fittingly named ‘Quelle est votre madeleine?’ and sold with a matching beeswax candle.  

You might say collaboration is in haccoba’s DNA. Odaka is still very short on businesses like bars or restaurants. From the beginning, Sato wanted the facility to include a brewpub to provide a much-needed venue for residents to socialize and forge a new sense of community. With sake providing that age-old social lubrication, haccoba is a place Odakans can enjoy themselves together, subtly recrafting a local identity in a place brutally cut off from its own past. 

“Odaka also exists as a kind of frontier now. Because the residents all had to leave, the life of the town ground to a halt. Livelihoods, culture, everything was gone and now it has to be recultivated,” Sato says. “As we try to develop new ways of making sake, I hope we are able to work together with people in Odaka to bring new life to the town too.” 

The Details:

If you visit Fukushima, haccoba’s onsite shop is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the brewpub hours are Friday through Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with reservations. However, if you don’t make it farther north than Tokyo, try your luck at Hakko Department in Shimo-kitazawa, which reliably gets a few bottles of each new release.  

Images courtesy of All About, Inc.

It was early morning on the footpath to Corniglia, and half an hour in, I’d seen more farmers than hikers. Three of them tended to their cliffside vines as I passed by. One was spraying his leaves; another was clearing the scrub around his tiny vineyard; the third rode a toy-size train, called a trenino, on a rail up the steeply terraced cliffside. 

For more than 20 years, Cinque Terre has been one of Italy’s most popular places to visit. Along a 10-mile (16 km) stretch running north up the Ligurian coastline, five villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso — are wedged between cliffs and sea, their pastel-coloured houses stacked up the slopes. The impossible prettiness of it all draws travellers from across the globe.

But above them lies another Cinque Terre, one built on agriculture. For a thousand years, locals have tamed the cliffs by terracing them with stone walls from top to bottom. Their crop: wine, so fine the poet Dante sang its praises and medieval kings and popes guzzled it by the flagon. In the 20th century, however, a combination of emigration, plant disease, and mechanisation (these craggy plots can only be worked by hand) decimated Cinque Terre’s wine industry. Since the 1970s, 90 percent of the acreage once used for viticulture has been abandoned; the terraces that once braided the coastline have, in many places, been swallowed up by scrub.

All about the wine scene of Cinque Terre, Italy

Only a few vintners remain, but today, these holdouts are making some of Italy’s most distinctive wines. Cinque Terre is known for its intensely mineral, saline whites, usually made from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes — a blend that’s officially recognised as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) product. I wanted to explore Cinque Terre through its wine, so I embarked on six days of tastings, cellar visits, and vineyard hikes.

That morning on the footpath to Corniglia, I was looking for Adelaide, a century-old vine of dark Vermentino Nero grapes grown in the Cantina Capellini vineyard. I had learned about it the day before from local Edoardo Lanzi. “Vines are like our kids,” he had told me, stroking a leafy tendril.

Out on the cliff, I looked up. There it was: a vast, wild vine on the terrace above, its tree trunk arms flexed like tentacles. Vines of red grapes, like Adelaide, were once scattered between the whites to keep the vines diverse and healthy, Laura Ampollini told me later. She runs the winery’s open-air Agrivino “tasting room” — a patch of dirt between two rows of vines.

Her husband, Mirco, is the seventh-generation winemaker at Cantina Capellini. Together, they opened the Agrivino in 2020. “We wanted to bring people into the vineyard, to smell the plants and feel the breeze,” she said. “We want to share the history — we have a thousand years of it.”

I continued climbing, past hikers sipping Cinque Terre DOC grown just feet away. Below me, the vines spilt toward the Ligurian Sea, the town of Corniglia clung to the cliff, and boats glided in the bay. It felt like I was dangling from a cloud.

Wine, I was starting to realise, was a portal to the real Cinque Terre. At the wine shop Ghemé, in Riomaggiore, owners Chiara Gasparini and Laura Ricci chatted as they pulled bottles off the shelves, pouring me a glug of each. I picked out my favourites at the bar A Pié de Ma, a five-minute walk away, where manager Barbara Boselli poured me a couple of ice-cool, flinty whites.

In the hilltop village of Groppo, I visited Cantina Cinque Terre, a cooperative founded in 1973 to help preserve local winemaking. Some members are in their eighties: “Take away their vineyard and you take their life,” smiled my server, Martina Andriani, as she poured me a glass of vigne alte, which is made with grapes grown higher on the slopes.

But I didn’t just want to drink; I wanted to experience for myself why Italians dub this gruelling trade “heroic viticulture.” At Buranco, a farm stay in Monterosso, I tried “wine-trekking”: hiking with a bottle in hand. Clambering around the terraces in the blistering heat, I gained an intense appreciation for the vintners’ work.

The next day I headed to Cian du Giorgi Winery, in the hamlet of San Bernardino. In 2017, owners Riccardo Giorgi and Adeline Maillard were working in Bordeaux when they came to Cinque Terre on vacation and stumbled on a semi-ruined vineyard. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Giorgi told me on the terrace as we drank biodynamic rosé brighter than a highlighter pen. The following year, they moved there.

Giorgi stuffed a bottle of white into a backpack and drove us to a cliff looming behind Riomaggiore. “Usually I like to make people hike up, so they can feel the effort,” he grinned. Happily, we took a trenino, which remains the only technology used in Cinque Terre’s vineyards. We cruised up 1,640 feet to the vines — some 90 years old, their arms twisted into sun salutations — and shared a toast as a rainbow arced overhead.

On my last day, the town of Vernazza was choked with visitors, but on its outskirts, Bartolomeo Lercari was calmly pouring organic wine on the terrace overlooking his hilly property, Cheo.

“My family has made wine here for five hundred years,” he said, lining up bottles: three whites, a red, and a sweet sciacchetrà. Later, we walked on land so steep that, as Lercari taught me how to recognise the vines — Vermentino has soft leaves, Bosco’s are harder and shinier — I dug my toes into the earth to stay upright. Below us, Vernazza sat astride its promontory, thrusting out into the sea. Music floated up on the breeze; crowds pushed through the streets. Thanks to the wine, I was high above it all.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

(Feature Image Credit: Uta Theile)

Related: Raise A Toast To The 15 Most Expensive Wines In The World

From bold baking spices to sweet honey — Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskeys come with the most diverse set of flavour notes. No surprise that bottles by the brand fly off the shelves of stores. We’re taking a look at a few that are worth an addition to your home collection.

Few whiskey names can claim to be as popular as Jack Daniel’s. In fact, between pop sensation Kesha singing that she brushes her teeth ‘with a bottle of Jack,” and music legend Frank Sinatra being buried with his favourite expression — it’s no surprise that the brand is deemed one of the world’s best-selling. And at the heart of it all? A man named Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel. The story — largely steeped in mystery — goes that he was taught to distil at the age of 6 by a Lutheran minister named Dan Call. When the latter’s wife had him choose between his faith and alcohol, he sold his distillery to his pupil.

Cut to about a century later and the brand — owned by Brown Forman — is a household name, breaking several spirit records and bagging numerous awards. The Tennessee number — classic American whiskey — features corn, rye, and malted barley that’s filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being aged in handcrafted oak barrels. The payoff is a rich sip with notes of caramel, fruit, and nuts. Variants of the classic Jack Daniel’s rendition bring in more exciting flavour combinations — honey, apple, chocolate, cinnamon, the works — each promising to elevate any whiskey-sipping experience. Here’s a look at a few that are on our radar.

Honey to Fire: Jack Daniel’s bottles to elevate whiskey hour

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Old No. 7

Starting this list out strong is the brand’s classic expression that’s bottled in what’s now been deemed the iconic black-white label. Often referred to as ‘JD’ or just ‘Jack,’ this whiskey goes through a charcoal mellowing process and is aged in white oak barrels. Smooth and mellow, this number pours amber. Every sip sings with notes of caramel, vanilla, wood, and fruits. The finish, meanwhile, is very long. This one’s ideal for mellow Highballs.

Price: INR 1800 onwards (USD 21)

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select

Bottled in small batches with the best stocks of whiskey — one barrel at a time — this expression comes with a higher alcohol content as compared to its classic cousin. In line with this, every sip brings forth familiar caramel, oak, and fruit flavours — albeit with a punchier, more robust quality. The finish is warm and lingering.

Price: INR 7,400 approx. (USD 88)

Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select

A delicious ode to music icon Frank Sinatra — a true JD aficionado who’d often have a bottle on stage — this expression is as unique as they come. Part of the production process involves the use of ‘Sinatra Barrels’ which are marked by deep grooves carved into the staves of the casks — exposing certain whiskey to more wood. This is then fused with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. The payoff? A bold sip that pours a rich amber and offers notes of smoke, oak, and spice in every sip. The finish, meanwhile, is smooth.

Price: INR 14,000 approx. (USD 168)

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey

Reportedly the first flavoured rendition of the classic JD — Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey whiskey is as smooth as they come. Featuring honey liqueur — this expression is mellow, pours, a light amber, and offers whiffs of grain and oak right up front. Every sip is reminiscent of caramel and vanilla. Not to mention, the signature Jack’s flavours. The finish is sweet.

Price: INR 5,500 approx. (USD 66)

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire

A rye that truly hits the spicy spot — this fiery JD rendition is quite popular. It fuses hot cinnamon liqueur with smooth Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. And the signature charcoal-mellowing process brings out the whiskey’s boldness. Every sip sings with notes of pepper, and baking spices like nutmeg, layered fruits, hot chocolate, caramel, and apple. The finish, meanwhile, bursts with hints of pepper and spicy oak.

Price: INR 4,000 approx (USD 48)

Jack Daniel’s Apple

JD’s fruitiest cousin owes its deliciousness to real apples. The latter are blended with the brand’s Old No. 7 — with this fusion being matured in handcrafted barrels and mellowed through the signature maple charcoal process. The payoff? Notes of freshly cut apples, warm caramel, spice, and toffee in every sip. The finish, meanwhile, is rich and smooth with a hint of oak.

Price: INR 3,000 approx. (USD 36)

Cheers!

This story first appeared here.

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing. 

(All images: Courtesy Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey)

Related: Peg Leg Porker: The Whiskey That Beat Big Brands To Be The World’s Best Bourbon

Refreshingly effervescent, sipping from a good pint of chilled beer can be a cathartic experience in itself after a long day. In that vein, beer enthusiasts have plenty of reason to delight in the assortment of best spots in KL and Selangor for craft beer.

Bearing a historical record that stretches as far back as 8000 BC with the Sumerians in ancient Iraq, our relationship with beer is truly an extensive one. So much so in fact that the ancient deity Ninkasi, was venerated by the Sumerians as the goddess of beermaking.

As one of the oldest man-made beverages, one can expect a number of variations on the theme as the popularity of beer grew to span across the globe by way of regional renditions that include everything from lagers, ales, stouts, to porters, among many others. But in its entirety, the beermaking recipe remains largely consistent across the board. Glucose from cereal grains such as barley, wheat, or maize, is fermented by the use of yeast, which converts it into alcohol and CO2.

While the process has been industrialised at scale by billion-dollar corporations, small breweries continue to produce their batches by hand in the time-honoured method by hand, leading to the introduction of craft beer varieties that have since gained a considerable following for their unique flavour profiles and generally improved quality over commercial beer brands sold on supermarket shelves.

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Predictably, this also means that there is plenty to choose from where craft beer houses and halls are concerned right across the span of the Klang Valley, catering to casual drinkers and seasoned aficionados alike. If you find yourself thirsting for a drink or are hoping to expand your tasting palate, consider taking a look at our recommendation for some of the best watering holes in KL and Selangor for craft beer fans.

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10 best spots in KL & Selangor to enjoy craft beer

Immerse in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur with Four Seasons’ contemporary comfort and local flair.

NESTLED IN KUALA LUMPUR’S Golden Triangle neighbourhood, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a modern oasis offering luxury accommodations, exquisite dining and rejuvenating wellness experiences.

Housed in a sleek 65-story skyscraper adjacent to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the hotel’s 209 rooms and suites provide sophisticated comfort with dazzling city views and a location that places you in the heart of KL’s business, retail and entertainment hub.

Guests enjoy prime access to the 100-acre Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) complex, teeming with upscale shopping, dining and nightlife. Gaze at lush park vistas or stroll the tropical gardens and jogging paths of 20-hectare KLCC Park, directly accessible from the hotel.

Just a 55-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur delivers luxury accommodation, gourmet dining and relaxing wellness experiences in one of KL’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Award-Winning Sustainability at Bar Trigona

For the fourth consecutive year, Bar Trigona at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has claimed the title of Malaysia’s Best Bar at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Ranking an impressive number 36 overall, Trigona continues to put Malaysia on the international cocktail map with its groundbreaking focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.

The decor of Bar Trigona, which is named after a native Malaysian stingless bee species, draws inspiration from honeycombs and bee habitats. Signatures like the Smokey Trigona infuse artisanal, organic honey into complex libations.

Beyond cocktails, Bar Trigona offers honey flights sourced from local, sustainable bee farms and has run an Adopt a Beehive program to protect habitats and empower surrounding communities for years. 

The bar’s roots-to-shoots ethos minimises waste by utilising every part of local botanicals. The new Foraged Malaysia menu highlights four distinct regions through inventive zero-waste cocktails. Goin’ Bananas incorporates banana peel, blossom, stem and leaf for bold new flavours and trailblazing sustainability. 

With tantalising botanical cocktails and a celebration of Malaysian culture, it’s no wonder Bar Trigona has ascended to the upper echelon of Asia’s most outstanding bars for five years running. Its unwavering innovation continues to put Malaysia in the global cocktail spotlight.

Multi-Sensory Dining Experiences

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers an array of dining journeys under Executive Chef Junious Dickerson.

Yun House spotlights Chinese regional cuisine, notably Cantonese specialities and artisanal dim sum, alongside Chinese-inspired cocktails, mocktails and teas. A bold yet refined dining room with floor-to-ceiling views sets the scene.

CurATE delivers all-day dining and a globally inspired buffet with personalised dishes prepared just for you. Watch as chefs hand-pull noodles, toss fresh pizzas and more at interactive cooking stations. Sleek textures and a striking glass art installation define the modern interior and open kitchen.

For authentic Malaysian flavours and Western classics, The Lounge at Four Seasons offers refined relaxation and traditional afternoon tea. By day, Pool Bar and Grill is an urban oasis with Middle Eastern mezze and libations.

Dynamic Wellness Journeys

With eight indulgent treatment rooms, including suites and couple’s rooms, The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s spa blissfully melts tension away.

Try signature therapies like the deeply relaxing Rotan Manau Herbal Tungku massage or Mesotherapy, which utilises modern electrotherapy to revitalise both skin and body.

Stay in shape in the fully equipped gym with panoramic city skyline views, or unwind poolside in an infinity pool lined with plush cabanas and sweeping urban vistas.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur immerses guests in KL’s cosmopolitan energy through sleek accommodations, dedicated sustainability, and authentic local experiences in dining, wellness and more. 

To discover award-winning drinking, dining and wellness at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, please visit: www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur

Article Sponsored by Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.
Images courtesy of Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

A postcard-perfect region between Inverness and Aberdeen is home to half of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Whiskies from here are fruity and nutty — their deliciousness translating to wild popularity and a sea of bottles populating the aisles of alcohol stores. Naturally, picking the perfect one for your next on-the-rocks ritual could become an exercise in exhaustion. We recommend taking cues from the cosmos with this breezy guide to the best Speyside single malts for each zodiac sign.

In Scotland, over 50 popular distilleries are peppered across breathtaking verdant hills surrounding the pristine Spey River. The region’s dry climate, mineral-rich water, and quality barley lead to the production of the most smooth, soft, and fruit-forward whiskies — single malt to blends, breezy and grassy to rich and sweet. This is courtesy of being aged in sherry casks. Some of the best brands in the business — Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Aberlour — fall within this category of usquebaugh. Needless to say, there’s nary an alcohol store around the world that doesn’t have a Speyside bottle on offer.

A quick peek will reveal labels displaying varying age statements, production techniques, and prices — each promising a unique on-the-rocks experience. Needless to say, zeroing in on the perfect, most investment-worthy option involves plenty of trial and error. To save time, however, we recommend looking at the stars. Considering our astrological identities determine our most dominant traits — which in turn influences our choices in clothes, food, or even partners — they might just be able to point to a bottle that’s got the potential to be a go-to. Here’s a look at the best Speyside single malts for each zodiac sign.

Best single malts from Speyside Scotland for each zodiac sign

Aries: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old

Those born under this bold fire sign would enjoy a Speyside single malt that mirrors their warmth and spunk. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old fits the bill. Aged in American and European sherry-seasoned oak casks, every sip of this amber sings with hints of ginger, cloves, oak spice, and nutmeg — giving it the kind of spicy character that’s reminiscent of Aries’ personality. There are also notes of caramel, raisins, toffee, vanilla, and orange to discover. The finish, meanwhile, is long and luxurious. This whiskey is an award-winning one, bagging titles at several prestigious events. If that doesn’t make it desirable to this competitive fire sign we don’t know what will.

Taurus: Glenfiddich 18 Years

Those born under this dependable zodiac sign would be drawn to practical, timeless, elegant whiskies. Enter, Glenfiddich 18 Years. Home to some of the world’s best-selling Speyside single malts — every bottle from this distillery is underlined by careful production techniques and a long history of resilience during Prohibition. These are signs of quality and endurance that this methodical and persevering earth sign would appreciate. Every sip sings with notes of dates, oak, candied peel, and dried fruit. On the nose are hints of baked apple, with the finish being warm. An opulent choice that luxurious Taurus would find worth the investment.

Gemini: Glen Grant 10 Year Old

Free-spirited and social Geminis would enjoy a whisky that’s as elegant and popular as them. The best-selling Glen Grant 10-Year-Old — from a famous Scottish distillery — checks all of these boxes and more. Aged in Bourbon barrels, this Speyside single malt pours a bright golden. Every sip sings with notes of pear and vanilla. The finish is complex and satisfying, with a soft, creamy mouthfeel. This amber is gentle and approachable — qualities most associated with this air sign.

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Cancer: Longmorn The Distiller’s Choice

As the biggest comfort-seekers of the zodiac, the emotional and nurturing Cancers would enjoy a single malt that makes them feel right at home. Enter, the warm and indulgent Longmorn The Distiller’s Choice. Aged in a combination of bourbon barrels, hogsheads, and sherry casks — this layered Speyside number sings with notes of ginger, toffee, milk chocolate, caramel, and pear. Sweet and elegant — just like this water sign — this Speyside single malt is as smooth as they come.

Leo: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

As the royalty of the cosmic jungle, nothing less than the best, most opulent whiskies would do for Leos. Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old — with the tagline ‘When you’re at the top, the only competition is yourself.’ — is the perfect choice. Hailing from a distillery that’s known for some of the world’s best-selling Speyside single malts — this 12-year-old expression is aged in Spanish sherry, American bourbon, and oak barrels. This combined with a high-cut distillation technique lends the amber a bright fruity character. Every sip of the golden number is reminiscent of pear, fresh fruit, creamy butterscotch, and oak. The finish, meanwhile, is long. This one’s quite rich — an adjective most associated with this fire sign.

Virgo: Glenlivet 15 Year Old

The hard-working and grounded Virgos would appreciate a quality, dependable whisky that appeases their need for perfection. Enter, Glenlivet 15 Years Old. The distillery is home to some of the world’s oldest single malt Scotches. As such, its bottles come highly recommended by connoisseurs — including the 15-year-old expression. Aged in Limousin French Oak — often used for cognacs — the production process of this amber is closely monitored and controlled to arrive at a delicate, delightful spiciness. Every sip offers notes of almonds and fruits as well. This one’s complex and layered — qualities often associated with this sharp earth sign.

Libra: Aberlour 12-Year-Old Double Cask Matured

The sophisticated and charming Libras seek harmony in every aspect of their lives. As such, they’d be drawn to the well-balanced Arbelour 12-Year-Old. Marked by a double-cask maturation — sherry and bourbon — this Speyside single malt pours gold. Every sip sings with notes of milk chocolate and brown sugar. This one’s known to be sweet, soft, and popular — qualities most associated with this air sign.

Scorpio: Craigellachie Speyside 17 Years

Bold and passionate Scorpios would find their ‘bad boy’ reputation mirrored in the rebellious spirit of Craigellachie Speyside 17 Years. Unlike most other Speyside numbers, this expression is rich and robust. Aged in a rare blend of casks, this amber is smooth and mellow with notes of pineapple, vanilla, and smoky liquorice. The brand positions this amber as unapologetic — a quality often associated with this water sign.

Sagittarius: Benromach 10 Years

The free-spirited and fun-loving Sagittarius would find a kindred spirit in Benromach 10 Years — which is as popular as them. Matured in the finest of oaks, this Speyside number pours a golden amber. On the nose are hints of green apple, pear, dark honey, and soft vanilla. Every sip, meanwhile, offers notes of warm toffee, cherry, and malted cereal. The finish is full-bodied. The brand believes in making whisky that has genuine character — a little detail that the straightforward fire sign would relate to and appreciate.

Capricorn: The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica

The hardworking, luxury-loving Capricorns would enjoy a single malt that’s high-quality and timeless. Just like Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica — which comes from one of the most reputable names in the whisky business. A celebration of Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans — this one’s created to be paired with a cup of ‘Joe. An ideal combination for this hustler of an earth sign who’d need to fuel up to keep working through the day. Every sip sings with notes of cherries, walnuts, vanilla, toffee, raisins, and gently spiced Americano. The finish, meanwhile, is soft and creamy. This aside, the coffee-alcohol combination is akin to Capricorn’s ‘work hard, play hard’ motto.

Aquarius: Glenallachie Speyside 12 Year

Those born under the rebellious and progressive sign of Aquarius would be drawn to Glenallachie Speyside’s approach of going ‘against the grain.’ The young, independent distillery moves away from all things corporate to focus on good whisky. The 12-year expression is at the heart of it all. It pours deep mahogany and offers notes of heather honey, butterscotch, raisins, mocha, and cinnamon on the nose. Every sip, meanwhile, sings with damsons, dark chocolate, figs, dates, and orange zest. This one’s popular amongst connoisseurs — a little detail that this conversationalist of a zodiac sign would enjoy dropping into interactions.

Pisces: Aultmore 12 Years

Those born under the sensitive and whimsical sign of Pisces — represented by fishes — would enjoy the sweet, refreshing experience of Aultmore 12 Years. This whisky has been a favourite of local fishermen in the region for over 100 years. Clean and smooth, every sip offers notes of rosemary, thyme, apple, pears, vanilla, and grass. The finish, meanwhile, is long and aromatic floral. This one’s uncomplicated, delicate, and ethereal — all adjectives commonly associated with this dreamy water sign.

Cheers!

This story first appeared here.

Currency conversions were done at the time of writing. 

(All images: Courtesy Shutterstock/Brands)

Related: Smooth Single Malts To Add To Your Whisky Collection, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of whisky is Speyside?
Speyside whisky is best understood as a Scotch that’s been produced in the Speyside region of Scotland. Popular brands are The Macallan, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich.

2. What does Speyside single malt taste like?
Speyside whisky — single malt or blend — is typically fruity, with notes of apples, vanilla, honey, and spices. This is courtesy of the sherry casks that are used for ageing.

3. Is Glenfiddich Speyside or Highland?
Glenfiddich is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Dufftown, Moray.

At the latest edition of the prestigious Singapore World Spirits Competition, a hickory charcoal-filtered whiskey from a brand helmed by a popular pitmaster bagged the best bourbon title. Each sip singing with notes of vanilla, toffee, and biscuits — a bottle pairs well with all things barbecued. Here’s all about it.

For decades, bartenders around the globe have turned to bourbon whiskey for their concoctions — with big brand bottles being a common sight across bars and restaurants. Sweet and smooth, this form of malt comes from America and has carved a space for itself in the drinking habits of connoisseurs and amber enthusiasts alike. It’s also known for being delicious when served alongside smoked meats. Most recently, Peg Leg Porker’s delicious Tennessee Straight (White Label) expression was deemed the finest of its kind by a panel of industry experts at the Singapore World Spirits Competition (SWSC). The latter is the newest member of The Tasting Alliance — the name behind the San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) — and celebrates the finest alcohol options in the market.

The world’s best bourbon is a Peg Leg Porker Spirits’ signature

 

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Carey Bringle runs the wildly popular eponymous Peg Leg Porker BBQ restaurant in Nashville and has over 10 years of experience to his name. His deep love for bourbon whiskey — as well as how it pairs like a dream with barbecued creations — led him to be the first pitmaster in the US to start his own brand.

The prizewinning, signature, 90 Proof Tennessee Straight Bourbon (White Label) is filtered through custom-made hickory charcoal and features 80 percent corn, 8 percent rye, and 8 percent malted barley. Aged between four to six years, it was crafted to be savoured alongside heart portions of pulled pork and sausages. Bold and smooth, every sip offers notes of biscuits, caramel, toffee, vanilla, flowers, and spice. For cocktails, the brand recommends fusing it with ginger beer and sweet tea.

 

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Besides this, the brand’s 8-year-old expression was awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits competition in the first year of its launch (2015). The 12-year-old amber, meanwhile, is wildly popular — with only 136 cases being released and quickly selling out — and won the Double Gold Medal at the same competition. Even today, supplies of this malt are limited. These aside, there’s also a 15-year-old number on offer.

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At the moment, this bourbon whiskey is priced at about USD 40

For more information, head here.

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All images credit: Peg Leg Porker

Related: All About Ardbeg 25 Years Old That’s Been Crowned The World’s Best Scotch Whisky

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which whiskeys are bourbon?

Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams, and Woodford Reserve are popular bourbon whiskey brands.

2. Is bourbon whisky a Scotch?

Bourbon and Scotch are different types of whiskey. The former is from the US and the latter is from Scotland.