With an abundance of distilleries worldwide, choosing which ones to explore can be a daunting task. Fear not! We have curated a list of the most incredible bars, bucket-list destinations, and unique venues that are worth a special trip or an addition to your travel plans. Whether you're a pioneer seeking bragging rights or simply after a one-of-a-kind experience, these eight stops will provide memorable drinking adventures you won’t find anywhere else.
Highest Altitude: Breckenridge Distillery or Orma
Breckenridge, Colorado or Silvaplana, Switzerland
At an elevation of 9,600 feet above sea level, Colorado’s Breckenridge Distillery claims the title of the highest-altitude distillery in the U.S. Nestled on the outskirts of a ski-resort town in the majestic Rocky Mountains, this distillery offers a remarkable selection of bourbon and other whiskeys. It's also home to an art-filled restaurant and cocktail bar, where you might even catch a glimpse of the exclusive Dark Arts Club, accessible to members only.
However, to find the highest-altitude distillery worldwide, we must travel to Switzerland. Orma, located at the summit of St. Moritz, produces its single malt whiskey at a staggering 10,836 feet above sea level.
Longest Bar in the World: Nearest Green Distillery
Shelbyville, Tennessee
Image Courtesy of Nearest Green Distillery
Make sure to include this on your travel itinerary for 2023! Nearest Green Distillery, famous for its Uncle Nearest whiskey, will be opening the Humble Baron bar in March 2023. Spanning an impressive 525 linear feet, it will claim the title of the longest bar in the world. This whiskey-centric complex, affectionately referred to as "Malt Disney" by founder Fawn Weaver, is a must-visit destination.
Lowest Altitude: M&H Whisky Distillery
Tel Aviv, Israel
The Dead Sea, a salt-laden lake situated on the border of Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank, boasts the lowest land elevation on earth, approximately 1,385 feet below sea level. Tel Aviv's own Milk & Honey Distillery is capitalizing on this unique location to experiment with the influence of low elevation on aging whiskey.
Most Athletic: High West Distillery & Saloon
Park City, Utah
Located in a ski town, High West Distillery & Saloon is the world's first ski-in gastro-distillery. While you can't ski directly into the distillery itself, you'll find it adjacent to Park City Resort’s Quittin’ Time ski run and next to the Town Lift. In early 2022, High West even introduced a pop-up bar near Northern California's Mammoth Mountain, allowing patrons to ski right up to the bar.
Most Historic: Bols
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bols lays claim to the title of the oldest distillery in continual operation. Established in 1575 by the Bulsius family, later shortened to Bols, this Amsterdam-based distillery is renowned for its genever, a malty spirit akin to gin, and a wide range of liqueurs. The "House of Bols" welcomes visitors for tours, showcasing a scent "library" and a Flair Booth where you can learn flashy cocktail moves from mixology pros.
Most Remote: St Helena Distillery or Myken Distillery
Saint Helena Island or Myken, Norway
Determining the most remote distillery is no easy task. St Helena Distillery poses a significant challenge with its location on a tiny island 1,200 miles off the coast of South Africa. Only accessible via a five-day cruise on the HMS Helena, which embarks once every three weeks, this distillery produces gin, rum, liqueurs, and the unique Tungi, a clear liquor distilled from prickly pears grown on the island.
Another strong contender for remoteness is Myken Distillery, situated on a tiny island 20 miles from the nearest point on the Norwegian mainland. It produces gin and single malt whisky, including the renowned Arktisk Vintergin (Arctic Winter Gin), said to capture the essence of the Northern Lights.
Most Theatrical: Lost Spirits Distillery
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lost Spirits Distillery takes theatrics to a whole new level. The former Los Angeles establishment gained recognition for its Willy Wonka-esque boat tour through the distillery. However, in 2020, the distillery relocated to Las Vegas, where it unveiled a rum distillery and a literal circus in 2021. Step into a world of wonder as you wander through immersive theater sets, with a working distillery enclosed in this extravagant, circus-inspired experience. After all, this is Vegas!
Most Young-at-Heart: J. Rieger & Co.
Kansas City, Missouri
Technically an old brand, J. Rieger & Co. was founded in 1887 in Kansas City, Missouri, but fell victim to Prohibition. Revived in 2014 as J. Rieger, this brand has grown and expanded, now occupying a vast 60,000-square-foot facility. Apart from their exceptional spirits, the new space houses a historical exhibit, a speakeasy-like basement club called Hey! Hey! Club, and the Electric Park Garden Bar, an outdoor venue named after the nearby amusement park that once inspired a young Walt Disney. And to add a touch of whimsy, there's a 40-foot-long spiral slide that visitors of all ages can enjoy, sliding from the second level to a ground-floor gift shop.
Ready to embark on a journey to the world's most extraordinary drinking destinations? Add these remarkable spots to your bucket list, and get ready to indulge in unparalleled experiences. Cheers!
Last Updated: July 28, 2023
