Neha Mehrotra
26-Mar-2026
If your love for whisky goes beyond drinking, these destinations should be on your list.
The global whisky tourism has long been dominated by the markets of Scotland, Edinburgh & Japan. People have flocked to these destinations for a first-hand whisky tasting experience and to witness the origins of their favourite spirits. But more recently, there has been a shift from a time where distilleries were just operational plants with a visitor centre to now, where they’re designed around the visitor experience with Michelin dining, barrel room experiences, local immersions and a lot more.
Today, the global whisky tourism industry is valued at $19.17 billion and shows strong signs of growth. India, with its obvious love for whisky, is unsurprisingly booming, driven by the global success of Indian single malts. Distilleries like the Paul John Experience Center, Amrut Distilleries are offering whisky enthusiasts a chance to explore the craft behind everything that goes into the spirit. This International Whisky Day, take the cue to explore the best whisky distilleries to visit in the world & India — from bucket-list international journeys to weekend getaways closer to home. Take a look:
What to Expect on a Whisky Tour Experience?
A whisky tour is your real-life handbook to your favourite spirit. Whisky tours in Scotland are the most popular ones, and it is here where you can learn everything there is to know about the distillery, its history, the whisky-making process, and the products that they produce. Some craft distillery tours also offer interactive displays on malting, fermentation, and distillation and open up their warehouses and ageing rooms for a glimpse into how time shapes flavour.
The Best Whisky Tours in the World:
1. The Macallan Estate & Distillery, Scotland
The Macallan distillery is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery in the north-east of Scotland. The distillery is as renowned for its award-winning single malts as it is for its striking, undulating architecture. You can explore immersive exhibitions, gain insight into The Macallan’s meticulous wood and cask selection process, and indulge in curated tastings that showcase the depth and complexity of its whiskies. The Macallan whisky tour is elevated further with fine dining options and panoramic views of the estate, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an extravagant whisky distillery experience.
2. Paul John Visitor Center, Goa, India
As India’s first whisky visitor centre, the Paul John distillery tour is the perfect detour from your usual holidays in Goa. Situated close to the coastal area in Cuncolim, Goa, it gives you a chance to escape to quiet beaches like Cavelossim and Mobor and return and uncover the art of Paul John Single Malts. The experience walks you through every stage of production—from mashing to distillation in custom copper pot stills. Wander among towering casks, soak in the heady aromas, and venture into underground cellars. With multiple packages to choose from, the tour culminates in a guided tasting of 3–5 expressions, depending on your selection.
3. Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland
If you are a whisky connoisseur, Glenfiddich might take the top spot on your shelf. In the heart of Speyside, Scotland, is where the award-winning single malt whisky took birth, and it is here where the Glenfiddich Distillery stands. Tour options include the Glenfiddich Tour, a 1.5-hour tour of the distillery followed by a tasting of four signature whiskies. For a more intense experience, the Malt Master Tour explores the Solera process in Warehouse 8, then steps into the Malt Master’s blending room to taste four cask-strength and 15-year-old samples. The tour also allows you to blend your own version of Glenfiddich 15 and take home a personalised sample. Alternatively, the Milestones Tour is a 4-hour tour where you can trace over 130 years of Glenfiddich’s history, visit Warehouses 8 and 12, fill your own 20 cl bottle from a specially selected cask, and explore the cooperage and bottling hall. Finish with a masterclass tasting and a two-course lunch.
4. Suntory Yamazaki, Japan
It’s not every day you get to witness how the first-ever bottle of Japanese whisky was created. Suntory’s Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, is located at the foot of Mt Tennozan, southwest of Kyoto, and is one of the most famous whisky tourism destinations. The tour allows you to take a look into the site where Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki is produced. Experience its unique aroma and temperature, see countless shapes of pot stills and cask types and enjoy Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki, Component Whiskys and Yamazaki Highball post-tour. You also get to take home a Yamazaki Original Tasting Glass. You can also enrich your knowledge about the history of whisky through numerous exhibits, while the tasting lounge offers the opportunity to taste whiskies that can be tasted nowhere else.
5. Indri Experience Center, Haryana, India
Indri has taken the global whisky stage by storm and ever since its launch it has easily become a popular choice for whisky enthusiasts. And the Indri Experience center in Haryana elevates that journey further. Inspired by northern Indian havelis, the state-of-the-art center is anchored around a grand courtyard and a 20-foot-high porte-cochère. Within, you’ll find a bar, tasting room, museum, merchandise boutique, and even a dedicated lab. During the tour, you can trace the whisky-making journey in its entirety—from cask selection to maturation—while sampling Indri Single Malt, crafted by Piccadilly Agro Industries Limited. Set against the scenic backdrop of the maturation hall, the center also offers exclusive putting and chipping greens.
6. Johnnie Walker Experience Centre, Edinburgh
Located on the iconic Princes Street in Edinburgh, the Johnnie Walker Experience Centre is a fully immersive, multi-sensory journey into the world of Scotch whisky, spread across eight floors. At the core of the experience is the signature “Journey of Flavour” tour, a guided, interactive session that curates a tasting experience with cocktails and whisky served tailored to your palate. The experience features multiple bars and dining spaces, including a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city skyline and Edinburgh Castle, and curated food pairings, including Michelin-level tasting experiences. For those looking to take a piece of the experience home, the ground-floor retail space offers exclusive and limited-edition whiskies, along with the option to bottle your own blend and personalise it with an engraving. The centre also houses “The Vault”, a private blending experience where guests can create bespoke whiskies with rare casks under expert guidance.
7. Amrut Distillery, Bangalore, India
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the distillery offers an immersive look into the craftsmanship behind its award-winning expressions. The experience takes you through every stage of whisky-making—from the careful selection of barley to the nuances of fermentation and distillation in custom copper pot stills. As you move through the facility, you’ll gain insight into how India’s unique climate accelerates maturation, shaping complex flavour profiles. The tour also highlights the diverse cask programme, with whiskies aged in American oak, ex-bourbon, and other carefully sourced barrels. A guided tasting at the end brings the journey full circle, allowing you to savour Amrut’s signature styles while understanding the craft behind every sip.
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