Top 10 Whisky Distilleries in the World

Whisky is a popular alcoholic drink that is loved worldwide. This beverage results from various processes, including fermentation, distillation, and aging. These processes are carried out in specialized places called distilleries. Are you looking for the top 10 whisky distilleries in the world? If so, you’re on the right page, as I will discuss some world-renowned distilleries. 

 

As you know, whisky is produced worldwide, so there are tons of distilleries operating. However, some of them are distributed only in specific regions. I conducted thorough research and chose whisky distilleries that have worldwide distribution. Let’s run down these whisky distilleries and discuss why they are so popular.

 

Top 10 Whisky Distilleries in the World

 

In the section below, you’ll find distilleries from different countries. I aim to provide whisky options for customers from almost every part of the world. However, the pricing and overall quality of these distilleries can vary, so you must consider them.

 

1- Cotswolds Distillery

 

Cotswolds Distillery is not the oldest, having been founded in 2014. A New Yorker named Daniel Szor, who worked in England, started this brand. Initially, this distillery was more focused on gin. However, in 2017, they introduced the first whisky, which received decent customer attention. 

 

Currently, this brand offers a wide range of products, including whisky, gin, and liquors. You can visit this distillery; they offer one tour each day that lasts about 90 minutes. During this tour, you’ll learn about their production process and overall warehouses. You’ll also get the taste of almost all of their products, which is a big plus.

 

2- Abasolo 

 

Abasolo is a Mexican brand founded in late 2015. This brand is known for its focus on making corn whisky. They use 100% Mexican Cacahuazintle corn, which gives their whisky a unique taste. Additionally, the whisky is produced at distilleries located at around 7,800 feet above sea level.

 

Remember, this distillery is located in Jilotepec de Molina Enríquez, Mexico, which is known for its elevation. This means the whisky ages at different temperatures and pressures due to altitude. This also affects the taste of their whisky, giving it an edge over the competitors. Interestingly, this distillery is one of a kind, located at such a high altitude.

 

3- Old Bushmills Distillery

 

Bushmills is one of the oldest distillers, dating back to 1608. In fact, this is one of the earliest distilleries to receive a license to distill and make whisky. This brand saw both good and bad times and remained stable throughout its journey. That indicates customers’ trust in this brand. Interestingly, this distillery became very popular in the 1950s. Why? 

 

That’s because whisky from this brand has appeared in various movies and ad campaigns. It is based in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, making Irish whisky with pride. Additionally, this company also offers tours for customers. This means you can visit, understand their production process, and enjoy a good time.

 

4- Kavalan Distillery

 

Kavalan Distillery is located in Yilan County, Taiwan, and produces a range of whiskies. This whisky distillery is suitable for customers who want a budget-friendly option. Just one year after its foundation, this brand launched its first spirit. In 2008, they also released their first-ever whisky, which customers loved. 

 

Since then, this brand has earned an excellent reputation among the world’s best whisky makers. Interestingly, this distillery is located in Taiwan, where humidity is more common. So this weather helps during the aging process. The whisky ages quickly due to the higher humidity, developing a richer flavor. The whisky made by this company is shipped worldwide.

 

5-  Isle of Raasay Distillery

 

This is a Scottish distillery named after its location. Situated on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland, this brand began whisky production in 2017. Today, it’s considered one of the most reliable options among modern whisky makers. This brand offers both gin and whisky with no artificial colouring additives.

 

This means that their products come with natural colours and taste. However, there is a drawback: this brand’s whisky is very expensive. This means you get high-quality whisky with natural flavour but at a high price. So I consider it a favourable option for enthusiasts who prefer whisky’s flavour over its price. Additionally, this distillery welcomes tourists four days a week. So you can visit this Scottish distillery and taste before purchasing.

 

6- Glenora Distillery

 

This is Canada’s first distillery to produce single malt whisky. Founded in 1989, the brand is headquartered on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. They offer whiskies that differ in their aging and maturation periods. The older ones naturally taste richer and more flavorful. Interestingly, the brand ended up in a legal dispute over its name.

 

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) took them to court over the use of “Glen”. They argued that “Glen” is closely tied to Scotch whisky names. But this whisky is made in Canada. After several legal battles, Glenora Distillery won the case in 2009. Right after the victory, they released their Glen Breton single malt whisky. It was a 15-year-old expression, rich with flavor.

 

7- Buffalo Trace Distillery

 

Buffalo Trace Distillery was founded in 1775 in Kentucky, USA. To date, it is still in the same place but has grown larger than it was at the start. This brand offers whisky of various tastes, which enhances its value. Interestingly, this distillery underwent several name changes over the years. However, in 1999, its name was finalized as “Buffalo Trace Distillery”. 

 

This company is considered a pioneer in aged whisky and vodka. It will be fair to say this distillery is among the most visited by customers. Why? This is because of its history, which piques customers’ curiosity. If you want to visit this American distillery, you must book a tour in advance. In case you don’t book a tour, you may not be allowed to see it due to busy schedules.

 

8- Puni

 

Puni Distillery was founded in 2010 by the Ebensperger family. It is an Italian brand that focuses on whisky’s taste above all else. This company was named after the nearby Puni River. They started making whisky in 2010, but it was not ready for use or shipment. 

 

As you know, whisky requires a specific aging period to mature, which gives it taste and flavour. After patiently waiting for over three years, “the first whiskies, Nova and Alba, were bottled in 2015. Each of these whiskies sold in glass bottles had a unique taste and flavor. The distillery focuses on producing 100% pure barley malt whisky. 

 

9- Stauning Whisky Distillery

 

Stauning is Denmark’s first whisky distillery, opened in 2005 near Skjern in western Denmark. Interestingly, this company was the idea of nine friends from different professions. A doctor, a chef, a butcher, a teacher, a helicopter pilot, and four engineers started this distillery. 

 

Today, it produces a 100% Danish terroir whisky using locally grown grains. The whisky produced by this distillery meets international standards. This company produces almost a million litres of spirit (whisky) each year. I considered Stauning Whisky a prominent brand among modern European whisky producers.

 

10- Lark Distillery

 

Lark Distillery is located in Tasmania, Australia. Interestingly, the brand was founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Lyn Lark. They successfully launched it in 1992, and it’s now regarded as one of Australia’s most renowned whisky distilleries. In 1998, they released their first commercial single malt. It’s worth noting that Australian whisky producers faced stringent regulations back in the 1900s.

 

Because of that, pretty much all producers stopped making whisky. Lark was the first to revive whisky production in Australia after nearly 150 years. Over the past 30 years, the team has crafted high-quality whisky that draws enthusiasts from around the world. You can always visit Lark Distillery to see the production process firsthand and taste Tasmanian whisky right there.

 

Quick Disclaimer: We are not associated with any of the whisky distilleries discussed above. Our purpose in writing this piece is to guide distilleries operating worldwide. In case you want to visit any of them, you’ll have to contact their officials. You can do it by visiting the official websites, as all the whisky distilleries we discuss in this article have websites.

 

Conclusion

 

Let’s conclude: Whisky is widely used in almost every part of the world. Due to high demand, the whisky production is considered a lucrative business. So, you’ll see many distilleries in every country. However, deciding which distillery to trust is challenging. In this article, I have discussed the top whisky producers. 

 

They distribute their whisky bottles worldwide. If you want to taste before purchase, you can visit these distilleries by booking a tour. I highly recommend this tour because it lets you see the whisky-making process. Additionally, all the brands mentioned above allow bulk purchases at their distilleries. This means you can purchase their whisky if you like the taste and flavor.