The 5 Best Whiskey Distilleries for Weekend Trips

When thinking of the most popular beverages to pair with a cigar, whiskey instantly comes to mind. And with summer here, what better time to take a trip to a whiskey distillery near you.

The whiskey industry has exploded over the last several years, creating countless amazing distilleries across the U.S. Well, there’s almost 2,000 of them to be exact. 

As you’d expect, a large majority of these whiskey distilleries are situated in Kentucky and Tennessee, but there are many other states that are putting their unique spin on the spirit. All providing exciting tours, elaborate tasting rooms and other unique experiences when you visit their distillery. 

That’s why the Cigar World team wanted to compile five of the most talked about, most historic, and most unique whiskey distilleries across America. So, no matter if you want to venture north, south, east or west, there’s a great chance there’s at least one of the best distilleries a hop, skip or jump away. Let us know your favorite distillery in the comments!

St. George Spirits - California

If you’re living on the west coast and are interested in visiting a whiskey distillery, don’t pass up St. George Spirits. Now, you may be thinking, “California for whiskey? Really?” And the answer is yes, really. In the last three decades they’ve gone from a one-man-shop to a full-fledged operation. You’ll get to sample whiskey on your tour as well as their other spirits like absinthe or gin.

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Jack Daniels - Tennessee

This should come as no surprise. Without a doubt, Jack Daniel’s is the most famous whiskey brand in the world, and if you’re a fan, these hallowed grounds should be on the top of your list for a trip. You’ll get to explore their long history and drink in the culture as well as their fantastic whiskey.

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Buffalo Trace - Kentucky

Within the last few years, if you were to ask die-hard whiskey fans what distillery they're itching to visit, you’d get countless responses around Buffalo Trace. Once here, you’ll find a myriad of options for tours. There’s a botanical gardens tour, a ghost tour, and of course, the bourbon production tour.

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High West - Utah

Park City, the land of endless skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures is now also home to some iconic whiskey brands. High West produces fan-favorites like American Prairie, A Midwinter Night’s Dram, and Bourye. Their distillery is nothing short of state-of-the-art, and it’s conveniently located to Old Town Park City. 

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Kings County - New York

Although New York doesn’t have a deep history when it comes to whiskey production, Frank’s quote for NYC holds true, “if you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.” Kings County is and has been shaking things up in the industry, consistently focusing on experimentation within their whiskey making. And, to be honest, nothing less of that is expected from this Brooklyn brand. 

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The best cigar to bring on a whiskey trip.

Out of all the amazing cigars you could enjoy on a whiskey distillery trip, why not enjoy one that’s from the minds of whiskey makers themselves? That’s right, we’re talking about the Buffalo Trace Cigar from Meier & Dutch. 

This majestic stick comes draped in a silky Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper and features delicious notes of leather, spice and cedar in every puff. It could possibly be the ultimate cigar to enjoy with any bourbon.

Have you been to any distilleries? Let us know your favorite!