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Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel, Inner Hebrides
Winners of Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year and Tourism Destination of the Year in the 2022 Scottish Whisky Awards, the Isle of Raasay is one of the few places in the world where you can stay in the very same building where the whisky is actually made. Located on a small island just 25 minutes on the ferry from Skye, Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel opened in 2022, offering luxury rooms, breathtaking views, delicious food, and of course, endless amounts of that smoky single malt Scotch they are becoming renowned for.
Glenmorangie House, Scottish Highlands
Planning a whisky-tour of Scotland and looking for somewhere special to stay? It doesn’t get much more wow-factor than the recently revamped Glenmorangie House which has been transformed from a traditional tartan-clad hotel into an eye-popping fiesta of colour, glamour and luxury. Located in Tain, on the coast north of Inverness, the hotel is just 20 minutes from Glenmorangie distillery but stepping inside is like entering another world – think gilded hand-painted wallpapers, richly patterned fabrics, bright clashing colours, and the odd giant giraffe and you’ll start to get the picture.
It’s all part of the modern makeover of The Glenmorangie Company by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) group who have been shaking up the heritage whisky brand with an exciting new look and feel. The company have also recently purchased The Islay Hotel in Port Ellen saying the move would allow it to “create another world-class whisky and hospitality experience” on Islay. So watch this space for news of an exciting new whisky hotel coming soon …
Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Fancy exploring the wild, wild West? For a cowboy experience like no other, you need to check out Brush Creek Ranch – a working cattle ranch, luxury hotel, and distillery nestled within 30,000 acres of rolling hills in Saratoga, Wyoming. With three all-inclusive properties on-site, the accommodation options are vast – choose a cosy chic log cabin, an elegant lodge room inspired by the original homestead, or the creekside luxury yurt complete with wood-burning stove.
Wherever you’re laying your head, you’ll want to book in for a tour of the distillery where you can sample the bourbon and rye whiskey – even straight from the barrel if you’d like Every batch is inspired by the pioneering spirit of the west and created with authentic flavours sourced straight from the land. You’ll certainly work up a thirst after a day spent riding, fishing, shooting, skiing, hiking or even just being pummelled in the spa. It all adds up to an unforgettable adventure for lovers of American whiskey and it’s certainly one of the best places in the States to drink it. Saddle up!
The Station Hotel, Rothes, Moray
Located in the heart of Speyside, The Station Hotel is perfectly placed for visitors keen to explore the famous whisky region. There are around 60 distilleries, all within a 50-mile radius of the hotel, including Glenrothes and Glen Grant. And it’s not just outwith the hotel which promises a Scotch whisky experience to remember. With its history dating back to 1901, the hotel’s luxurious Spirits Safe bar boasts 500 whiskies, all sourced from local distilleries. Rare and old whiskies are showcased at the centre of the bar’s impressive whisky wall so if you see something you fancy, you can ask one of the team to grab the ladder and fetch a bottle.
The team will also help you plan an itinerary taking in the must-see distilleries nearby, and when you’ve finished exploring, you only have to stumble upstairs to lay your head in what is arguably one the most elegant, comfortable bedrooms in the whole of Speyside.
Cantilever, Minnesota
This modern boutique hotel and distillery is located in the fishing village of Ranier, once the epicentre of spirit smuggling. Cantilever distillery hotel is named for the cantilever bridge which was used to bring in alcohol from Canada to the US during Prohibition. These days, it’s much easier to come by a drink with a range of craft spirits all made in house. Once you’ve toured the distillery, whisky drinkers can sample the bourbon and rye in the Cocktail Room restaurant, where they are put to good use in expertly mixed classic cocktails. Time for bed? Take your pick from 31 industrial-style rooms featuring high ceilings and clawfoot tubs. There’s even a rooftop spa for the ultimate R&R (rest & rye) experience.
