Set Sail for the James Sedgwick Distillery

Away from the popular whisky destinations of Europe stands an award-winning 130-year-old whisky distillery on the shores of South Africa. About an hour’s drive from the city of Cape Town lies The James Sedgwick Distillery, founded in 1850 by the eponymous Captain James Sedgwick. After bidding adieu to the sea, the captain retired for a quiet life by the serene waters of the cape. He soon made his foray into a liquor, cigar, and tobacco business, establishing J. Sedgwick & Co. After the captain’s death in 1870, his four sons expanded the already flourishing business, importing wines, and brewing their own brandy. And, they did not stop at that. They bought two buildings by the Berg River in an attempt to create their own distillery. Who’d have known that the newly bought twin buildings were to become the oldest and the only commercial whisky distillery of South Africa one day? Standing tall and proud, steeped in history, the distillery offers a breath-taking view of Hawekwa, and Groenberg mountain ranges too.

The distillery is open for public viewing only on Fridays and Saturdays. It offers private tours, permitting only 10 visitors for each session, at the end of which the guests are invited to part take in a whisky tasting session. The James Sedgwick Distillery is home to the award-winning Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish Whisky, and Three Ships 5 Year old Premium Select. If you’re a traveller at heart, and a whisky connoisseur too, set sail for the South African shore, and visit The James Sedgwick Distillery.

How to Drive Through the Irish Whiskey Trail

If a trip to Ireland is on your bucket-list, make sure that you shortlist the best distilleries and whiskey bars. There is no better place to start your Irish whiskey initiation than where it all began. The Irish Whiskey Trail is a great way for whiskey enthusiasts to experience the magic and story of Irish whiskey which is undergoing a renaissance, driven both by the new and the existing players. The global recognition for this premium spirit has never been higher. The sales of Irish whiskey has grown astronomically in the last few years which indicates its burgeoning popularity. As distilleries open in Ireland at an accelerating pace, most are left wondering whether Irish whiskey will be the next Scotch.

Japan’s Tryst with Whisky: Yamazaki Distillery

Established in 1932 at Shimamoto, Yamazaki is the first ever commercial whisky distillery built in Japan. The ‘Whisky Library’ it is known for, has seven thousand unblended bottles on display. Soaring remarks by visitors from across the world earned the place the prestigious ‘Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year’ title at icons of Whisky, 2015.

Talisker Distillery: A Scottish Stalwart

Set on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost, Talisker distillery is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was founded in 1830 and built a year later, after Kenneth and Hugh MacAskill acquired the lease of Talisker House. The distillery produced the finest of single malt scotch whisky and was extended in 1900. But on 22nd November, 1960, a fire completely destroyed their still-house. It took another two years to rebuild the distillery with exact replicas of the previous five copper pot stills to preserve the essence of the original Talisker.