The best time to sample a new tiple must be when there is no work in the morning, so when you are on holiday, you simply must try the local specialties.
Whether you develop a penchant for a particular type of specialty sangria, struggle with Italian grappa, or spend time familiarizing yourself with Greek ouzo, each region has its own idea of the perfect alcoholic beverage.
Take it a step further and visit a few places especially renowned for their delicious drinks, and remember to take some paracetomol…
Scotland
If you want to spend quality time sampling one of the great British traditions, there is no better place than Scotland to find out everything there is to know about Scotch whisky.
You can visit one of the most famous distilleries in Scotland, the beautiful whitewashed Glengoyne distillery at the bottom of Dumgoyne Hill, the famous volcanic plug in Glasgow which offers everything from basic whiskey tasting tours to whiskey chocolate flavored indulgences and extravagances.
If you consider yourself a real connoisseur, you can even take a whiskey master class, take care of mixing your own and take it home with you. There are many tours to choose from all over Scotland, take your pick and choose your experience.
You can make your whiskey tour more of an experience by visiting during one of the country’s whiskey festivals; the five days Spirit of Speyside Festivalin Speyside, it involves sampling local whisky, dancing at a local ceilidh and tasting Scottish delicacies, all amongst fellow whiskey enthusiasts.
There is also the Feis lle – Islay Malt and Music festival or the relatively recent one Inverness Whiskey Festival experience.
Germany
Recreated around the world with German beer and cuisine, Oktoberfest it’s a true test of a beer lover’s mettle. The Germans certainly know how to party, as the beer festival, which takes place every year in Berlin in late September and early October, spans an impressive 16 days.
This involves copious amounts of beer, all of which must be brewed to a certain strength and within the city limits of Munich, and an array of delicious German delicacies such as roast pork, sauerkraut and fish on a stick.
If you think you’re up to it after all that beer and food, you can also take one of the many fairground rides!
The festival started in the 19th century to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen and the Germans enjoyed it so much that it has continued ever since.
California
If wine is more your tipple of choice, there are several San Francisco tours that you can continue that will allow you to explore the world of wine.
For example, a San Francisco wine region tour it’s the perfect way to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of the region along with some delicious examples of sun-kissed Zinfandel and more.
Chill out and make the most of your time in it Californiainvestigate the musical legacy of greats like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead, and take a wine or two to the famous Napa Valley to sample some of the best wines America has to offer, together with delicious and indulgent cheese. chocolates.
There are more wineries in Napa Valley than you will find in any other part of North America, and 95% of them are family owned and operated, which makes them easy and fun to visit. Never turn your nose up at Californian wines again…
Japan
Go a little further in your pursuit of quality alcoholic beverages and you may find out everything there is to know about sake, Japan’s mysterious specialty drink.
It has become available around the world in recent years, although it is still not widely appreciated – which is a shame.
If you haven’t come across it yet, sake is made from fermented rice, koji (rice malt, or yeast made from rice) and water, although if you’re in Japan you’ll sometimes hear the word ‘sake’ used. to describe any type of alcoholic beverage.
Near Kyoto is Fushimi-Momoyama, a place where you can see the underground water used for brewing beer, as well as get a chance to sample a free taste of the delicious drink.
From there, visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museumand you can find out all about the history of sake brewing in Kyoto as you sneak another cheeky sample of the local beer.
Kyoto is also a wonderful place for amazing architecture, beautiful shrines and temples, gardens, and a great variety of arts and crafts shops to explore.
Picturesque surroundings, wonderful history and delicious drinks – what more do you need from your trip abroad?
Written by Kat Kraetzer, an avid traveler and Port wine lover.