1. On-Site Distilleries: The Best Hotel Amenity
2. Casa Silencio, Oaxaca, Mexico
3. The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection, Virginia
4. Distillery Inn, Carbondale, Colorado
5. Bowmore Cottages, Isle of Islay, Scotland
6. The Distillery, London, United Kingdom
7. Casa Salles Hotel Boutique, Jalisco, Mexico
8. Glenora Inn & Distillery, Nova Scotia, Canada
9. Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming
10. Hacienda La Caravedo, Ica, Peru
11. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Wanship, Utah
12. Cantilever Distillery & Hotel, Ranier, Minnesota
These days, the best hotels go well beyond offering a place to sleep. In addition to providing a wealth of activities, exceptional spas, and award-winning restaurants, the latest resort amenity is none other than an on-site distillery. Such distillery hotels offer tours of the facilities, the opportunity to learn about the history and production process, and, arguably the best part, the chance to taste craft spirits that you may not find at your local liquor store. Moreover, these unique stays contribute to a memorable experience, particularly for those who appreciate fine spirits.
Casa Silencio, Oaxaca, Mexico
At the Casa Silencio, opened in 2020, you’ll find an impeccably designed boutique hotel that also happens to be home to one of Mezcal El Silencio’s three distilleries. The heart of this luxurious 16-acre property is imbued with sustainability: the walls are made of rammed soil; ceilings were built with recycled Oaxacan wood; much of it is powered via solar energy; and they’ve implemented a no-waste policy. There are just six suites in total, all individually appointed with sumptuous touches like distressed leather accents, hand-woven wool rugs, and spa-like bathrooms with monolith stone sinks. However, it’s the immersive experience at the hotel that really makes it exemplary. Here, guests can dive deep into mezcal, chopping up the agave that the spirit is made from; touring the distillery; and, of course, tasting the liquor alongside bites prepared by Top Chef Mexico winner Rodolfo Castellanos.
Once nightfall sets in, grab a seat at the restaurant’s communal table handcrafted from basalt and savor classic Oaxacan fare by executive chef Daniel Robles Sumano followed by a nightcap by the bonfire.
The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection, Virginia
Following a four-year renovation, The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection reopened in 2018, unveiling an on-site distillery: Tarnished Truth Distilling Company. All equipment at Tarnished Truth was made in America by Vendome Copper and Brass Works, distilling bourbon, rye, vodka, gin, and more. Tours and tastings are available from Thursday through Sunday, and they also have a private room for events and special pairing dinners. While at Virginia Beach’s historic grande dame, unwind at their full-service spa, dive into the indoor pool, or relax at the beach club.
Distillery Inn, Carbondale, Colorado
About 30 miles northwest of Aspen, you’ll find the small town of Carbondale, Colorado, where the aptly named Distillery Inn is located. This intimate property features just five suites, all outfitted with a fireplace, balcony or patio, and personalized minibar. The on-site Marble Distilling Co. is a zero-waste distillery utilizing a Water Energy Thermal System that captures and reuses water and heat during the distilling process. They produce vodka, whiskey, and “gingercello” liqueurs, which can be enjoyed in their tasting room, at Marble Bar, or delivered straight to your accommodation.
Bowmore Cottages, Isle of Islay, Scotland
The first licensed distillery on Islay, Bowmore has been making Scotch whisky since 1779. They pride themselves on traditional methods like floor-malting, paying homage to the spirit’s origins. Tours of the distillery are available by reservation, and the tasting bar and distillery shop are open Tuesday through Saturday. For those wanting to stay, Bowmore Cottages offers five unique accommodations that range from one- to four-bedroom units that once housed Bowmore’s distillery workers in the 1840s. There’s also the Harbour Inn across the street with seven modern rooms and a restaurant serving fresh catch from local fisheries.
The Distillery, London, United Kingdom
London’s famed Portobello Road is home to the UK’s first distillery hotel, The Distillery. Known for its gin, the “Ginstitute” team blends their spirits in the basement with nine botanicals sourced globally. Patrons can make their own blends with expert guidance or join a masterclass for crafting perfect gin cocktails. The hotel also features a store selling Portobello Road Gin, a bar serving British cuisine, and a cocktail lounge with small bites. At night, guests can rest in one of three rooms upstairs, each furnished with a record player and stocked minibar, or take classes that utilize agave-based spirits and whiskey.
Casa Salles Hotel Boutique, Jalisco, Mexico
Located in the town of Tequila, Casa Salles Hotel Boutique features 25 modern accommodations, a tranquil spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving regional cuisine. Adjacent to it is El Tequileño Tequila’s La Guarreña distillery. The brand, founded in 1959, sources agave from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, known for high-quality blue agave. Private tours are offered from Monday to Saturday, providing insights into the production process alongside tastings of their tequila range from blanco to añejo.
Glenora Inn & Distillery, Nova Scotia, Canada
Founded in the early 1880s by Scottish immigrants, Glenora Inn & Distillery produces Scottish-style whisky and opened North America’s first single-malt whisky distillery in 1990. The property welcomes guests seasonally from mid-May to late October, offering daily tours and tastings of various expressions. Guests can choose from rustic accommodations, including rooms in the historic inn and private log chalets, while enjoying live music in their onsite pub and restaurant.
Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming
Situated within 30,000 acres of rolling hills, Brush Creek Ranch provides a myriad of activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing in the winter. Additionally, the resort recently inaugurated an on-site distillery in 2019, producing various spirits, including bourbon and gin. Guests can tour the facility and sample their products, while enjoying a variety of accommodation options such as the main Lodge & Spa, the adults-only Magee Homestead, or the secluded French Creek.
Hacienda La Caravedo, Ica, Peru
Hacienda La Caravedo has been producing Pisco since 1684, making it the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Americas. Attached to the distillery is a boutique hotel featuring just six accommodations. During your visit, enjoy views of the vineyards, indulge in a Pisco tasting, and relax poolside with a drink as you take in the scenic Ica Valley. You can learn about the spirit’s traditional production methods that comply with Peru’s Denomination of Origin guidelines.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Wanship, Utah
The Lodge at Blue Sky offers guests a luxurious experience with whiskey tastings amidst stunning natural beauty. Opened in 2019, the resort features various accommodations and a nearby distillery, High West Distillery, producing craft bourbons and whiskies. With tours available and a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes, guests can indulge in an exceptional culinary experience at this distinctive destination.
Cantilever Distillery & Hotel, Ranier, Minnesota
During Prohibition, the fishing village of Ranier became a hotspot for smuggling alcohol from Canada to the United States. Cantilever Distillery & Hotel was inspired by this history and distills bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka using local grains. Guests can tour the distillery and sample their spirits at the on-site Cocktail Room. Following a day of exploration, the boutique hotel offers industrial-style accommodations designed for comfort and relaxation.