The 7 Luxury Booze Vacations to Take in 2018

It’s three days into the new year and — [glances at preferred news source] — yep, time to get away. Or have a drink.

Or … both?

You’re in luck: we know seven epic luxury “booze-cations” you can book in the next 12 months.

We’re talking pampered train tours connecting Scotland’s finest distilleries. A craft beer lodge with IPA-infused jacuzzis. And a month-long global tour that involves a bevy of six-figure spirits tastings.

Let’s toast the new year right.

For (Canadian) whisky drinkers: Canada, by Crown Royal
The award-winning Canadian whisky recently teamed up with adventure travel gurus Black Tomato to launch this cross-country, boozy train journey from Manitoba to Vancouver, in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Between your rail journeys, grab a private helicopter ride to the CR distillery, partake a few private whisky tastings, and sweat off the booze with some heli-hiking in Alberta’s Rockies.

For “grounded” craft beer lovers: BrewDog Craft Beer Hotel & Sour Beer Facility
Dubbed “the most beer-focused hotel on the planet,” the Columbus, OH brewery/inn (opening summer 2018) will offer IPA-filled jacuzzis and hops-infused massages, mandatory beer pairings during meals, shower fridges for shower beers, and craft beer on tap in your room.

For “elevated” craft beer lovers, air edition: BC Beer Tour
British Columbia-based Butiq Escapes created an experience that allows a group of six to fly around Canada on a 190-MPH Cessna Caravan Seaplane, indulging in the country’s best brews over the course of a day, overnight excursion or full weekend. Departing from Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo, the tour visits breweries, oceanside bars and Canada’s oldest brewpub, and also makes stops along the way to sample local fare.

For Scotch drinkers: Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
We’re big fans of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (the world’s number one whisky club, and purveyors of extremely rare spirits). So a partnership between them and the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train — think private cabins, on-board spa, free booze with every meal — for a week-long whisky trip through Scotland? Sold.

For bourbon lovers: Mint Julep Tours
There are hundreds of ways to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. If you want to hit all ten distilleries with our own group, however — and maybe stop for sightseeing and some side tours along the way — we’d suggest a custom trip curated by Mint Julep Tours. We used ‘em on a recent press trip to the Wild Turkey distillery, and were impressed — you can pretty much plan how VIP you want to get, land some exclusive behind-the-scenes tastings and classes (including a distillery excavation excursion with a bourbon archaeologist, which is a thing!), and never worry about getting behind the wheel. Hint: Make the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville your home base.

For gin drinkers: The Distillery
Recently opened, this four-floor hotel/ working distillery is a mecca for gin lovers in one of London’s trendiest areas. On the top floor, you’ll drink in a private dining room overlooking Portobello Road. Then, grab a drink downstairs in one of two specialty cocktail bars, blend your own gin with the on-location Master Distiller in the basement “Ginstitute,” and, since you’ll be a bit hazy at this point, retire to one of the property’s three boutique lodging rooms.

For the ultimate bender: The World’s Most Exclusive Drink Connoisseur’s Holiday
Sample five- and six-figure Scotches, tequilas, Cognacs and vinos (plus a diamond-laden martini — you get to keep the stone) in this million-dollar round-the-world adventure, where you’ll travel in business class, stay in five-star accomodations and indulge in private distillery and vineyard tours.

Bonus: If you want to do a DIY luxury trip to Scotland, follow the Scotch/golf itinerary our correspondent crafted after a trip this past fall.