The Ultimate Whiskey Lovers Cross Country Road Trip
Hit The Road & Tour The Great Whiskey Destinations Across America
Whiskey might have its roots mainly in Scotland and Ireland, but it’s been a big part of American history ever since the first settlers arrived here and brought their love of this delicious drink with them.
So it’s no surprise that whiskey distilleries began popping up across the country as the settlers pushed westward—and now there are several in every state!
And as you might imagine, sipping whiskey in Kentucky is a different experience than enjoying a glass of it on the Oregon coast. How so? Well, maybe you should find out for yourself by taking a road trip across the country to try out whiskey in several states!
The best way to do this is to travel by RV, of course, as you don’t want to have to struggle with finding a hotel after spending hours tasting whiskey at one or more distilleries. So the easiest way to start your whiskey lover’s tour across the US is to rent an RV, and then read our list of ten whiskey distilleries to check out from coast to coast!
New York
Let’s follow the example the early settlers set and start out on the East Coast. After all, New York was home to the first commercial distillery in the country by 1640, and it’s added many more since then. Brooklyn’s
Kings County Distillery is one of the most popular distilleries in New York. Touted as the largest and oldest distillery in New York City, they make handmade moonshine, bourbon, and other varieties of whiskey. You can come here for whiskey tastings, classes on the history of American whiskey, and other events.
Other notable New York whiskey distilleries to check out on your RV road trip include:
Pennsylvania
Next up on your RV road trip, start heading west to Pennsylvania, as this is often called the birthplace of American whiskey.
One of the most recommended places to go is Wigle Whiskey, which calls itself the most awarded craft whiskey distillery in the US. You can visit the tasting room at the Pittsburgh location and either take a tour or sit down and enjoy some food with your spirits.
Other Pennsylvania whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Virginia
While you’re on the East Coast, head south to Virginia in your RV for some whiskey tasting. The state has a rich history of making whiskey that goes back to about 1620, so it must be good!
One of the most popular places to get whiskey here is the Virginia Distillery Co. Known for making an American single malt, it also makes an interesting blend of Scottish and Virginia spirits called Virginia-Highland Whisky. Plus, there’s a museum here that will teach you about Virginia’s long history involving this beverage.
Other Virginia whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Ohio
As you take your RV west, make sure you stop in Ohio. It may not be the state you think of when you think of whiskey, but some fantastic distilleries have opened up here in recent years.
Among them is Tom’s Foolery, which gets all its grain and fruit locally to make great tasting whiskey and applejack. The owners of this distillery pride themselves on making bourbon in a pot like it used to be made a few hundred years ago, so if you want an idea of how whiskey might have tasted way back then, this spot should be on your route through the country.
Other Ohio whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Kentucky
You can’t have a whiskey tasting trip in an RV without visiting Kentucky, which is considered the world’s bourbon capital! After all, this area has some of the best soil for growing corn, one of the key ingredients in bourbon. No wonder Kentucky boasts over 70 whiskey distilleries!
Among the best to check out is Buffalo Trace Distillery, which was established in 1775. When you visit the gorgeous grounds of this distillery, you can choose from a few free tours and tastings of several award-winning spirits.
Other Kentucky whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Tennessee
Like Kentucky, Tennessee is certainly no stranger to whiskey. This state is known for producing rye whiskey as early as the late 1700s, and the many distilleries there today continue that tasty trend.
When you arrive in this state via RV, head straight to the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Jack Daniel’s brand has been making whiskey for over 150 years, and you can choose from five tours with tastings at the Lynchburg location for a small fee.
Other Tennessee whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Texas
Keep heading west and a little south to Texas to visit the next whiskey distillery on your RV road trip. While Texas doesn’t have as long a history with whiskey as some states, it is home to dozens of great distilleries, as well as its own Whiskey Trail.
Just one spot to check out is the Garrison Brothers Distillery, known for Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey made with local wheat and corn. Take a tour, get a tasting, and then head back to your comfortable RV to relax in time for your next stop on your whiskey trip!
Other Texas whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Colorado
Once you’re done with your distillery tours in Texas, head north to Colorado. This state may be better known for its craft beer, but it’s been making waves with whiskey production recently, with more than 60 distilleries on the Colorado Spirits Trail.
The best-known distillery in this state is Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey in Denver, where you can get hand-bottled, small-batch single malt whiskey. Stop by for a tour to see how the whiskey is crafted here, and then stick around a while to enjoy a drink or two in the tasting room.
Other Colorado whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
California
Now it’s time to take your home on wheels west to California to try even more whiskey. While California is better known for its locally made wine, it’s gotten pretty good at crafting some spirits, too. Whiskey just happens to be one of them!
While here, check out St. George Spirits in Northern California. This distillery is mainly known for its single malt American whiskey that has a light, peachy flavor. The tours here are in-depth and can last for hours, so be sure to save time at the end to taste some spirits before you retire to your cozy RV for the night.
Other California whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
Oregon
Your last stop on the whiskey lover’s cross country RV road trip should be Oregon. This is where you’ll find several distilleries that allow you to taste whiskey while enjoying stunning views of either the coast or mountains.
The aptly named Oregon Spirit Distillers in Bend is a good spot to start. Once you finish the tour, you can enjoy some award-winning whiskey in the comfortable tasting room or on the patio, which has heaters and a fire pit.
Other Oregon whiskey distilleries to visit on your RV road trip include:
So now you know where to go for great whiskey, no matter where you want to travel on your RV road trip across the country. If all you’re missing is the RV, it’s time to find one to rent for your road trip! At RVnGO, we have a wide selection of RVs with the space and features you’re looking for, so browse our rentals today as you plan your whiskey lover’s road trip.
https://youtu.be/F2vhUILvzYg