Stirring It Up: Whiskies and Craft Spirits with Hidden Doorways
June 26, 2023 by Perrie Hartz
Tequila tastings ocean-side, private whiskey classes in the Scottish Highlands, make-your-own-gin experiences in Cape Town, distillery tours in the mountains of Wyoming —why not have a spirit-forward summer? Take a look at some Hidden Doorway properties around the world that offer incredible immersive tasting experiences sure to please all liquor-lovers.
Ellerman House | Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s luxury boutique hotel Ellerman House produces its very own Botany Bay Gin—in collaboration with Inverroche— which guests can try in an immersive tasting experience called the Inverroche Gin Academy. Hotel guests are invited to take part in a bespoke gin distillation masterclass, blending their own selection of botanicals to create a custom spirit infused with layers of exceptional flavours and unique aromas. Set in the Ellerman House Wine Gallery, this immersive experience also includes a gin tasting, cocktails and canapés on the terrace at sunset. The class itself is an intimate gathering, with just six seats made available at each of the weekly sessions. Participants in the Inverroche Gin Academy experience at Ellerman House will take home an elegant bottle containing their own one-of-a-kind gin.
Brush Creek Ranch | Saratoga, Wyoming
An unforgettable, fully immersive culinary adventure starts and ends with The Farm at Brush Creek, an integral component of Brush Creek Ranch. The Farm’s suite of ranch-sourced, seed-to-table experiences includes tours and tastings at the property’s own distillery, where guests can learn about the process and history of distillation, and what makes Wyoming spirits so unique. A full guided tasting of whiskey, vodka, gin, and available specialty releases is included. A Barrel Tasting Experience is also available, which gives guests a sneak peek of The Distillery’s selection of spirits in their various stages of life right out of the barrels.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Mexico
If you happen to find yourself in Mexico, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers guests an extensive menu of agave, mezcal, and tequila tasting experiences. Take an immersive Agave Tasting journey through Mexico’s most traditional spirits. This ultra-premium experience is specially for those interested in discovering the finest quality tequilas and mezcals. Experts will guide you through the nuanced flavors and the regions they come from. Savor every sip against the stunning backdrop of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos’ gorgeous property, and treat your palate to artisanal cheese, homemade flavored salts, seasonal fruits, and chocolates.
The Maybourne Beverly Hills | Los Angeles, California
The luxurious Maybourne Beverly Hills is the perfect place for a weekend mini-break. Enjoy a few days of shopping, pampering, sunshine, and of course, incredible food and drink. If you’re a whiskey person, then you must book a tasting at The Maybourne’s Cigar and Whiskey Bar, a hidden speakeasy that’s home to one of the worlds’ most exclusive whiskey and cigar collections. This sleek and sexy space boasts a humidor with over 1,000 cigars and a truly impressive whiskey list that includes special reserves from the Scottish Highlands and premier Japanese distilleries. One of just three destinations in Beverly Hills where smoking is permitted, the bar invites guests to relax in the dimly lit wood-paneled den or on the private outdoor terrace, overlooking tranquil gardens.
Asia Concierge | Japan
The newest addition to Asia Concierge’s already-vast portfolio, Japan is one of the most highly-sought-after destinations for well-heeled and discerning travelers, and now this DMC is excited to provide inside access to some of the country’s most incredible spots and experiences, like Tokyo bar hopping and whiskey tasting with author and whiskey connoisseur Nick Coldicott, who has amazing connections with bars and bartenders throughout Tokyo, and is able to get into places that are usually reserved for regulars only. Asia Concierge has organized an evening on the town with Nick that opens doors to the incredible local whiskey and mixology scenes that gives guests an insider-look into the lively and exciting bar culture of Tokyo.
The Fife Arms | Braemar, Scotland
There’s perhaps no better place for whiskey lovers to go than Scotland, and The Fife Arms is a blissfully remote, luxurious boutique hotel situated in a tiny peaceful village in the midst of Scotland’s rugged highlands where there are, undoubtedly, countless spots in which to enjoy a tipple. But it’s Bertie’s Whiskey Bar, a sumptuously elegant and glamorous “speakeasy style” bar, that you don’t want to miss. Guests will lose themselves in a labyrinth of whisky bottles arranged like books on a shelf, backlit in a lustrous amber glow. A true whiskey library where patrons are actively encouraged to discover, wander, and browse, Bertie’s has 365 whiskeys—one for each day of the year—that are arranged by flavor profile: Fragrant, Fruity, Rich and Smoky. The Fife Arms offers bespoke whisky tastings guided by an incredibly knowledgeable Whisky Ambassador who takes guests on an exploration of 4 wonderfully characteristic drams that convey what Bertie’s is all about. The Fife Arms’ Ghillie team also offers specialized experiences such as whiskey and food pairing workshops or a tour of Royal Lochnagar Distillery, which sits in a scenic spot by the crystal-clear waters of Scarnock springs at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains.
The Beaumont | Mayfair, London
Located in London’s West End, The Beaumont’s Le Magritte Bar & Terrace belongs to the great tradition of American bars that became legendary in London and Paris during the 1920s. This gorgeous, dimly-lit walnut-paneled bar is the perfect spot for spirit lovers, as it specializes in bourbons, American whiskies, and classic cocktails, which are strictly shaken or stirred. Along with an impressive list of whiskeys and bourbons, Le Magritte also offers an extensive cigar menu.
Contact:
Hidden Doorways
Email: news@hiddendoorwaystravel.com
Website: https://hiddendoorwaystravel.com
