Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a rookie, visiting distilleries offers a unique experience that you won’t get from hanging out at your most beloved whiskey bar. Distilleries are the birthplaces of your favorite beverages. Many offer tours that give you a look at the science, art and history of making whiskey and other spirits.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of whiskey distilleries in the U.S. So we’ve compiled the best distilleries in all 50 states. Let’s see how many you can check off your bucket list.

Almost 20 years ago, Natalia de Leon and Shawn Kaeppler, professors in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, set out to bring a crop back from the dead. Their goal: meet the scientific challenge of resurrecting an heirloom red corn variety and, in turn, help a local bourbon business breathe new life into its product. It took some serious seed vault sleuthing, a deep dive into a germplasm bank, and a retread of historical breeding efforts, but the bounty of those efforts is now flowing from fine oaken barrels.

The corn variety in question, a hybrid called W335A, has deep roots in Wisconsin. Originally developed in 1939 by scientists at the UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), it was grown in the region for decades. But, by the 1970s, W335A had faded from farms as other varieties emerged.

Bourbon, like a trusted old friend, has a knack for showing up right when we need it most. No wonder bartenders—those tireless souls we rely on for wisdom and a well-crafted drink—hold strong opinions on which bottles deserve a spot on your top shelf. They see bourbon in every scenario, from the after-work decompression session to the big weekend celebration. And yes, they’ve also witnessed plenty of questionable choices after midnight, but we’ll let them keep those stories under wraps.

When I asked bartenders to name their favorite bourbons, I expected them to rattle off the usual suspects. Instead, I got a mix of classics, lesser-known gems and a few picks that might make your whiskey-loving uncle raise an eyebrow.

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

Case Study 1 | Aspirational Scenario

Joe Henry Jr., Owner and CEO, J. Henry & Sons

Joe Henry Jr. was certain he didn't want to become the third-generation owner of Henry Farms LLC, his family's farm and bourbon business based in Dane, Wisconsin. Eager to leave farm life behind, he moved to Chicago atter college to work.

Discover America's finest bourbons from all 50 states! This exclusive collection, featured in the Wall Street Journal by Jim Gaffigan, showcases exceptional craft spirits from across the nation. From Kentucky classics to innovative regional expressions, explore the diverse flavors of American whiskey craftsmanship in one curated selection.

J. Henry & Sons named finalist for Family Business of the Year.

Experience the best of American craft whiskey from these 10 distilleries

Taste the artistry and passion

J. Henry & Sons - Best Craft Whiskey (2024)

Experience Midwest Magic In Madison

With funky traditions, award-winning chefs, and access to some of Wisconsin’s best produce, Madison is a must-visit city for the food obsessed.

What does it mean to be a multigenerational farmer? There’s a privilege, of course, that comes with that designation. Many multigenerational farmers inherit their land rather than purchase it. They often have the benefit of lived experience and knowledge passed down over time, as well as established connections and revenue streams. And it’s not just an advantage for the newest generation. As a farmer ages, it’s much easier to relax into retirement when there are children to hand things off to.

Joe Henry Jr. will be at Ray's Wine & Spirits, Tuesday evening for a J. Henry & Sons whiskey release event, which is not, in itself, a remarkable fact. What is especially notable, however, is that Henry will be making one of his first Milwaukee-area appearances since earning the distinction of Master Blender.