As you’re no doubt aware, whisky is one of those drinks that is universally adored. It’s enjoyed in virtually every single continent and is a tipple that people will travel far and wide to enjoy. I should know, I’ve done it myself as my work here at Great Drams has taken me all over the globe. 

One of the best things about whisky, other than how delicious it is of course, is the fact that it’s arguably the ultimate travel companion. Out hiking through the wilderness? Pour yourself a wee dram and enjoy it by the campfire. Stuck in a hotel on a business trip? Grab yourself a glass, add ice if needed, and enjoy. 

Today, I want to talk to you about whisky and travel. I’m going to look at why whisky is the ultimate travel companion and how to get your precious drams home safe in one piece after being away. 

Why Whisky is the Ultimate Travel Companion

Like I said earlier, it doesn’t matter whether you’re away on a business trip, out camping, or even enjoying a well-deserved holiday, I genuinely believe that whisky is the best booze for travelling. 

Now, I’m sure some of you will disagree and that’s fine. If I may however, I’d like to argue my case for why I believe whisky is the ultimate booze for travelling with. 

Some of you may believe that beer is ideal, as it’s weaker, less expensive, and easier to drink. While that’s true, the problem is that many beers need chilling, and not only that, they also taste pretty grim when you drink them directly from the can. Oh, and don’t forget the fact that they make you bloated and gassy. Whisky, however? Just grab a glass or suitable drinking vessel, pour yourself a dram, and you’re all set. Many whiskies don’t even need ice. 

While I’m not going to run down every single spirit out there, I will say that there are many that work best with a mixer. Unless you’re carrying around bottles of cola, lemonade, ginger beer, and various other liquids, you can see why they’re not exactly ideal for travel. Some whiskies work well with mixers, but at the same time, most whiskies, particularly Scotch, are best enjoyed neat. 

Then of course, we get to wine. I’m partial to a nice glass of red with my dinner, but if I’m out of town, the last thing I want is to be messing about with a portable corkscrew as I try to open the bottle. Again, with whisky, this isn’t an issue. 

I may be biased, but I do genuinely think whisky comes out on top here. It often doesn’t need to be chilled, it doesn’t need ice, it doesn’t need a mixer, it isn’t gassy so won’t make you bloated, and it’s easy to open. The main downsides are the fact that it can be pricey, and the glass bottle it is stored in are obviously at risk of breaking. 

Handy Tips for Travelling with Whisky

Whenever I’m away with work, I nearly always come back with a bottle or two of whisky. In fact, I normally leave with several bottles as well. Basically, what I’m saying is that I’m used to travelling with whisky, and I’m pretty good when it comes to getting my bottles home safe and sound. 

I’m no stranger to the heartbreak of a broken bottle of whisky. Over the years I’ve sadly come across way more broken bottles than I’d have liked, and I’ve also had expensive bottles broken. Let’s just say, each time it happens it doesn’t get any easier. 

While you likely won’t be transporting the volumes of whisky that we shift here at Great Drams, you probably will be picking up a bottle or two at the Duty Free on holiday, or maybe after visiting a distillery or two in the Highlands. If so, here are some useful tips to help keep your whisky safe and sound. 

Wax Those Necks

It might seem like a bit of a faff, but if you’ve ever had a bottle of whisky leak in your suitcase before, you’ll understand why five mins of faff is worth it in the long run. 

If you’re travelling away with a bottle of whisky, before you pack it, go ahead and pick up some sealing wax, dunk the neck a few inches into the wax, set it aside to set, and you’re good to go. Not only does this help prevent leaking bottles, it also means that the contents of your suitcase don’t get covered in whisky and come out stinking like a distillery. 

Removing the wax is simple enough with a knife, or you could add a pull tab to save you a bit of time. Wax sealing works great, it looks awesome, and it’s quite therapeutic as well. 

Invest in Bottle Bags 

While bubble wrap works incredibly well for packing whisky bottles, just to make doubly sure that the drams are safe inside, why not use inflatable bottle bags instead? 

Inflatable bottle bags are inexpensive, easy to inflate, and are designed primarily to protect glass bottles. Get a bottle of whisky in one of those, and it’s virtually guaranteed to get to its destination in one piece. 

Pack Carefully 

When you’re packing to return home after a holiday, you’re probably less likely to spend as much time packing your case so that everything inside is neat, tidy, and organised. You’re probably looking to squeeze the lid closed and deal with the contents once you get home. 

If you’ve picked up a bottle of two of whisky however, you will need to take your time when packing them in your cases. Insulate them as well as you can, and never store them directly next to each other. The last thing you want is for the two bottles to clang into each other and shatter. 

Try to protect them as well as possible and don’t store them next to anything sharp or heavy. All it would take would be one bump and you could have a whisky-related disaster on your hands. 

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a wee dram or two for the New Year, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer. 

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.