Spirited Stays

Some of the best whiskey collections and unique bottles reside at the world's top lodges and hotels. Here are five of our favorites for an unforgettable dram.

- by RYAN KROGH

FEW TRADITIONS IN LIFE make as much sense as sipping a smooth whiskey after a long day on the road. Not only is it perfect for decompressing, but it's almost guaranteed that your hotel bar has a better selection of bourbon than anything your friend back home can offer—and probably a more welcoming environment, too.

That's why, when I travel, I make it a point to check out the whiskey menu at whatever lodge or resort I'm staying at. Generally, the fancier the property, the better the selection. Of course, that doesn't always hold true. Oftentimes I've discovered a phenomenal local whiskey simply by asking the bartender. In recent years, many higher-end properties have even begun amassing impressive collections of rare and expensive whiskeys to offer as premium tasting experiences. These are the bottles that aficionados like to talk about, but few people actually get the chance to sample—everything from iconic bourbons and Scotches to whispered-about Japanese single malts. Paired with the property's other top-shelf experiences—say, chasing redfish with a fly rod or riding horses across a Wyoming ranch—there may be no better vacation combination.

To that end, I've rounded up five of the world's greatest getaways for whiskey lovers that combine outdoor adventures with lush lodgings—and, yes, an excellent selection of spirits for toasting the day's exploits. A new tradition needs to start someplace, after all.

BRUSH CREEK RANCH, WYOMING