The Secret Whiskey Regions You’ve Never Heard Of (But Need to Taste)
Scotland, Kentucky, Ireland—whiskey’s big names hog the spotlight, but hidden regions are crafting bottles that rival the giants. These under-the-radar spots are real, producing real whiskey, and they’re about to blow your mind with flavors you didn’t know existed. Here’s where they are, what they’re making, and why you should care.
Start in Tasmania, Australia. Distilleries like Sullivans Cove—legal since 1992—use local barley and cool climates for rich malts. Their Single Malt (around $150, 47.5% ABV) offers caramel, fruit, and oak—gold at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards. Australia exported $70 million in whiskey in 2023, per The Spirits Business, and Tasmania’s 40+ distilleries are driving it.
Next, India’s Amrut. Hot and humid, it ages whiskey fast—3 years mimics 12 in Scotland, per Whisky Advocate (2021). Amrut Fusion ($60, 50% ABV) blends Indian and Scottish barley for spice, orange, and peat—gold at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. India’s whiskey market hit $35 billion in 2022, per Forbes.
Then, there's Sweden’s Mackmyra. Cold and clean, it’s been distilling since 1999. Mackmyra Svensk Ek ($50, 46.1% ABV) uses Swedish oak for vanilla, toffee, and an herbal twist, according to The Whiskey Shelf (2020). According to The Spirits Business, Sweden exported $20 million in whiskey in 2023.
Head to Texas, USA. Garrison Brothers in Hye crafts bourbon—51% corn, new oak—under scorching heat. Their Small Batch ($80, 47% ABV) hits cinnamon, honey, and oak, per Breaking Bourbon (2022). Texas produced 1.2 million barrels in 2022, per the Texas Whiskey Association.
Finally, Japan’s Chichibu. Small but mighty, its Ichiro’s Malt ($150, varies ABV) mixes fruit, malt, and smoke—gold at the 2023 SF World Spirits Competition. Japan’s exports topped $400 million in 2023, per Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers. These regions—Tasmania, India, Sweden, Texas, Chichibu—are real whiskey frontiers, not hype.
Excited about these bottles? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder— you'll be able to see what the community thinks about them before you buy.
