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In February, I went back to my hometown of Seattle to visit family.

And somehow… we hit what locals lovingly call “Fake You Out February.”

You know the kind — bright blue skies, crisp air, sunshine reflecting off brick buildings — just enough warmth to make you question everything you think you know about Pacific Northwest winters.

It was stunning.

But what made this trip special wasn’t just the weather.

It was experiencing the city I grew up in… as a tourist.

And for the first time ever, I finally did the Seattle Underground Tour.

If you know me, you know I will plan an entire trip around a distillery visit.

And when I was in Seattle, visiting Westland Distillery was non-negotiable.

Located in the SoDo neighborhood, Westland Distillery is one of the pioneers of American Single Malt Whiskey — and after touring their facility, tasting their lineup, and learning their story, I can confidently say this isn’t just a tasting stop… it’s a true whiskey experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and love whisky — or even just beautifully crafted experiences — visiting the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery should absolutely be on your radar.

But here’s what most people don’t realize:

Getting a tour isn’t easy.

There's a certain kind of traveler who hears "bourbon trail" and immediately pictures tour buses, matching t-shirts, and someone's uncle doing an impression of Matthew McConaughey. This itinerary is not for that traveler.