Getting the flavour of…

Japan for whisky lovers

Tourism in Japan has tended to revolve around temples and gardens. But now, the country’s whisky is also becoming a popular draw, says Laura Millar in The Daily Telegraph. Once obscure, Japanese malts are now world class. You can learn more about them, and their history, at the Yamazaki Suntory Distillery, near Osaka, where the first ever Japanese whisky was produced in 1923. It proved unpopular, but in 1937 a version mild enough for the “delicate” national palate was finally created, and Yamazaki’s fortunes soared (last year, its Sherry Cask 2013 won Whisky of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards). After the tour, which takes in the whole distillery process, you could head to Osaka’s Bar Augusta, where there’s a vast selection of whiskies to sample in the Japanese fashion – mixed with soda, highball-style. For more information, see www.suntory.com. A peaceful Breton island In the late 19th century, it was “France’s Martha’s Vineyard”, visited by Monet, Flaubert and Sarah Bernhardt, who lived out her final days there with just one leg, getting around in a sedan chair. Belle-île-en-mer is not nearly so fashionable today, but this little island off the coast of Brittany remains a good place for a slow-paced family holiday, says Sophy Roberts in 1843 magazine. Peaceful and unspoiled, it is wonderful for cycling or hiking, and offers “formidable” gourmet fare. There are a couple of very fine gardens – Eden du Voyageur (“brimming” with exotic specimens) and the Jardin La Boulaye. For older children, there is excellent sailing and diving, and a new surf school, Le Belle Île Surf Club. See www.belle-ile.com.

Cruising in the Hebrides For a small-ship cruise of the western Highlands and islands, you can’t beat the Glen Etive, says Horatio Clare in the FT. This new 12-passenger vessel joins two others in Majestic Line’s fleet, but whereas they are converted trawlers, Glen Etive is purpose-built in the style of a “gentleman’s yacht”. Strikingly pretty, she has an “unlikely” gold-painted funnel, and stabilisers to stop her rolling and reeling. Chef Michael Weir’s food – French classical cuisine “with a twist” – is delicious. However, the communal dining could be “a great pleasure or something of a test”, depending on the other guests with whom you share your three meals a day. You can visit islands “as quiet and richly coloured as a plate from an old Shell Guide”, gaze at the wildlife (white-tailed eagles if you’re lucky), and spend evenings listening to live Celtic music in delightful pubs. A 10-night cruise costs from £4,050pp (01369-707951, www.themajesticline.co.uk).