Eat.
Rascal + Thorn culinary trips and experiences bring together the food industry and its admirers. Meet with chefs outside of their kitchens and learn how they use the local ingredients or cultures to influence their cuisine.
Drink.
Whether it is whisky, cocktails or wine, Rascal + Thorn provides expert, in-depth experiences across the globe. From whisky tours to cocktail workshops and weekends, our expert guides provide a premium time.
Highlighted Trips.
First Fill Spirits Does The Kentucky Bourbon Trail: November 12-16, 2025
Holly and Charles head to Kentucky to lead the “first” First Fill Spirits Tour to Kentucky! We are excited to get back, and who knows, maybe we pick a barrel?? It should be a great time of visiting distilleries and dining.
The Heart and Soul of Mexico: January 31 - February 8, 2026
John and I are back at it and we kick it off with one of our favorite spots, Mexico! Come join us as we explore both Oaxaca and Mexico City on this 8-night journey with the best food, excursions and culture that makes Mexico so magical.
Japanese Whisky Tour - Southern Japan!: March 6-16, 2026
Join Charles Grabitzky on his annual tour of Japan! This year we will focus on Chichibu and the incredible Kyushu region in Southern Japan, the hotspot of new whisky production!
SMWS Japanese Whisky Tasting Tour: March 20-30, 2026
Join Tom Smith, the Director of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society America, and Charles as we do an elevated Japanese Whisky Tour with all of the Classic Visits and Special Tastings and Events!
The Water of Life Whisky Tour To Islay - Part II: May 2-10, 2026
Join Greg Swartz, the Director of The Water of Life, and Holly Seidewand as they return to Islay for Part II of this Collaboration Whisky Tour focused on the documentary.
Scotland - Arran, Campbeltown, Islay & Jura: October 3-11, 2026
Join Holly Seidewand on this small, group tour to Campbeltown, and the islands of Arran, Islay and Jura! This tour is limited to 4-5 guests and will be an intimate experience visiting some distilleries off the beaten path!
Future Trips To Be Announced!
Please sign up to our Email List to be made aware when we announce our next Tours to Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Kentucky and so many more! Or contact us for a Private Group Experience!
John Sconzo
Originally from New York City and an Italian-American family to whom food was of utmost importance, John’s passion for food and wine goes back a long time. As an early online writer and photographer of chefs and their craft, John has developed a deep relationship with the food industry.
It is this love of travel and food that makes John a great host on our culinary journeys and experiences.
Charles Grabitzky
Growing up in San Francisco and living abroad in both Mexico and Turkey has given Charles a global personality and a love for travel. Providing a great experience for his guests and seeing how travel can change people’s lives is his ultimate goal.
Whisky is his passion and over the last 10 years he has focused on leading niche whiskey tours to Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the U.S. He is co-owner of First Fill Spirits in Saratoga Springs, NY, a boutique whisky shop unlike any other in the Northeast. He started the Saratoga Whiskey Club in Upstate New York in 2015: Saratoga Whiskey Club
Holly Seidewand
Holly became a single malt enthusiast during her time working in retail store design in New York City. Not finding an education that was fitting to further her knowledge of whisky, she created her own study program by visiting over 130 distilleries throughout the world to interview producers, evaluate whiskies, and learn everything she could about the industry.
Holly lives in Saratoga Springs, NY and owns and operates her own boutique whisky shop called First Fill Spirits. She has always had an affinity for the History of Scotch and Irish Whiskey and can’t wait to share a dram with everyone! You can follow her whisky journey on her blog and on Instagram @herwhiskylove. We are super excited to have Holly on our team leading tours!
