It is quite clear that the spirits industry is now in full crisis. Production shutdowns. $22 billion in unsold inventory. Super-premium sales down 15%. And what is Diageo's response? A $625 million cutting-to-the-bone program that includes laying off brand ambassadors.

There has never been a better time for Canadians to pack their bags and point themselves toward Japan. A historically favourable exchange rate, world-class distilleries open to visitors, one of whisky's most compelling origin stories, and some of the finest whisky bars on the planet make Japan not just a great trip — but arguably the single best whisky travel destination in the world right now.

Why the spirits industry is collapsing — and what they can do to get out of it.