World Whisky Day is a global celebration that takes place every year on the third Saturday in May, dedicated to appreciating whisky - one of the most well-loved alcoholic beverages worldwide. It’s a day for savouring the unique tastes of whisky among family and friends. Originating from a simple idea by a student in Scotland , World Whisky Day has expanded into an international tribute that unites fans of whisky from all around the world.
Everyone is welcome to participate in this day, from whisky aficionados, casual drinkers, or even those trying whisky for the first time.
History of World Whisky Day
The tradition of World Whisky Day was established in 2012 and occurs annually on the third Saturday in May. It was brought to life by Blair Bowman, an expert and writer on whisky, during his time as a student at Scotland’s University of Aberdeen. Bowman observed the numerous global whisky festivals and events but found that a specific day to honour whisky was missing.
In 2011, Bowman secured the worldwhiskyday.com domain and shared his plans for the dedicated day during a discussion at the Scottish Parliament in November. He officially launched World Whisky Day in March 2012 with an event organized at Aberdeen University, drawing attendees from around the globe, including whisky enthusiasts as well as bars, restaurants, and distilleries. The announcement was promptly recognized and embraced by various Whisky associations and global companies.
In its debut year, World Whisky Day saw events in over 250 locations worldwide, engaging over 20,000 participants. The global impact and popularity of World Whisky Day have grown over the years, engaging millions of people across more than 40 countries and hundreds of planned celebrations every year.
World Whisky Day isn’t just about commemorating whisky but also markets responsible alcohol consumption. It is in partnership with Just A Glass, an organization dedicated to promoting balanced alcohol consumption.
World Whisky Day Timeline
First Mention of Scotch Whisky
First recorded mention of Scotch Whisky appears in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland.
Old Bushmills Distillery License
The Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland is issued an official license to distill.
First Distillery in the USA
The first whisky distillery in the USA is established, setting the foundation for American whiskey traditions.
Excise Act
The Excise Act legalizes distilling in Scotland for a license fee, giving birth to the modern whisky industry.
Prohibition
Prohibition in the USA shuts down local whisky distilleries, causing a hiatis in American whisky production.
Bourbon Recognition
Bourbon is recognized by Congress as a 'distinctive product of the United States'.
World Whisky Market Growth
Global premium whisky market begins to grow with Asia, North America and Europe rising as major consumer regions.
First World Whisky Day
World Whisky Day is first celebrated, creating a global day for whisky enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite drink.
Ideas to Celebrate World Whisky Day
Whisky Tasting Party
Invite your friends and family over to sample different kinds of whisky from around the world. Provide tasting notes for everyone to document their experiences, and perhaps give a small token for the favourite whisky of the night.
Whisky and Food Pairing Dinner
Throw a dinner party where each dish is paired with a matching whisky. This can be a fun way to fully experience the flavours of various whiskies. Consultation with a whisky expert or doing some research can be helpful in preparing the menu.
Whisky Mixology Class
Host a hands-on class on how to blend cocktails using whisky. It's a fun and interactive way for guests to appreciate whisky in a different light. Plus, they can recreate their favorite ones at home after the event.
Whisky Distillery Tour
Schedule a trip to a local whisky distillery. Such places usually offer tours and tastings to educate visitors about the whisky-making process. It's a great group activity, and you can learn while celebrating.
Themed Whisky Movie Night
Arrange a movie night featuring whisky-themed or whisky-featured films. Some suggestions include Kingsman: The Secret Service, Lost in Translation, or any James Bond movie. Comfortable seating, snacks, and of course, whisky, should be provided.
8 Interesting Facts About Whisky
Types of Whisky
There are several types of whisky including Scotch, Irish, Rye, Bourbon, and Canadian style whisky. Each type must adhere to specific rules and it's produced in different countries, with different ingredients and processes.
In Gaelic, whisky means Water of Life
The word 'whisky' is derived from the Gaelic word 'uisce beatha', which translates to 'water of life'.
The Angel's Share
During the ageing process of whisky, a certain amount evaporates from the barrels. This lost whisky, usually about 2%, is known as the 'Angel's Share'.
Whisky and whiskey
Whether it's spelled 'whisky' or 'whiskey' depends on where it's made. Irish and American brands use 'whiskey', while Scotland, Canada and other parts of the world spell it 'whisky'.
Age Matters
The age statement on a whisky bottle refers to the youngest whisky used to produce that product. A whisky labeled as 18 years old, for instance, may contain older whiskies, but not anything younger.
World's Most Expensive Whisky
The most expensive bottle of whisky was sold at auction for $2 million. It was Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s The Emerald Isle Collection.
Whisky Stones
Whisky stones are used to cool whisky without diluting it. They are made from various materials like stainless steel or soapstone and are praised for not changing the whisky's taste.
Whisky was used medicinally
In the past, whisky was used for medicinal purposes, both as an internal anaesthetic and an external antibiotic.
World Whisky Day FAQs
Next World Whisky Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 20th | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 18th | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 17th | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 16th | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 15th | Saturday |
| What is the pattern? | Third Saturday of May | |
World Whisky Day Word Search
- Whisky
- Barrel
- Distillery
- Scotland
- Ireland
- Bourbon