Not to be confused with International Whisky Day (March 27th if you’re keeping track), World Whisky Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. This is a day to grab some friends and partake in the water of life that is whiskey. Quick note: Although the day is spelled without the “e”, whiskeys are included as well. In fact, everything goes—from bourbon to scotch and everything in between. And yes, whiskeys are being produced all over the world, sometimes in surprising locations (anyone up for a dram from Luxembourg?).
You can celebrate with cocktails or keep it neat and simple. There are even events happening at bars, retail shops and elsewhere around the world. But if you’d rather have your own party, even better! We love creating customized flights, since tasting and comparing whiskeys side-by-side is the best way to evaluate them.
So call up your mates and assign them a country or whiskey style to cover. You provide the place, the snacks and safe rides home. It’s a win-win! Bonus points if you’d like to share a special bottling as the night cap.
In case you’d like to see our flights from last year, you can see those here, but we’ve got a fresh batch for you below. For the most part, the selections will be well under $100. But feel free to splurge if you like. Just use these brands as a guide when shopping. It is a special occasion after all. If not now, when?
Flights shown in order of pour recommendation.
AROUND THE WORLD
This flight highlights the different styles of whisk(e)y found around the world. From the Mizunara oak found in the Hibiki, to the peat in the Ardbeg, they all represent their respective country’s traditions and sense of place.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony / Photo Credit: Suntory
Blended Japanese Whisky: Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Canadian Whisky: Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve
Single Pot Still: Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year
Bourbon: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Peated Single Malt: Ardbeg An Oa
BORN IN THE USA
Showcasing some of the best whiskeys made in the US of A—without a bourbon in sight.
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey / Photo Credit: Heaven Hill
Wheat Whiskey: Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
Tennessee Whiskey: Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack
American Single Malt: Westward American Single Malt
Blended American Whiskey: High West Bourye (2018 Release)
Corn Whiskey: Balcones Brimstone
EUROPEAN SINGLE MALTS
For the sake of this flight, we’ve excluded Scotland and Ireland, just to offer something more out of the ordinary. But if that’s what you have, by all means, include them as well.
Brenne French Single Malt / Photo Credit: Brenne
France: Brenne French Single Malt
Belgium: Gouden Carolus Single Malt
England: Cotswolds Single Malt
Spain: Navazos-Palazzi “Bota Punta” Spanish Malt Whisky
Sweden: Mackmyra Svensk Rök
TOURING THE ISLES OF SCOTLAND
Some of these might be difficult to find, but some of the lesser known players are often of good value.
Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour / Photo Credit: Ferencz Creative
Arran: Arran The Robert Burns Single Malt
Jura: Jura Seven Wood
Orkney: Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour
Islay: Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach
Mull: Ledaig 10 Year
Skye: Talisker Storm
MADEIRA FINISH
Sherry is one of the most used casks for finishing the maturation process in whiskey. Madeira, a fortified wine from Portugal, is quickly becoming the next big thing. Give these a try to find out what the buzz is about.
WhistlePig Old World Cask Finish Rye 12 Year / Photo Credit: Ferencz Creative
Wales: Penderyn Madeira Cask Finish
Ireland: Tyrconnell 15 Year Madeira Finish
Scotland: Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish
USA: Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish
Canada: WhistlePig Old World Cask Finish Rye 12 Year
With Distiller, you’ll always know what’s in the bottle before you spend a cent. Rate, Review and Discover spirits! Head on over to Distiller, or download the app for iOS and Android today!
