World Whisky Day is this Saturday the 20th so mark your calendars. Out of all of the drinking holidays out there, this one may be our favorite. Mostly because it gives us yet another reason to celebrate the spirit that had us at hello. But also because participating in the festivities is as simple as opening up a bottle. World Whisky Day celebrates whiskies from all countries so you can’t go wrong here.
Whisky events are happening all over the globe at whisky bars, retailers, and distilleries. But if you don’t want to go out, you can stay in. In fact, why don’t you have your own Around the World Whisky party?
Invite a few friends over, assign each one a country, and ask them to bring a whisky from that country. Set a price point; $50 would be a good place to start, but you can go higher if you like. We’d also recommend having some leak-proof travel bottles available so folks can trade their favorites of the night. For a few more recommendations, check out our Guide to Throwing a Bourbon Tasting Party for additional tips
Since World Whisky Day celebrates whisky made around the world so every country is eligible. Here are some suggestions on the theme.
A Tour of Scotland (under $50)
These whiskies give a small tour of what the Scots have to offer. Of course, if you have more guests, by all means have a representative from each of the Isles. Or if you and your guests are peat heads, why not do peated whiskies exclusively? If you go that route, don’t forget the peated whiskies made outside of Islay (looking at you Springbank, Ardmore, and Benriach).
Lowlands – Auchentoshan American Oak
Highlands – Ardmore Traditional Cask
Islay – Bowmore Small Batch
Islands (Arran, Orkney, Jura, Mull, Skye) – Talisker Storm
Speyside – Glenrothes Bourbon Cask Reserve
Around the World in Under $50
These bottlings represent some of the best these countries have to offer. Of course, the US has to have a bourbon as its representative. And since Single Pot Still whiskey can only be produced in Ireland, that is one to have on hand. And the beautiful blends produced by Suntory definitely need to be experienced. Give these whiskies a try and see which one reigns supreme.
USA – Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
Canada – Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye
Scotland – Compass Box Oak Cross
Ireland – Powers Signature Release
Japan – Suntory Whisky Toki
Single Malts from Around the World (under $100)
This batch might be my favorite of them all as they highlight some unheralded whiskies such as the Welsh single malt from Penderyn and the latest Indian whisky brand to hit the market, Paul John. If you have a great retail shop in your neck of the woods, make sure to ask for whiskies from countries not listed here such as Australia, Sweden, or Taiwan.
USA – Balcones Texas Single Malt
Scotland – Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley
Ireland – Glendalough Single Malt 13 Year
India – Paul John Classic Single Malt
Japan – Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Wales – Penderyn Madeira Single Malt
France – Brenne 10 Single Malt
England – English Whisky Co. Classic Single Malt
Ready to celebrate World Whisky Day!
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