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World Whisky Day

Raise a glass and join the world on World Whisky Day - try something new, explore different flavors, and celebrate with friends!
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Introduction

Mark your calendars for World Whisky Day on the third Saturday in May – it’s time to celebrate this historic and delicious spirit! Whisky has a long and illustrious history, first being distilled in Scotland around the 15th century. It was traditionally used as medicine, and was even considered safer to drink than water during a time when many water sources were contaminated. Nowadays, whisky is enjoyed for its smooth taste and complexity, with varieties ranging from light and fruity to smoky and peaty. So grab a glass of your favorite whisky and raise a toast to World Whisky Day!

History of World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day Dates

World Whisky Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1494</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Documented Whisky</div><div class='timeline-text'>In Scotland, the first recorded mention of whisky was found in Exchequer Rolls, noting malt sent "to Friar John Cor to make aquavitae."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1823</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Excise Act Legalizes Distilleries</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Excise Act is passed in the UK, making it legal to distil whisky in return for a license fee and payment of a per-gallon tax.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Prohibition Era Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States enters the Prohibition era, making the production, importation, and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal until 1933.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Whisky's Popularity Surges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Post-war prosperity leads to a surge in whisky's popularity, especially in America where it becomes a symbol of sophistication and success.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural World Whisky Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first World Whisky Day was celebrated, established by whisky consultant Blair Bowman when he was 21 years old.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate World Whisky Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new whisky</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local liquor store and find a new whisky to try. You can also search online for reviews of different whiskies and make sure to find one that suits your palate.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a whisky cocktail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Nothing says celebration like a tasty whisky cocktail. Look up some recipes online and pick your favorite to make. Then invite some friends over to enjoy it with you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a whisky tasting</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you're feeling adventurous, look for a whisky tasting event near you and attend it. You'll have the chance to learn more about different types of whiskies and sample some of the best around.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Buy a bottle of whisky as a gift</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a special bottle of whisky for someone special in your life and give it as a gift. It's a great way to show them how much you care and celebrate World Whisky Day at the same time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a whisky pairing dinner</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends together and host a whisky pairing dinner. Pick out some different whiskies and have each person bring a course of food that pairs well with the different whiskies. It's sure to be an enjoyable evening!</p></div></div>

Why We Love World Whisky Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Whisky is a great way to relax</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Enjoying a glass of whisky can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The rich, slightly sweet flavor of whisky makes it the perfect accompaniment to an evening in with friends or family. Plus, since it doesn't have any caffeine, you don't have to worry about not getting enough sleep!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's delicious & multifunctional</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only is whisky delicious on its own, but it can also be used in cocktails and cooking recipes! It adds complexity to dishes like beef stew and gives drinks like the Old Fashioned an extra kick. So why not try something new and get creative with whisky? You might just surprise yourself!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>World Whisky Day celebrates diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When celebrated around the world, World Whisky Day celebrates the unique characteristics of different styles from various countries. With varieties from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada and beyond, World Whisky Day offers people an opportunity to discover a diverse range of different whiskies and appreciate their distinct flavors!</p></div></div>

5 Unexpected Revelations for World Whisky Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Whisky Can Age Only in the Barrel</h3><p class='facts-content'>Once whisky is bottled, the aging process stops. The changes in the flavor and strength come about while the whisky is maturing in the cask.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Term "Whisky" Comes From the Gaelic Phrase for "Water of Life"</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word "whisky" is derived from the Gaelic phrase "uisge beatha," which translates to "water of life."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Whisky Can Be Distinguished by Its Smell</h3><p class='facts-content'>The aroma or nose of the whisky is used by experts to identify its quality and origin, proving as critical as its taste.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a Whisky made in Antarctica</h3><p class='facts-content'>In one of the most unlikely places on Earth, whisky is made. The Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky was recreated after being discovered in the Antarctic, hidden away by the great polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton during his 1907 expedition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Oldest Bottle of Whisky is Over 150 Years Old</h3><p class='facts-content'>The oldest known bottle of whisky is the Glenavon Special Liqueur Whisky, bottled in Ireland between 1851 and 1858, making it over 150 years old and recognized by the Guinness World Records.</p></div></div>

World Whisky Day FAQs

When is World Whisky Day?

World Whisky Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 20

Saturday

2024

May 18

Saturday

2025

May 17

Saturday

2026

May 16

Saturday

2027

May 15

Saturday

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