Every year on March 27th, whiskey fans from around the world come together to celebrate their favorite distilled alcoholic beverage. International Whisk(e)y Day uses the parenthesis to indicate support of the Scots, Canadians, and Japanese who spell it without an e. The Irish and Americans include the letter e when writing out the word whiskey.

Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash. Corn, wheat, rye, and barley are the most common grains used to make whiskey. Besides drinking whiskey for pleasure, many people drink it for their health. Whiskey contains a powerful antioxidant called ellagic acid, which helps prevent cancer. Some people mix whisky with warm water and honey to soothe their sore throats. Others claim that drinking whiskey will prolong their life.

Whiskeys are broken down by the following nationalities:

• American whiskey – tends to be sweeter than other whiskeys and includes bourbon, rye, and Tennessee
• Scotch whisky – tends to have an earthy flavor and includes blended Scotch and single malt Scotch. Try Sassanach Whisky, made by Sam Heugen, known for starring role in Outlander.
• Irish whiskey – tends to be light-bodied but more robust than Canadian whisky and includes Irish blend, single malt Irish, and single grain Irish.
• Canadian whisky – tends to be light-bodied and fruity and includes Canadian rye whisky.

These whiskeys get distilled in their respective country. The Irish are credited for being the first whiskey distillers. The word whiskey comes from the Irish phrase, uisce beatha, or “water of life.” Each kind of whiskey has a specific alcohol content, which is indicated by proof. If a whiskey is 100 proof, it means it contains 50% alcohol by volume.

INTERNATIONAL WHISK(E)Y DAY HISTORY

International Whisk(e)y Day was launched in 2009 during the Whiskey Day Festival in the northern Netherlands. The date of March 27th commemorates the birthday of Michael Jackson, a famous British writer. Jackson has written many influential books about whiskey and beer. Whiskey fans around the world organize and run this fun day.

Looking for something else try one of these celebrations too.

• Pina Colada Day
• Mojito Day
• Daquari Day
• Rose day
• Moscato Day
• Wine day
• Mint Julep Day
• Bourbon Day
• Prosecco Day
• Bubbly Day
• Whiskey Sour Day
• Red Wine Day
• Cocktail Day
• Harvey Wallbanger
• Grand Mariner Day
• Brandy Alexander Day
• Cognac Day
• World Paloma Day
• Scotch Day
• Margarita Day
• Rum Day
• Hot Buttered Rum Day
• Anisette Day
• Vodka Day
• Wine Day
• Drink Beer Day
• Sangria Day
• Irish Coffee Day
• Liqueur Day
• Repeal Day
• Creme De Menthe Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalWhiskeyDay

People around the world are encouraged to drink whiskey on this day. There are a variety of whiskey brands from which to choose. Some of the most popular include:

• Johnnie Walker
• Dewar’s
• Jim Beam
• Jack Daniels
• Wild Turkey
• The Dubliner
• Caribou Crossing
• Lark
• Sassanach

If you don’t enjoy straight whiskey, you can try a whiskey cocktail. Some favorites include mint julep, whiskey sour, or a Manhattan. You can either make your own concoction at home or go to a bar, where they will most likely have drink specials to celebrate the day. Don’t forget to share your favorite whiskey brand or cocktail on social media with #InternationalWhiskeyDay.