Latest news with #WorldWhiskyDay
Black America Web
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections
This Saturday (May 17), World Whisky Day takes place, and whisky lovers around the globe will hopefully have some pours of their favorite tried and true drams with family and friends. For World Whisky Day 2025, CASSIUS is leaning into whisky made in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, and we'll shine a light on American and Irish whiskey at a later time. Now that I'm a year removed from this World Whisky Day post, I've gotten more exposure to whisky made in the aforementioned nations. Armed with a bit more knowledge about the wide world of whisky, I feel confident suggesting the bottles I've compiled in this particular roundup. I'll share what I wrote last year as a primer: …the term whisky applies to spirits made in Scotland, Japan, or Canada, while whiskey applies to spirits made in the United States and Ireland. Adding to this, bourbon can only be made in the United States and must feature a mash bill of 51 percent corn before other grains are introduced. Further, Kentucky bourbon, as you might get from the name, can only be called as such if it's made in the state. Enough nerding out about that for now. Let's get into the history of World Whisky Day. The holiday was officially established in March 2012 by University of Aberdeen student Blair Bowman, who was 21 at the time. According to Whiskey Partners, Bowman was studying in Barcelona and remarked that whiskey didn't have a global holiday like other adult beverages, so he took it upon himself to create a website to get the ball rolling. After researching the holiday more, I'm comfortable in saying that Bowman was not considering American or Irish-made whiskey in his celebration, and last year, I did include whiskies from all over the world. This year, I'm sticking to the whisky guns and only featuring juice without the 'e.' I would like to return to the space and share what I've learned about Scotland's different whisky-producing regions at a later date. For now, I hope you discover a new favorite or see a familiar brand in our World Whisky Day 2025 roundup. Cheers! — Photo: Source: Motortion / Getty Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections was originally published on Source:D.L. Chandler Aberfeldy is a Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky known as the 'Golden Dram' due to its color but also because of its water source, the Pitilie Burn, which contains tiny bits of gold. I've had the entire core range of Aberfeldy and while they're all excellent, I always go back to the 12 Year expression for my sunset dram. Learn more here. Source:Ardbeg I've had my fair share of Ardbeg whisky and of the brand's premium Single Malt Scotch offerings, and I've become a huge fan of its Uigeadail expression. Uigeadail (Oog-a-dal) is a non-age statement whisky aged in Oloroso Sherry and Ex-Bourbon Casks barrels featuring a lot of peat. I always feel classy having a glass of Uigeadail. Learn more here. Source:Crown Royal As I grew up in a particular type of neighborhood in a particular fashion, I would see my uncles and his friends having backyard parties with plenty of purple bags of Crown Royal's core whisky on deck. As I'm older and with refined tastes, I appreciated my few encounters with Crown Royal's higher-end Reserve expression. This weekend, I'll be checking out Crown Royal's limited-edition Marquis expression, so stay tuned for that. Learn more here. Source:Glenfiddich Glenfiddich is a distillery that produces Single Malt Scotch whisky in Scotland's Speyside region, and their 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish is a fine start to learn about the brand. At 86 proof, I often wonder how the whisky would taste with at, say 95 or so, but this pours a solid dram. Learn more here. Source:Glenglassaugh Glenglassaugh specializes in Scotch whisky crafted off the coasts of Scotland, named after a village near the brand's distillery. At just under 100 proof, the Portsoy, part of Glenglassaugh's core expression, this whisky has some of those briny notes from the coastal winds. Aged in former sherry, bourbon, and port casks, all of those sweet notes from the used barrels still shine through the peat smoke. This is a winner. Learn more here. Portsoy whisky day,glenglassaugh portsoy Source:Glengoyne I am completely new to the Glengoyne brand as of the last 48 hours. I don't have the deepest of dives just yet, and what I can say is that this Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky is worth seeking out. There is no peat, which is an aspect of most whiskies produced in that region, but I suppose Scotch drinkers know this going in. It's also priced just right despite being an adequately aged product. Learn more here. Source:Glenmorangie I know that experienced Scotch whisky drinkers can appreciate a bracing, biting sip in their drams, but for folks still getting their training wheels on, finding something easy to sip is a great way to learn. The Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original expression is part of the famed Highlands distillery's core lineup and is an affordable sipper that doesn't fuss about too much. It's also pretty sneaky, so make those pours sensible. Learn more here. Source:Suntory The House of Suntory specializes in an array of spirits produced in Japan, including its award-winning Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. I am actually more familiar with Suntory's Japanese gin than I am their whisky, but I've had plenty of Harmony as my neighbors always have it stocked. It is a blend of whiskies produced in Japan, and it's an easy sipper neat or on the rocks. Excited to learn more about this brand in the future. Learn more here. Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky, whisky day,hibiki japanese harmony Source:Isle of Skye Isle of Skye produces a wide range of whisky, and their 8 Years Old expression is the only one I've tried thus far, fairly recently at that. This bottle features whisky from the islands and the Speyside region, and there's a nice amount of smoky peat in there. Priced for budget consumers, it certainly doesn't drink that way. Learn more here. Source:Monkey Shoulder Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky is said to be made strictly for mixing, and it does a great job as a base for the Old Fashioned, a Whisky Sour, or a Rob Roy. I've even started to have a pour over a large rock and it still kicks adequate ass. Learn more here. Source:Old Parr Old Parr keeps it simple with just two expressions in its lineup: Aged 12 Years and Aged 18 Years. I've had both, and this is a really approachable whisky for people still learning the category, like myself. Also, the 12 makes a killer highball, which is my preferred way to have it. Learn more here. Okay, so I said I wasn't going to feature any American whiskey. Please note the 'e' in that sentence. Beyoncé's SirDavis is an American Rye whisky (their spelling) with a mashbill of 51 percent rye and 49 percent malted barley. To some, that much spicy rye in a dram might turn off some, but SirDavis was created under the watchful eye of Dr. Bill Lumsden, who has worked with Scotch whiskey brands Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. I say this qualifies as whisky without the 'e' and is a dram that works well with the sherry cask finish. My whisky purists are certainly balking at this, but I'm supporting this loud and proud, because, Black, first of all, and secondly, it's Beyoncé! Learn more here. Source:Smokehead I recently had a bourbon finished in barrels that previously held tequila, and the results were pleasant. Smokehead's Tequila Cask Terminado expression pairs single malt in former tequila barrels, and the dance of the famed Mexican spirit's vegetal notes alongside the peated whisky works well despite not being a proof bomb. Personally, the lower proof works for me. Learn more here. Source:The Balvenie The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old is one of the Highlands Single Malt Scotch whisky producer's core offerings and nails its rum cask finishing concept. This isn't the first whisky to use barrels that previously held rum for maturing, but it does stand far apart from most. Learn more here. Source:The GlenDronach The GlenDronach is a Single Malt Scotch whisky from Scotland's Highland region, and aged for 12 years in Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. This is a sweeter style of whisky, and could be a nice gateway for new Scotch drinkers. I've only had their 12 year as I'm not at all a baller like that. I will vouch for this bottle. Learn more here. Source:The Macallan The Macallan is a notable name in the world of Single Malt Scotch whisky and for good reason. I've had all of the brand's core collections and even some of its limited edition releases due to associates who also love The Macallan's classic whisky offerings. I'm featuring the Double Cask 12 Years Old expression as it's readily available and showcases what this brand's whisky is all about from the ground floor. Learn more here. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
NDTV
17-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
World Whisky Day 2025: Experts Decode Why Whisky Will Never Lose Its Charm In India
On World Whisky Day today, we are celebrating the most loved alcoholic beverage in India. A glass of whisky is much more than just a drink. It's a symbol of status, legacy, culture, connection, and good times. In fact, many Indians are introduced to alcohol through whisky. I personally grew up watching my dad, uncle and grandfather sipping whisky with soda and water on Sundays, sharing jokes and snacks with a drink or two, and feeling absolutely delighted like it was the highlight of their entire week. The whisky bottle would be kept safe like a prized possession, treated with utmost care, and always promised a great evening. I believe this is true for many Indian households. But have you ever wondered why do we love whisky so much? This World Whisky Day, NDTV caught up with experts from the Indian beverage industry to find out why Indians are so loyal to whisky, and perhaps will always be. How Whisky Came To India And Never Meant To Leave "Scotch whisky still dominates the Indian market and it has to do with the fact that it was one of the first entrants as a spirit that came into India," says Minakshi Singh, CEO, Co-Founder at Sidecar, Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, Cafe Lungta, Bhumi Farms, The Brook, India Bartender Week. Explaining whisky's huge connection with India, Minakshi adds, "The British introduced Scotch whisky to India, and it was one of the first International spirits to be brought here. It became a symbol of status, success, good taste, discernment, and since then, it has stood by those pillars. Even today, our shelf is dominated by 60-65 per cent of whisky and the remaining are other spirits and liquors and wine and beer." Tequila Fad Is Here, But People Are Not Leaving Their Single Malts The No. 1 cocktail in the world is old-fashioned, made with whisky, shares Navjot Singh, Beverage Director at Lair New Delhi and Lair Gurgaon. "I think even with the rise of other spirits, India will never lose that charm of drinking whisky. The loyalty to whisky is still there, and people are not leaving their single malts, even if many are now moving to other spirits like aged tequila." Explaining the deeply rooted love for whisky in the heart of Indians, Navjot Singh says, "There is a lot of cultural legacy here as whisky has been associated with the status of celebration and tradition in India for decades. It is the go-to drink for a lot of people, especially the older generations." "I still remember people holding on to a whisky bottle which somebody had gifted, and they saved it for a special occasion in the future. I know a few clients and guests who say 'I am going to drink this bottle with my son or great-grandson.' Whisky is an emotion, which we cannot change." The Taste, While Important, Is Still Secondary Whisky has an inimitable charm. It doesn't have competition nor needs validation, notes Magandeep Singh, Sommelier, Writer and Beverage expert. "For Indians, their love for whisky extends beyond just the stuff in the glass. It's connected to freedom, Bollywood, family occasions, college times, vacations, important ceremonies and almost a rite of passage." Explaining the importance of whisky in Indian culture and society, Magandeep Singh concludes, "To this end, the taste, while important, is still secondary. What matters more is how one associates with a brand and feels connected to it, or rather, how one perceives that a particular brand represents them and their lifestyle choices. Which is why brand loyalty runs extremely deep with this brown spirit, thereby elevating it from being just an alcoholic drink to a symbol of many personally relevant elements." On World Whisky Day 2025, let's raise a glass to celebrate the drink that is undoubtedly the most loved alcoholic drink in India. Cheers!
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
On World Whisky Day let's celebrate this amazing spirit
World Whisky Day | New Africa - Happy World Whisky Day! To mark this 'day of global whisky celebration' The Scotsman has put together some content for you to enjoy as people across the globe are invited to sample a dram. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... World Whisky Day takes place annually on the third Saturday in May, but whisky is, of course, something that can be enjoyed – responsibly – on any day of the year. While there are amazing whiskies available from several countries, from the US to Ireland and Japan, Scotland remains the largest producer of whisky and Scotch is known and loved across the globe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to insight from the Scotch Whisky Association, more Scotch is enjoyed globally than Irish, American and Japanese whiskies combined There are currently around 150 distilleries producing Scotch whisky across the five regions of Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Examining the facts and figures from the SWA, Scotch whisky accounts for around three quarters of all Scottish food and drink exports and provides around £7bn in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy. More than 40,000 people are employed in the Scotch whisky industry in Scotland and over 25,000 more jobs across the UK are supported by the industry. Some 22 million casks lie maturing in warehouses in Scotland waiting to be discovered - that is around 12bn 70cl bottles. While our national drink undoubtedly remains a success story, it has been hit by economic and political headwinds in recent times, and competition from others whiskies, and other drinks, has intensified. The value of Scotch exports last year was £5.4bn, down 3.7 per cent on 2023 due to a mixture of pressures, such as consumers cutting back on spending and turbulence in international markets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And the IWSR described 2024 as a tough year for the beverage alcohol market in general, not just whisky. It said last year fell short of forecasted expectations as key markets around the world underperformed, impacted by such factors as a move away from super-premium spirits and ongoing weakness in the Chinese market. But there was very welcome news earlier this month when the UK-India trade deal was signed after many years of negotiation. This has been described as 'transformational' for Scotch in terms of export opportunity and job creation. Another great strength of Scotch to be highlighted on World Whisky Day is its role as a cultural icon for Scotland and as a major visitor attraction. Many of Scotland's distilleries have visitor centres and offer increasingly innovative tours. Around two million visits were made to Scotch distilleries in 2022, with people spending more than £85m in total at sites across Scotland, up 90 per cent since 2010, said the SWA in its report. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This trend is supporting rural communities across Scotland. As well as distillery visits, tourists flock to whisky bars and other attractions in cities, such as the Scotch Whisky Experience and Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh. And there are a growing number of urban distilleries, including the likes of Holyrood and Port of Leith in the Scottish capital and The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow. Meanwhile, whisky festivals are continuing to spring up across the country. The Scotsman Food and Drink Editor Rosalind Erskine recently attended the Spirit of Speyside Festival. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the festival said it has grown in stature, establishing itself as one of the world's largest and is a major contributor to the local economy. The Campbeltown Malts Festival runs from this Monday until May 24. And The Fèis Ìle - Islay Whisky Festival – will take place from May 23 to 31, celebrating the 'Whisky Isle', its culture and its spirit, with tastings, tours, music and events. This is just a snapshot of the whisky gatherings of all sizes that take place across Scotland throughout the year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But this is World Whisky Day, so it's important to recognise the significance and growing popularity of whiskies from other parts of the globe. Just across the border, English whisky is making its mark. According to the English Whisky Guild (EWG), it is 'witnessing unprecedented growth', with drinkers 'discovering and experiencing a spirit produced with incredible flavour diversity and to the highest standards'. There are now 45 active English whisky distilleries. A proposal has been put forward by the EWG to Defra to gain Geographical Indication (GI) status for English whisky to allow it to be defined as single malt. GI status protects a product's name and quality based on origin and can be applied to food, drink and agricultural products, such as Scotch whisky. The EWG has said: 'Ensuring quality and innovation are at the forefront of all we do, so it is vital for this fast-growing English Whisky industry to receive GI status and legal protection.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This has provoked a backlash from the SWA, among others, who argue it would undermine the single malt Scotch whisky category. While this debate rumbles on, other whiskies already have single malt status, including 'American Single Malt Whiskey'. There is also a view that if whisky, or whiskey, is being talked about, and the pros and cons of different types of whiskies are being discussed, more people will enjoy it across the world.
News18
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Raise a Toast: World Whisky Day Calls for Bold Sips and Spirited Celebrations
World Whisky Day is a global celebration of the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and evolving creativity of whisky. Observed on the third Saturday of May, it invites enthusiasts and novices alike to savour the spirit in all its forms—from neat pours and classic drams to modern, mixology-driven cocktails. Whether it's smoky Scotch, smooth Bourbon, or Indian craft labels, there's a whisky and a way to enjoy it for everyone. This year, elevate your experience with a range of inventive whisky cocktails curated by leading mixologists that promise bold flavours, refreshing twists, and the perfect reason to raise your glass.
Washington Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
A look at Republicans' political playbook on Medicaid
Good morning, Early Birds. Tomorrow is World Whisky Day. Cheers to all who celebrate. Send tips to earlytips@ Thanks for waking up with us. In today's edition … MAGA and progressives come together on drug prices … Republicans hit another roadblock in their colossal budget bill … but first …
