International Whiskey Day celebrates the beloved spirit known as “the water of life” or ‘uisce na beatha’ in Gaelic. This global celebration brings whiskey enthusiasts together to appreciate and enjoy this complex, warm, and welcoming elixir.
Quick Facts
When is it: March 27th annually
Tagged as: International Whisk(e)y Day
What’s the hashtag: #InternationalWhiskeyDay
When was it founded: Announced in 2008, first celebrated in 2009
Who founded it: Group of whiskey writers at the Whiskey Festival Northern Netherlands
History
The day honors Michael James Jackson, a renowned British writer and journalist who wrote influential books about whiskey and beer. The date March 27th was specifically chosen to commemorate his birthday. The parentheses in Whisk(e)y acknowledges both spelling variations – “whisky” used by Scotland, Canada, and Japan, and “whiskey” preferred by Ireland and America.
Timeline
- 1494: First recorded whiskey production
- 1823: Legal production of spirits begins
- 2008: First announcement of International Whiskey Day
- 2009: First official celebration
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March | 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March | 27 | Friday |
| 2027 | March | 27 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March | 27 | Monday |
| 2029 | March | 27 | Tuesday |
How It’s Observed
Whiskey enthusiasts worldwide gather to share and enjoy their favorite spirits. Many organize tasting events, educational sessions, and celebrations at local establishments.
Fun Facts About Whiskey
- A colorless liquid before maturation
- The evaporation during aging is called ‘Angel’s Share’
- Contains fewer calories than a banana (64 calories per average measure)
- France leads global whiskey consumption
- Over 5,000 types of Single Malt Whiskey exist
Quiz
- What does ‘uisce na beatha’ mean?
- When was whiskey first legally produced?
- How many types of Single Malt Whiskey exist?
(Answers: 1. Water of life, 2. 1823, 3. Over 5,000)
FAQs
- Why the (e) in Whisk(e)y? To acknowledge different spelling traditions
- What makes bourbon different? Must be made from at least 51% corn
- Is whiskey gluten-free? Yes, due to the distillation process
Related Days
- World Whisky Day (Third Saturday in May)
- National Bourbon Day (June)
- Scotch Whisky Day (July 27)