Ask a gourmand what food he thinks links the world and his answer may well be sausages. It seems few cultures across our world have failed to realise the potential of this humble foodstuff. Britain has its banger, Germany its frankfurter, Italy its salami, Spain its chorizo, Korea its sundae, Finland its mustamakkara – the list (and the variety) seems positively inexhaustible.

But what of booze? What alcoholic beverage has the equivalent reach of the sausage in linking the cultures of our world? Beer has a foot in this door, no doubt – but mostly in the style of lager when considering the global market. Wine, too, is no stranger, although the cultivation of grapes is mostly limited to specific climates, and the wine produced in more extreme reaches is often (although not always) regarded as novel. There is one such drink, though. It veritably boasts near-worldwide production; it demonstrates cross-border variation; it enjoys global renown; and it commands mass appreciation. It’s whisky.

For the love of Scotch

There can be no underestimating Scotland’s contribution to this end, even if we may argue over the spirit’s precise origin. Many will, of course, point to Scotland as being the spirit’s ancestral homeland. Others will claim Ireland. Spain likely played a part, too. There’s even a suggestion that the Ancient Egyptians were dabbling in whisky, or at least some manner 
of precursory alchemy.

But in terms of putting whisky on the map, and keeping it there for as long as it has done, Scotland has put in some wondrously hard graft – and continues to do so. As the old Scottish proverb goes, “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky,” and with every day that passes for this small nation, the rivers flow, 
the mills grind, the mash tuns turn, the stills run, the barrels lie asleep, the angels drink their shares, the bottles are filled and 
Scotch whisky is offered up to the world.

Variation abounds. Scotland’s wild highlands, its remote islands, its rugged coastlines and its pastoral lowlands all imbue whisky with unique qualities. Indeed, individual distilleries are likewise capable of defining the tastes of individual products, making it all but impossible for one to say that one has experienced the whole gamut of Scotch.

“Scotch is the world’s favourite whisky,” says Diageo Global Scotch Ambassador Ewan Gunn. “You’ll find a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label on bars from Boston to Beijing and every place in-between. Scotch was cool in Sinatra’s day and it’s cool now – loved in every corner of the globe. Over the past few years there has been an explosion in the number of whisk(e)y makers around the world, many modelling themselves on the traditions and techniques of Scotch whisky production. Some have produced great whiskies, but none have matched the range and diversity of flavours that Scotch whisky offers – I genuinely believe there’s a Scotch out there for every individual and personality. One of my favourites now is Lagavulin 8 year old, our new expression.”

World Whisky Day

If the tapestry of Scotch has been richly woven over the centuries, then it’s also been shared – and the world is a richer place for the fact. Look at the history of bourbon whiskey and you’ll realise that its pioneers were very often descended from Scotland and therefore well versed in the practice of distilling. Across the globe, the pioneers of Japanese whisky went to great lengths in carefully studying the practices employed within the distilleries of Scotland. And don’t be fooled into thinking the Swedes only specialise in meatballs and flat-packed furniture, for their own whisky industry is taking off, initially inspired by Scotland’s.

But it’s well to remember that these whiskies aren’t Scotches – and the fact transcends legality. From the frozen tracts of Iceland and the Great Plains of America to the bustling metropolises of India and 
the arid expanses of Australia, whisky producers old and new are continuing this tradition but blazing their own trails too. They are pushing boundaries, trying new styles and redrawing the whisky map. We live in a world truly saturated with whisky – and we reckon that’s cause for a celebration. So we’ve organised one.

World Whisky Day is all about toasting the efforts, the successes and the downright marvels of the world whisky stage, those playing out on it, and their creations. This year it takes place on Saturday 21 May.

Whether you’re new to whisky or a connoisseur of the cask, you’re invited. All it takes is some good company, some good cheer and, of course, some of the good stuff itself. So let’s raise a dram with the world together this May.

www.worldwhiskyday.com
@WorldWhiskyDay
#WorldWhiskyDay

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