International Scotch Day

Since:
🥂 2017

Created by: Diageo

A taste of Scotland that will transport you to a land of rolling hills and whisky distilleries. 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Love is in the air, and so is Scotch! 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Dive into the spirited saga of Scotch, where every drop tells a tale of Scottish landscapes, whisky wisdom, and a legacy that flows smoother than a kilt-clad Highlander on a breezy dance floor.
From the misty landscapes of Scotland to the global stage, Scotch has charmed palates and ignited the flames of whisky rebellion.
Its history is not just a timeline; it’s a rollicking tale of distillation defiance, peaty passion, and a wee bit of mischief.
Why settle for ordinary when you can celebrate with the liquid gold that’s matured to perfection!

Not to be confused with the similar sounding World Whisky Day!
World Whisky Day is a global celebration of whisky, while International Scotch Day is specifically dedicated to Scotch whisky.
Both are worth celebrating, so raise a glass to both!

Each Sip, A Twirl In The Highland Mist. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Scotch is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from malted barley and aged in oak casks.
The art of making scotch began way back to the 15th century, in the misty hills of Scotland, where clans perfected the art of whisky-making.
Malt, which is barley that’s been steeped in water and allowed to germinate, provides the base for scotch’s characteristic sweetness and malty notes. Unmalted grains, such as wheat or rye, add complexity and depth.
Over time, this practice evolved into the art of whisky-making, with distilleries popping up across Scotland.

🥃 A dram of whisky 🥃

poured with drama?

A “dram” is a term commonly used to refer to a small serving of whisky or another spirit.
The term “dram” has its origins in the Middle English word “dramme”, which itself in turn comes from the Greek word “drachma”, which was a unit of weight in ancient Greece.

The term transitioned from a weight measurement to a liquid measure, especially in the context of whisky. In the early days of whisky production, a dram was a small amount of whisky, typically about ¼ of an ounce.

The term “dram” is still sometimes used informally to refer to any small amount of whisky, regardless of the exact measure.

The Origin of International Scotch Day 🎉

In 2003, Diageo, the multinational alcohol beverage company, introduced International Scotch Day to honor this iconic spirit and its global appeal.
International Scotch Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a cheeky conspiracy to make both your glass and their cash registry clink a little more. The date of February 8th was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Alexander Walker, the man who helped to establish Scotch as a globally recognized spirit.
The day has since gained widespread recognition, with enthusiasts from all corners of the world uniting to celebrate the annual rendezvous with this liquid gold.

How to Uncork the Essence of International Scotch Day 🥳

International Scotch Day is an occasion to indulge in the rich nuances of Scotch flavors and discover the craft that goes into every dram.
Here are a few ways to celebrate this whisky wonderland:

Venture Beyond the Familiar:
Step out of your comfort zone and explore the vast world of Scotch. Try a single malt from a lesser-known region or venture into the world of blended Scotches.
Unleash Your Inner Mixologist:
Experiment with classic Scotch Sours or create your own unique concoctions inspired by the flavors of the season.
Host a Gathering:
Host a Scotch tasting party with friends and family, each person bringing a different bottle to share.
Haggis and Harmony:
Pair your Scotch with haggis and create a night of harmony. Share your musical talents, be it playing an instrument or attempting the bagpipes after a dram or two.
Kilted Karaoke:
Don your favorite kilt and engage in Kilted Karaoke with a dram in hand – because singing is even better with a splash of liquid courage!
Bagpipe Serenade Session:
Arrange a virtual bagpipe serenade session. Let the haunting tunes elevate your Scotch experience.
Sip and Share:
Share your poetic musings about Scotch and let your words flow like a Highland stream. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #ScotchDay #ScotchWhiskyDay #InternationalScotchDay Share the merriment with friends online.

TL;DR – Sip, and Slàinte! 🥃💫

International Scotch Day is the ultimate excuse to unwind, savor the taste of Scotland and let the smooth, smoky wallop transport you to the land of kilts and castles.
So, grab a dram, raise a toast and if anyone questions your sassy swagger, just blame it on Wild Calendar.
May your celebration be as rich and complex as the finest Scotch itself.

🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Slàinte mhath! 🥃🌟

Whiskey vs. Whisky

It’s All About Where It’s From!

You might think “whiskey” and “whisky” are typos, but they’re actually different ways to spell the same drink. The difference between “whiskey” and “whisky” lies in the country of origin and spelling conventions.
Irish and American whiskey happily flaunt the “e”‘ for a touch of extra flair.
But scotch proudly wears the “whisky” label, dropping the “e” for an extra dash of minimalistic elegance. Because when you’re sipping liquid gold, every letter counts!

Why the Different Spellings?

Whiskey (with the “e”):

This spelling is typically used for spirits from Ireland and the United States. (think Jameson, bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey.)
In the US, you’ll find all sorts of whiskeys like bourbon (made with corn) and rye (with tons of rye grain). This stuff is usually smoother, thanks to extra distillations.

Back in the day, Irish distillers added the “e” to stand out from their Scottish neighbors. It stuck, and now it’s an easy way to guess where your drink originated.
However, there are exceptions. For instance, Maker’s Mark and George Dickel, both American brands, omit the ‘e’ on their labels.

Whisky (no “e”):

This spelling is favored for spirits from Scotland, Canada, and Japan. (think Glenfiddich, Crown Royal)
These whiskies often have a malty base and come in many regional styles.
Scotch whisky is famous for this, while Canadian whisky tends to be lighter and blended.
Japan’s whiskies are newer but already making waves with their unique flavors.

And for extra precision, Scotch is a type of whisky, but not all whisky is Scotch!
The difference lies in the production process and the geographical origin.
Whisky can be made anywhere in the world, while Scotch must be produced in Scotland, is based entirely on malted barley and must be aged for at least three years in oak casks.

So, What Now?

Both are the same type of spirit, just different spellings based on where it’s made. It all refers to a spirit made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels, typically oak.
Enjoy your dram however you spell it!