Experience World Whisky Day in Scotland
The month of May is synonymous with whisky in Scotland. Every year, Scotland celebrates World Whisky Day in the spring. This year, in 2024, the day will be celebrated on 18 May.
Whisky, a spirit synonymous with Scotland, has a rich history and a distinct flavour profile. Here’s a glimpse into the world of this beloved beverage.
With Whisky Month in May and World Whisky Day just around the corner, there’s no better excuse to have a glass of your favourite whisky and get ready to party. World Whisky Day, which takes place on Saturday 18 May 2024, is a global celebration of one of Scotland’s best-loved exports.
But remember, whisky is not a race, it’s a journey to be savoured slowly and enjoyed responsibly. Whether you’re a whisky novice or a true whisky aficionado, there’s no better way to celebrate World Whisky Day than to get together with friends and family for an organised whisky tasting, visit a distillery or simply sip a whisky after dinner and enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Exploring Scotland’s whisky-producing regions
With almost 150 whisky distilleries spread across Scotland, divided into five whisky-producing regions (Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside), the variety on offer means there really is something for everyone.
Speyside
Speyside malts are known for their sweet, honeyed and floral notes.
Highlands
Highland whiskies offer a wider range of flavours, from malt to heather and spice.
Lowlands
Lowland malts are generally lighter and more delicate.
Islay
Islay single malts are famous for their peaty, smoky character, due to the use of peat to malt the barley.
Campbeltown
Campbeltown malts are known for their full-bodied, salty and slightly sweet taste.
The history of the origins
The distillation of whisky in Scotland dates back to the 15th century, although commercial production began much later. Originally, all Scotch whiskies were single malt, made from malted barley. The 18th century saw the introduction of grain whiskies made from wheat and rye.
The different types of Scotch whisky
Single Malt
Whisky made from barley malted at a single distillery. Single malts are known for their unique flavours, reflecting the specific characteristics of the distillery and the casks used for ageing.
Blended
A blend of single malts from different distilleries, or a combination of single malts and grain whiskies. Blended scotches offer a greater variety of flavour profiles thanks to the careful blending of different whiskies.
Discover Scotch
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or a curious newcomer, there’s a Scotch for you. Start by browsing online retailers or specialist shops for well-known brands such as Glenfiddich, Johnnie Walker or Laphroaig.
Take your taste preferences into account and explore regional varieties to discover the whisky that’s right for you. Scotland’s Scotch-producing regions each offer distinct flavour profiles!
Did you know?
To be called Scotch whisky, the spirit must :
- be produced in Scotland from malted barley
- be aged for at least three years in oak casks in Scotland
- be bottled at an alcohol by volume (ABV) of at least 40%.
Macallan: Scotch whisky capital of 2024
If you’re looking for a very special way to celebrate the occasion, look no further. 2024 is a momentous year for The Macallan as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the famous single malt whisky brand has teamed up with Cirque du Soleil to create a bespoke and unforgettable theatrical experience called Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT.
By combining The Macallan’s whisky-making expertise with Cirque du Soleil’s mastery of the performing arts, the result will be a unique and memorable experience. Performances will take place every day – except Sunday – from 9 May to 31 May 2024.
Whisky festivals: key dates to remember in 2024
– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2024, from 1 to 6 May 2024
– World Whisky Day, 18 May 2024
– Campbeltown Malts Festival, 20-25 May 2024
– Fèis Ìle – The Islay Festival, 25 May to 1 June 2024
– Edinburgh Whisky Festival, 15 June 2024
– The Hebridean Whisky Festival, from 9 to 14 September 2024
– Scottish National Whisky Festival, 29 June, 14 September and 26 October 2024
– Stirling Whisky Festival, 2 November 2024
– Glasgow Whisky Festival, 9 November 2024
Browse the listings on the Scotland Whisky Distilleries map to find out more or to go behind the scenes of whisky.
New distilleries in Scotland
A number of newly opened, reinvigorated or brand new distilleries are in the process of opening.
Rosebank Distillery
Known as the ‘King of the Lowlands’, Rosebank Distillery is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in 30 years. Closed in 1993, the Falkirk distillery has undergone a meticulous four-year restoration project and will welcome whisky lovers from around the world on 7 June 2024.
Eden Mill Distillery
A stunning distillery located at the mouth of the River Eden, overlooking the historic and iconic town of St Andrews. The new distillery sits at the heart of the University of St Andrews’ Eden Campus, a unique site dedicated to carbon initiatives and research. The visitor centre is due to open in summer 2024.
Cabrach distillery
In Moray, this distillery is preparing to open its doors this summer. Launched by local charity The Cabrach Trust, the distillery will operate as a social enterprise, with future income contributing to the organisation’s aim of community regeneration.
Portintruan Distillery
Located just outside the town of Port Ellen, on the south coast of Islay, Portintruan will be the meeting point of past and future, combining traditional production techniques with modern technology to improve process and quality, and of course sustainability. Currently under construction, the distillery is due to start distilling in 2024.
Ardgowan Distillery
A new state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral distillery on the west coast of Scotland, due to open in late 2024.
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