In honor of the occasion, here are some interesting fun facts about Scotch and the best whisky expressions to sip and celebrate this day.
Scotch Fun Facts for International Scotch Day, February 8th, courtesy of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)
• Scotch Whisky is Scotland’s number one export. By law, Scotch Whisky can only be made in Scotland.
• Scotch Whisky must be matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
• DIAGEO possesses the largest Scotch Whisky portfolio in the world by both volume of liquid and number of brands, with just under 12 million+ barrels currently maturing in Scotland. (For a bit of context, the human population of Scotland is around 5.5 million).
• More Scotch whisky is enjoyed globally than American, Japanese, and Irish whiskies combined.
• There are 44 bottles of Scotch whisky exported every second to markets all over the world.
Check out these 7 popular whisky brands, perfect to celebrate International Scotch Day.
Johnnie Walker High Rye
If you’re looking for richness and complexity Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky features a unique mash bill of 60% rye blended with notable single malts from distilleries such as Cardhu, the heart of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskies, before being aged in American oak barrels. The result is a balance of sweet vanilla notes and the spiciness of rye that becomes revealed through subtle wisps of warm smoke.
Link to Purchase: Drizly
Buchanan’s 18-Year-Old Special Reserve
If you like big flavors Buchanan’s Special Reserve is an icon of excellence among scotch connoisseurs. Aged for a minimum of 18 years, its rich, silky finish features sweet notes of dark chocolate, toffee, and honey. Best served neat or on the rocks.
Link to Purchase: Drizly
Old Parr Aged 18 Years
If you like an Old Fashioned Old Parr 18 is the smoothest whisky from the Old Parr House. This 2022 gold medal winner of the Scotch Whisky Masters and San Francisco World Spirits competitions is a perfectly crafted blend of our finest aged Scotch whiskies, creating an extraordinary taste experience bursting with complex and robust flavors with fruit, vanilla, and oak tasting notes. Best served on the rocks or neat.
Link to purchase: Drizly
Orphan Barrel Muckety-Muck 26-Year-Old
If you’ve got a sweet tooth Orphan Barrel Muckety-Muck is for you. Hailing from the ghost distillery of Port Dundas, this limited-edition whisky is a masterful blend that pays homage to the past two years’ previous 24- and 25-Year-Old bottles, yet possesses a distinct profile on its own as the oldest, wisest and most mature whisky in the series.
Link to Purchase: Drizly or ReserveBar
Mortlach 16-Year-Old
For the smooth sailor, Mortlach defines a new code of luxury for premium spirits in the modern world. Acknowledged by whisky connoisseurs for its distinct flavor profile and lack of peat, Mortlach is known for its use of quality sherry casks during maturation, contributing to the whisky’s robust spirit and fruity notes.
Link to Purchase: Drizly or ReserveBar
Copper Dog Scotch Whisky
If you prefer a cocktail Copper Dog Blended Malt Scotch Whisky from the heart of Speyside is a unique blend of no fewer than eight Single Malt Whiskies, slowly married together in old oak casks. Copper Dog originated at The Craigellachie Hotel pub and was created as a tribute to the local Speyside rascals who worked in the nearby distilleries. This liquid can stand alone or complement other ingredients when mixed into a cocktail, like the below Pear Punch. In a nod to its origins, Copper Dog is proud to support local dog charities throughout the U.S. making a big impact in their communities, empowering rascals on both two legs and four. The brand has partnered with 25 animal welfare nonprofits and has donated more than $500,000 since January 2021 to support their rescue initiatives. These donations provide critical funds to smaller, local organizations that are committed to improving the lives of dogs in need.
Link to Purchase: Drizly or Reserve Bar
Lagavulin 12-Year-Old: 2022 Special Release
For the smoke-lover, a combination of virgin oak casks and smokiest reserves, Lagavulin 2022 Special Release 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky boasts a deep sweetness and a crackling spice. Made in the birthplace of distilling, this iconic Islay malt is intense and smoky, steeped in history and lore for over two hundred years.
Link to Purchase: Drizly or ReserveBar
