Why should Jameson have all the fun?
Sure, St. Patrick’s Day is a prime opportunity for drinking in March. But if you’re looking to branch out, International Whisk(e)y Day is a great way to end the month and experiment with different versions of the beloved libation.
International Whisk(e)y Day falls on March 27 each year.
The day was first announced on March 27, 2008 at the Whisky Festival in the northern Netherlands, the official website explains. It was launched by a group of whiskey writers in honor of their friend Michael Jackson. No, not that one. Michael James Jackson was an English writer and journalist who wrote widely about beer and whiskey.
The day was established to celebrate the drink. Stylizing the word with the parenthetical (e) is an inclusive nod to whiskies without an “e” (Scottish, Canadian and Japanese) as well whiskies with an e (Irish and American).
The holiday also encourages celebrators to donate to organizations working to cure Parkinson’s, which the late Jackson suffered from for many years.
But at its most fundamental, its purpose is summed up in the originators’ own words: “Raise a glass and celebrate the greatest drink in the world. Honour the unsung heroes of the industry from today back to when it all began. Host a tasting. Visit your local bar. Open that special bottle. Introduce whisk(e)y to someone who has never had it before. Whatever you do, enjoy it responsibly.”
Below are 12 whiskeys that you can order on Drizly to try for International Whiskey Day.
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Jefferson Reserve Very Small Batch Bourbon
Drizly
Drinkhacker calls this one "a great bourbon... at a fantastic price point" with a heat that provides that familiar "Kentucky hug."
Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Drizly
The product description for this Kentucky bottle emphasize its "rich hints of peppermint, notes of pepper, slight citrus overtones and a spicy, warming finish." And it comes recommended for Manhattans and Old Fashioneds.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Drizly
This whiskey trigged one Drizly reviewer's memory: "The first time I had Woodford was in Indiana. I knew the moment I took a sip this was something special! A friend with me, (not a bourbon) drinker. Tried it and asked 'What is that mixed with? I laughed and replied, ice! Notes of vanilla and warm smooth taste is satisfying! If you are a whiskey / bourbon drinker and have not had Woodford Reserve, make a purchase with confidence. I do!"
Dewar's White Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Drizly
It's not rocket science when it comes to Dewar's. "This a dependable Scotch Whisky, that has a recognizable taste. It's enjoyable and it doesn't burn," writes one Drizly reviewer.
Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch
Drizly
If you've never heard of this one before, one Drizly user provides a deft crash course in a review complete with big hopes: "My favorite store shelf go to. Spicy, buttery, banana bread, some orange zest, and the slightest hint (wish there were more) of peat smoke. Stands up well (USA 43 ABV) in a Rob Roy. I hope Smokey Monkey hits the retail market someday. It would be about perfect."
The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Drizly
How should you drink this 12-year Scotch? The product description recommends: "Pour it in your favorite straight-sided glass, neat. Put a glass of ice or water next to it. Some sippers like a splash of water "to wake up the whisky." Have your first sip straight, then drop in a cube to cool it a touch. The water will expand the flavor. Any way you have it, you'll taste the love and care of dedicated distillers."
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky
Drizly
The name really says it all. Tickle your sense with this Japanese whisky. From the product description: "The amber-colored liquid smells of rosemary, rose, lychee and sandalwood, paving the way for a honey-like sweetness with notes of white chocolate and candied orange peel. As for the finish, Hibiki Japanese Haromy is subtle with a hint of Japanese oak, which lingers on the palate."
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Drizly
This Japanese whisky is made in stills imported from Scotland in 1963. One Drizly shopper's review renders the experience of drinking this one in 11 simple words: "Thick and caramelized, sweet in the palate. Rich. Easy to drink."
Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky
Drizly
The tasting notes for this whisky aged in Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels suggests a sweet, fruity flavor with subtle deep notes: "A delicately sweet-scented nose of honey and ginger give way to inviting exotic spices and fruits. On the palate this whisky is constantly evolving from toasted oak and nutty, to ripe dried fruit with hints of cherry, and finishes with deep flavors of dark chocolate, sandalwood and herbal tea notes."
Michter's US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye
Drizly
Michter's was founded in 1753, so they know a thing or two about rye. One Drizly shopper concurs in his review: "This is my favorite 'go to' sipper. It's excellent neat. Really you can't go wrong with anything from Michters."
WhistlePig Rye 10 Year
Drizly
This full-bodied 10-year rye is 100 proof with wooden notes from a 3-year oak bourbon cask. And it could be a daily affair, according to one Drizly shopper's review: "A great everyday whiskey, no unusual flavors or prevention in the making of this very drinkable rye."
Templeton Rye Whiskey The Good Stuff 4 Year
Drizly
"This Rye is the first whisky I've ever bought that I didn't regret buying," one Drizly shopper said in a review. "Lite smokiness/woodiness (like a good respado tequila!) some sweetness, no burn. It's a winner, and a relief I didn't waste another $28 on a whisky I end up giving away."
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