20 May 2023

How can I take part in World Whisky Day?

Want to raise a dram and join thousands of people around the globe in celebrating World Whisky Day this year? Then why not set up your very own World Whisky Day event?

Whether you’re looking to raise a quiet dram with gran or  completely transform your bar to mark the day, follow the guide below. We’ll advise you on how to set up and host your very own World Whisky Day event and get set to celebrate with the world.

Don’t just take our word for it, though – we asked a few event organisers from previous years to share their experience.

Parties and Social Gatherings

At heart, this is what World Whisky Day is all about: getting together with friends and family, and appreciating one of life’s great pleasures. It doesn’t need to be lavish – perhaps you simply want to raise a dram with a loved one and reminisce, or host a house party with some good friends. In that case, all you’ll need is the people and the whisky. Snacks never go amiss – the usual favourites or, if you’re feeling adventurous, matching canapés for your whisky. You could even light up the BBQ, or if you’re a talented cook, how about throwing a whisky-themed dinner? Cigar and whisky pairing is another popular theme. Really, if you’ve got the passion, the possibilities are endless.

Shops, Distilleries and Appreciation Societies

Whisky shops make great World Whisky Day venues. They provide the perfect opportunity for revellers (tourists, students, appreciation societies etc.) to sample a great ranges of whiskies. Regional tasting tours are particularly popular, as are chocolate or cheese and whisky pairings. It’s also a fantastic chance for shops to offer exclusive discounts on particular whiskies to attendees. Distilleries can join in as well, with many all over the world already running special World Whisky Day tours, offering exclusive tastings, discounts, and even revealing new products. Visitors should have the opportunity to meet the people that make their favourite dram.

Pouring a dram or two

Bars, Restaurants and Tourist Attractions

There’s no better place to celebrate World Whisky Day than where it all began, though: at the bar. Every year and all over the globe, bars, restaurants and hotels celebrate World Whisky Day in countless ways.  These range from tastings at independent whisky rooms to multi-course whisky-themed dinners at renowned hotels. There’s going to be planning involved, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Whole ranges of whisky are already available to attendees, and it’s a chance for the makers to get involved directly by sending ambassadors to big events at which they can host specialist tastings and stalls. Master classes are also a great way to engage with crowds, as well as prize giving, food pairing and live music. Tourist attractions are welcome on board as well, with many already running exclusive and exciting World Whisky Day events.

If cocktails are part of your repertoire, you may want to include one of our signature cocktails as part of your celebration. See the videos below for details.

Join the Conversation

Everyone involved in World Whisky Day can be a part of the social media buzz, so if you’re hosting or attending an event then head over to our Twitter and Facebook pages and get talking about your event. The tag for the day is #WorldWhiskyDay.

Sláinte!