It's International Whisk(e)y Day!

Greetings! Remember me? I used to be a regular writer here, but dammit if life doesn't get in the way of an occasional post. What better way to push the reset button than to celebrate a wonderful unofficial holiday such as the one that takes place every March 27th: International Whisk(e)y Day!

This man's work made a major impact on my interest and study of whisk(e)y. Tonight, I will raise a glass to you. Image credit: International Whisky Day

Some of these national or international "days" of the year can be fun. World Theater Day is today, and coincidentally (or not), one of my sons is indeed going to see The Cat in the Hat for a school trip. Others are silly; today is Spanish Paella Day. While delicious...I was always under the impression that paella is inherently a Spanish dish. Eh...no matter. These things are always in good fun.

As it turns out, there is some significance behind launching International Whisk(e)y Day. Michael Jackson, the acclaimed British beer and whiskey writer, passed away at the age of 65 in 2007 after battling Parkinson's Disease for roughly a decade. In honor of the impact he made on the beverage industry, his contemporaries launched International Whisk(e)y Day to raise a glass to their fallen friend. (Note that the web link reflects 2017, but the goals are still the same). The idea is not only to purchase a bottle of whisk(e)y or a dram of your choice at a drinking establishment, but to also donate to charity. The most prominent cause on the organization's web site is Cure Parkinson's, though helping the charity of your choice is encouraged as well.

It's a simple concept where everyone wins. I have covered the subject a lot recently due to the volume of classes I have been running (and no...this blog is not morphing into whisk(e)y-only conversation), so you should have plenty of options at your disposal (use the handy-dandy site search feature above!). Of course, if you encounter something new, don't be afraid to try it. There is a lot of great stuff available: inexpensive to luxury, ubiquitous to rare, and from all parts of the world.

So what'll it be for you today? I would love to hear what you are drinking today. Feel free to leave comments here or on any of my social platforms. I'll be joining you with a yet-to-be determined dram. Michael Jackson's books and articles helped me understand the dizzying array of beer and whisk(e)y styles available, thereby allowing me to speak intelligently on the topic in the alcohol industry. I raise a glass to the gentleman tonight. Cheers!