Scotland to raise a dram on World Whisky Day

VisitScotland will invited world guests to discover more about Scotch whisky, Scotland's national drink and biggest export to mark the World Whisky Day falling on May 18.

The practice of distilling whisky has been lovingly perfected throughout Scotland for centuries and began as a way of turning rain-soaked barley into a drinkable spirit, using the fresh water from Scotland's crystal-clear springs and streams.

Looking towards 2020, as Scotland's Year of Coasts and Waters, it's not surprising that whisky will play a starring role alongside Scotland's fresh seafood, stunning islands and rugged coastlines.

Today there some 148 distilleries across Scotland, each producing wonderfully distinct whisky, dependent on everything from the source of the water to the wood of the cask.

Paying a visit to a distillery lets visitors discover more about the environment and the people who shape the taste of the whisky they enjoy.

Indeed, in 2017 Diageo reported a 147% increase in Chinese visitors to their Scottish Distilleries and the Scotch Whisky Association have recorded record volumes of single malt exports to China. 

An important part of Scotland’s heritage, whisky can be celebrated all year round with a host of events and openings across the country for whisky fans to enjoy.