A day for every dram: Celebrating the rise of national whisky days
Following the brilliant launch of the world's first National Welsh Whisky Day on September 22nd, spearheaded by the Welsh Whisky Society, we thought it was the perfect time to pour a dram and explore how these national appreciation days became such a cherished part of the whisky calendar.
In today's world, it seems there’s a day for everything—from the wonderfully weird (National Cook For Your Pet Day, anyone?) to the genuinely significant. These days are more than just a bit of fun; they raise awareness and give us a fantastic excuse to celebrate the things we love. For whisky fans, one of the most important dates is World Whisky Day, which takes place every year on the third Saturday in May. It’s a global invitation to pop a cork and raise a glass to the ‘water of life’.
This fantastic event allows Welsh whisky to share a stage with brands from across the globe, promoting special releases, distillery tours, and tastings. But while we love being part of a worldwide celebration, the goal of the Welsh Whisky Society has always been to help Welsh whisky find its own voice—a platform so bright it can stand proudly alongside the great whisky nations of Scotland, Ireland, and America. The launch of our own national day is a massive step on that journey.
But how did this all begin?
The Spark: The Story of World Whisky Day
World Whisky Day is a relatively new idea, founded in March 2012 by Blair Bowman, then a 21-year-old student at the University of Aberdeen. A keen whisky drinker, Blair noticed that other spirits like gin had their own dedicated days, while whisky had been left out. He decided to change that.
He launched a website and used the power of social media to spread the word. The response was incredible. In its very first year, over 20,000 people took part in celebrations across more than 30 countries, with 180 planned events. The hashtag #WorldWhiskyDay went viral, and a new tradition was born.
The success of World Whisky Day proved that having a dedicated day is a powerful way to get the message out. It’s a chance for everyone to celebrate however they like—with a quiet, reflective dram, a buzzing get-together with friends, a distillery tour, or a creative cocktail. These events also provide a vital boost to pubs, bars, and distilleries, creating a wonderful cycle of celebration and support for the entire industry.
With that in mind, let's take a tour of the national whisky days across the UK.
A UK Tour of National Whisky Days
National Scotch Whisky Day - July 27th This day is a grand celebration of Scotland’s five iconic whisky regions: Campbeltown, the Highlands, the Islands, Islay, the Lowlands, and Speyside. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Alexander Walker, the man behind the legendary Johnnie Walker.
National Irish Whiskey Day - March 3rd Celebrated annually since 2016, this date was chosen by founder Stuart McNamara for its deep connection to the number three in Irish culture. The number is significant in many ways:
There are three main types of Irish whiskey: Single Malt, Single Grain, and Single Pot Still.
Irish whiskey is traditionally triple-distilled.
It must be matured for a minimum of three years.
The three-leaved shamrock is Ireland's national symbol.
The Irish flag has three colours: green, white, and orange.
National English Whisky Day / Week- April 23rd While technically part of the larger 'English Whisky Week' (first launched from April 19th-27th, 2025), a special focus is placed on April 23rd. What could be more fitting than raising a glass of English whisky on St. George’s Day? With over 60 distilleries now operating, the English whisky scene is growing at an incredible pace.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
National Welsh Whisky Day - September 22nd And now, Wales has its own day! Founded by the Welsh Whisky Society’s Sean Williams, Sion Swann, and Nathaniel Dodd, this day is devoted to honouring Cymru's whisky-making prowess. The date was chosen to mark the autumnal equinox, recognising that whisky is a product of the seasons. It’s also carefully placed to stand apart from other Welsh cultural events and UK whisky days, giving it the space to shine.
Though our industry is young, with Penderyn kicking things off in 2000, it is vibrant and growing, with distilleries across the country, including:
Aber Falls
Anglesey Môn
Cardiff Distillery
Coles
Da Mhile
Hensol Castle
In The Welsh Wind
Myrddins
Penderyn (Brecon Beacons, Llandudno & Swansea)
A huge thank you to everyone who got involved and made the first National Welsh Whisky Day such a magnificent milestone. We cannot wait to see what next year brings. One thing is for sure: it will be bigger and better!
Iechyd da!
