Every year on March 27, whisky lovers across the globe raise a glass to celebrate International Whisky Day—a day dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved spirits. Whether you prefer Scotch, Irish, bourbon, or Japanese whisky, this is the perfect excuse to explore, taste, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind every sip.
The Story Behind International Whisky Day
International Whisky Day was established in 2008 in honour of the legendary whisky writer Michael Jackson (not the wacko pop star), whose birthday falls on March 27th. Born in 1942, not too far from our own doorstep, in Wetherby, West Yorkshire, it’s befitting for us to celebrate an icon from Gods Own Country!
Michael Jackson was one of the most influential voices in the whisky world. His books, including The World Guide to Whisky, helped lure in whisky beginners while deepening appreciation among enthusiasts. After his passing in 2007, friends and admirers created this day not only to celebrate whisky - but also to promote awareness for Parkinson’s disease, which he battled in his latter years.
Today, the celebration has grown into a global phenomenon, with tastings, events, and gatherings happening everywhere from distilleries to living rooms.
Iconic Favourite Styles & Bottles
While Michael Jackson didn’t limit himself to a strict “top 10,” certain distilleries and expressions repeatedly stood out in his writings. He had a deep appreciation for peated whiskies - especially those from Scotland’s rugged Islay coast; namely Lagavulin 16yo, Laphroaig 15yo and Ardbeg 10yo.
From outside of Islay, Jackson would often hold Glenfiddich, Macallan, Highland Park, Glenlivet and Rosebank in high regard.
And it wasn’t just Scotch whisky that held his attention; Jackson enjoyed Bushmills and Jameson from Ireland and Wild Turkey 101 and Buffalo Trace from America.
Below we are going to take a look at some of Michael Jackson’s favourite distillery bottlings: -
Ardbeg 10yo, 2001 Bottling
This very rare 10 year old Islay malt was distilled at Ardbeg and bottled in the year 2001.
After a stop/start 1980's and 90's the Ardbeg distillery was acquired by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. This limited edition 'Introducing Ten Years Old' was first unveiled in 2000, with this particular release coming the following year.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £333.33. Buy Here.
Lagavulin 16yo, White Horse Distillers Bottling
This increasingly rare, and ever popular, 16 year old litre bottling from Lagavulin of Islay was bottled by White Horse Distillers Ltd of Glasgow during the 1990's.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £416.67. Buy Here.
Laphroaig 15yo, 1990s Bottling
An old style 15 year old Islay single malt that was distilled at Laphroaig and bottled a few years after the famous distillery was awarded their Royal Warrant in 1994.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £458.33. Buy Here.
Rosebank 8yo, Unblended 1980s Bottling
An unblended 8 year old single malt from Rosebank that was bottled in the 1980's especially for The Distillers Agency Ltd.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £875. Buy Here.
Macallan 30yo, Sherry Oak Blue Label
A very highly sought after Macallan 30 year old Blue Label single malt that was matured exclusively in Sherry oak casks and bottled in the late 1990's.
This particular 75cl bottling was specially imported for the US market by Remy Amerique Inc. of New York.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £6,666.67. Buy Here.
Highland Park 12yo, 1980s Dumpy Bottling
A 12 year old single malt from the popular Orkney Isles Highland Park distillery that was bottled in the 1980's
The Whisky Vault Price: net £291.67. Buy Here.
Final Thoughts
To drink like Michael Jackson isn’t about buying the most expensive bottle - it’s about curiosity. Try something smoky, then something delicate. Compare regions. Take notes. Share with friends.
So this International Whisky Day, pour yourself something special - maybe a peaty Lagavulin 16yo or a full-flavoured Wild Turkey 101 - and toast the man who taught the world how to truly taste whisky.
Sláinte to the original whisky storyteller.