International Irish Whiskey Day is on March 3. It is a day dedicated to the world-renowned whiskey type — Irish whiskey. Do you know that it has been more than 800 years since Irish whiskey emerged for the first time? Irish whiskey, as the name suggests, is whiskey produced in Ireland, and it is known for its smooth texture and quality. It is a favorite of whiskey lovers all over the world. International Irish Whiskey Day is said to be the idea of writer and editor Stuart McNamara. Stuart wanted people to recognize the value of Irish whiskey and appreciate its historical significance, production quality, and exotic smooth taste.
History of International Irish Whiskey Day
In Irish, ‘uisce beatha’ translates to ‘water of life.’ It is said the word ‘whiskey’ originated from this Irish phrase. It is believed that Irish whiskey became immensely popular in Europe in the twelfth century. The story goes on to say that it was the Irish monks who learned the method of distilling spirits from other countries in Europe and brought back the teachings. This method was further developed and thus edible spirits were created. Irish whiskey is traditionally made in a pot.
Sir Thomas Phillips’ Bushmill in Antrim, which many say is the oldest distillery in the world, got the license to distill whiskey in 1608. It was sanctioned by King James. The distillery received the license to trade in 1757, which also made it the first distillery to trade in Ireland. The law that allowed potato, sugar, and grain to be added in the making of Irish whiskey came in 1759. Ireland soon became the whiskey capital of the world in the 1800s. In 1829, the well-known whiskey company Tullamore Dew was founded by John Jameson.
Stuart McNamara, born in West Cork, created International Irish Whiskey Day because he believed that people didn’t recognize and appreciate Irish whiskey enough. He wanted people to know about the origins of Irish whiskey and how it was traditionally made. This traditional method is what gives it the exceptional taste that is loved by whiskey lovers all over the world.
International Irish Whiskey Day timeline
Monks bring the technique of distilling spirits and the Irish develop the first drinkable alcohol.
King James gives Sir Phillips a license to distill alcohol.
Tullamore Dew is founded, which produces blended Irish whiskey.
Stuart McNamara creates International Irish Whiskey Day for people around the world to celebrate and appreciate Irish whiskey.
International Irish Whiskey Day FAQs
What are the different types of Irish whiskey?
There are mainly four types of Irish whiskey: pot still, malt, grain, and blended.
What is different about Irish whiskey?
The thing that separates Irish whiskey from all other whiskey lies in how it is produced. Irish whiskey is made with a blend of malted and unmalted barley in a traditional pot. Scotch whiskey uses only malted barley.
Why is Irish whiskey so smooth?
The reason why Irish whiskey is so smooth is because of the difference in the distillation process. Irish whiskey is distilled thrice! Scotch whiskey and Bourbon are distilled only once or twice.
International Irish Whiskey Day Activities
Drink Irish Whiskey
What better way to celebrate International Irish Whiskey Day than to have a glass of authentic Irish whiskey. Pour yourself and your friends a glass of your finest Irish whiskey and let the whiskey do its magic!
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you and your friends drinking Irish whiskey and post them on your social media page. You can also write articles on Irish whiskey and share them online.
Read more about whiskey history
Use this day to improve your knowledge. Read more about early distillation techniques used throughout history and how they've changed through the years. You will come across many interesting stories as you read further.
5 Facts About Ireland That Will Blow Your Mind
The harp is a national symbol
Ireland is the only country in the world that has a harp as its national symbol.
Halloween originated here
It is said that the origins of Halloween trace back to the Celtic festival that was celebrated in modern-day Ireland.
It has the longest place name
The place with the longest name in Ireland is Muckanaghederdauhaulia.
The Titanic was built here
The Titanic, the well-known passenger ship, was constructed in Belfast, Ireland.
It has five cities
Ireland has five major cities: Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, and Waterford.
Why We Love International Irish Whiskey Day
It makes us appreciate Irish whiskey
Irish whiskey is a favorite among many whiskey lovers around the world. Yet, we feel like it does not get the attention and credit it deserves. This day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate Irish whiskey and its origins.
It gives us a chance to spend quality time with friends
This is a day to drink and make merry. It allows us to catch up with our friends and gives us a chance to socialize, laugh, and strengthen bonds.
It gives us a chance to improve our knowledge
This is also a day of learning. This day gives us an opportunity to learn more about the distillation practices used throughout history. We also learn how these practices have changed over time and shaped the alcohol production industry we have today.
International Irish Whiskey Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 3 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
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