Observed each year on July 27, National Scotch Day celebrates the iconic whisky. In order to be considered scotch, this classy and distinctive spirit must be made in Scotland. It must be fermented from malted barley, aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV or alcohol content of less than 94.8%. While most scotch is made with barley, water and yeast; other grains can be included. All fermentation additives are excluded, per law. There are five distinct classifications of Scotch whisky including single malt scotch, single grain scotch, blended malt scotch, blended grain scotch and blended scotch. Scotch is often identified by the region where it was produced and each region has its own characteristics that influence taste. Despite scotch being made in Scotland, you can enjoy the spirit anywhere. Kilt not required.
National Scotch Day timeline
The origins of Scotch date back to Christian monasteries of the 12th century.
The earliest written record of distilling whisky is found in the Exchequer Rolls tax records of Scotland.
The earliest reference to a distillery is the famous Ferintosh distillery owned by Duncan Forbes of Culloden.
Glenlivet George Smith takes out the first license to run his distillery.
National Scotch Day Activities
Enjoy a drink with friends
This is the easiest way to celebrate National Scotch Day. Pick up a bottle of your favorite scotch whisky from your local liquor store. Whether you prefer yours neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water, grab some friends and savor a glass!
Attend a Scotch whisky tasting
It doesn’t take much planning to have a great time at a whisky bar. Do an online search for a whisky bar near you. You might discover one of these sophisticated treasures hiding in plain view in your own neighborhood. Attending a tasting is another great place to meet other like-minded scotch lovers, especially on National Scotch Day.
Host your own scotch tasting party
It’s a great reason to throw a gathering. Buy a few bottles of your favorite labels. Don’t forget there are different classifications—single malt as well as blended and single grain. Variety is the spice of life, so make sure to give your guests lots of choices. A party also gives you a chance to show off how savvy you are about international cuisine because tastings usually include matching the spirit with a complementary dish. Pair your scotch varieties with your favorite Scottish appetizers like macaroni pie and Scottish sausage.
Why We Love National Scotch Day
It’s sophisticated
All spirits have a distinct personality and scotch is no different. Scotch has been associated with sophistication, elegance and class. Scotch has historically been the hands-down favorite of royalty, authors and politicians. Because of its uncommon background (to be labeled scotch, a whisky must be distilled and initially matured in Scotland), each bottle has a recognized history.
It’s a no-frills kind of spirit
There are a few cocktail recipes that call for scotch but overwhelmingly, scotch drinkers like their scotch neat — straight out of the bottle. Others prefer theirs on the rocks (over ice) or with just a splash of water. Drinking scotch allows you to ditch the mixers and just enjoy the spirit.
There's a scotch to fit every taste
While scotch is only distilled and aged in Scotland, there are many different varieties of scotch. Scotch whisky has its own geographic intricacies that influence the flavor. The whisky that's produced in Scotland's Lowland region is considered to be more mellow and delicate. But the whisky produced in the Islay region is known for heavier, smokier scotch varieties.
National Scotch Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 27 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 27 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 27 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 27 | Friday |
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