You might enjoy drinking whiskey — but how much do you really know about it? In celebration of international whiskey day on 27 March (Not to be confused with World Whiskey Day on 15 May), we have put together some cool facts about one of our favourite spirits.

1. There are five basic whiskey types: Single malt, blended malt, blended whiskey, barrel proof, or single cask.
2. The global Whiskey Market was estimated at USD 61.7 Billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 95.9 Billion by 2026.
3. A closed bottle of whiskey, kept away from sunlight, can be kept for more than 100 years and it will still be good to drink.
4. Whiskey starts its life as beer The changes between them eventually occur because whiskey is distilled and beer is fermented.
5. Different versions of Whiskey are called “expressions”
6. The colour of whiskey comes from the wooden barrels in which it is aged.
7. The word whiskey comes from the Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘usquebaugh’, meaning ‘water of life’.
8. The spelling of this spirit can be confusing. Rule of thumb: When referring to bottles hailing from Canada, Japan, or Scotland, it’s whisky. American, Irish, and English whiskies are called whiskey. According to legend, Scots spell it without the “e” because they believe more vowels waste good drinking time.

Shop Thirst’s wide range of whiskeys on our online store for a great selection and fantastic prices: https://online.thirst.co.za/whiskey-2/