Enjoy a Glass, It's World Whiskey Day

Are you someone, age 21 and older, that’s always wanted to “get into” whiskey but just never found a place to start?

Tuesday is your lucky day because March 27 is officially “World Whiskey Day” with an a offering of various events focused on bringing people together to enjoy a glass of whiskey with friends.

More than 17,000 people are registered to responsibly enjoy a glass and take part in the "holiday."

Being an up-and-coming bourbon connoisseur myself, I sure love enjoying a fine glass of whiskey now and then (I prefer Jameson or Four Roses). But in order to fully enjoy World Whiskey Day, I needed to speak with someone who really knew their stuff.

That’s why I talked to Ric Spies, owner of , and learned about some of the premiere whiskeys out there and how others might be celebrating the “international holiday.” 

Spies said Jim Beam is the No. 1 selling whiskey in the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s what he recommends to others. His preferred batch comes from a brand called Pappy Van Winkle.

“Pappy Van Winkle has won whiskey of the year three out of the last four years. They only make a small amount every year. The demand far outstretches the supply,” Spies said.

If whiskey fans want to enjoy the renowned Pappy Van Winkle, they’ll not only have to wait but they’ll also have to spend big money.

“It’s only released twice a year and I’ve got 60 people on the waiting list for it,” Spies said. “It goes for $200 a fifth and people will stand all day in line to pay for it.”

I personally don’t think my taste buds are attune enough to appreciate a $200 bottle of whiskey, so I go with small-batch bourbons like my favorite whiskey so far, Four Roses. If you’re like me and are still getting into the “whiskey game,” Spies recommended Maker’s Mark.

“It has a lot of wheat in it, so it’s lighter in character,” Spies said.

If you're 21 and focused on drinking responsibly, will you be enjoying World Whiskey Day? What’s your favorite brand of whiskey?