In 2008, sales of whisky produced in countries other than the big four, Ireland, Japan, Scotland and the USA, grew by 9.1%. This compares to 4.9% total growth of whisky sales worldwide. Source: Euromonitor International 2009.
Whisky is now produced all around the globe, with distilleries starting in some seemingly unexpected locations. There are currently over 20 countries, outside of the traditional big four of Ireland, Japan, Scotland and the USA, that are distilling single malt whiskies. Whisky is now distilled in all four corners of the globe and as most of these distilleries are new, they present an interesting combination of innovation and tradition. The number of new whisky distilleries around the world is growing every year, despite the current economic climate, with most going from strength to strength as the thirst for whisky thrives.