Whisky is now produced all around the globe with distilleries in some seemingly unexpected locations. Gone are the days where consumers were restricted to buying and drinking products from the Big Five whisky producing countries of America, Canada, Ireland, Japan and Scotland. There are currently over 50 countries in all four corners of the world producing whisky.
Most of these distilleries are new and they are presenting an interesting combination of innovation and experientation, while not being bound by the rules and regulations of the Big Five. The number of new whisky distilleries around the world is growing every year with several hotspots developing. Most are going from strength to strength as the world’s thirst for whisky thrives. The majority of producers are small but some larger brands have broken into the mainstream.
Asia and India
The vastness of Asia is home to some of the most flourishing whisky producing countries in the world. From the burgeoning scene in China to the more established ones in India and Taiwan, and Israel in the west to South Korea in the east. There is much to explore and taste.
Australia and New Zealand
Much like with new world wine, the Aussies and Kiwis have grabbed the craft whisky scene by the horns and run with it. But Australia especially has a deeper whisky heritage which kicked off in the island state of Tasmania in the early 1990s.
Central and South America
You may not immediately think of the Americas as somewhere that distils whisky, but you would be wrong. Mexico is home to the world’s highest whisky distillery, while craft producers can be found further south in Argentina and Brazil.
Africa
Africa is a difficult place to make whisky and distilleries are sparse. That is until you reach South Africa and its more seasonal climate. Whisky was first distilled there in 1990 and it major producer has now been joined by a handful of craft and artisan distillers in recent years.
Rest of the World
Whisky Reviews
Different climates, new flavours
Outside of the traditional whisky producing nations – America, Canada, Ireland, Japan and Scotland – there are some very challenging climates, landscapes and conditions to make whisky. But people all around the globe have risen to the challenge and are producing some innovative and award-winning whiskies.
Most of these ‘non traditional’ areas are hot and in some cases humid also. This has an impact especially when the whisky is maturing in the barrel. Climatic conditions have a profound effect on the wood and spirit, and the relationship between the two. With increased heat and humidity the whisky interacts much faster with the oak and evaporation, known as the ‘angel’s share’, increases significantly. This creates different flavour profiles to maturation in more temperate climates such as Scotland and Ireland.
Did you know?
The Destileria Abasolo, which is located high in the mountains to the north of Mexico City, use indigenous corn varieties to produce their whisky and use an ancient cooking technique called nixtamalization, which was practiced by the Aztecs.
Great places to start
Whisky Live Around the World
Head to a whisky event and trying different styles of whisky. One of longest running global whisky shows, Whisky Live, has events in six continents around the world and features both local and international brands.
Other Whisky Festivals
- The Only Whisky Show in South Africa
- The Whisky Show in Australia
- Hong Kong Whisky Festival
- Whisky Festival in Japan
- Whiskies of the World in USA