Beyond Scotch: Lesser-Known Countries That Produce Whisky You Need to Try on World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day is fast approaching, and while many of us automatically think of Scotland when it comes to whisky, there are actually many other countries that produce this delicious spirit. In fact, some of the best whiskies in the world come from unexpected places, including countries you may not associate with whisky at all. So, to help you celebrate World Whisky Day in style, we're taking a closer look at some of the lesser-known countries that produce whisky you need to try.

India

India may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of whisky, but it has a long and proud tradition of producing this spirit. One of the best-known Indian whisky brands is Paul John. Paul John whisky is made using locally sourced Indian barley and distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The whisky is then matured in American white oak casks and finished in sherry casks. This unique maturation process gives Paul John whisky its distinctive flavour, with notes of tropical fruit, honey, and vanilla.

Canada

Canada is another country that produces exceptional whiskies, and Canadian Club is one of the most famous Canadian whisky brands. Canadian Club is known for its smoothness and easy-drinking flavour profile, making it a great choice for those who are new to whisky. The whisky is made using a blend of rye, barley, and corn, and is aged in oak barrels to give it its distinctive flavour.

Australia

Australia is known for its excellent wine production, but it also produces some truly outstanding whiskies. Australian whisky is often characterized by its bold, complex flavours, with many distilleries using a combination of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley, to create unique blends. Australia is a relative newcomer to the world of whisky production, but it has already made a big impact. One of the top Australian whisky brands is Starward, which is made using 100% Australian barley and aged in red wine barrels. This unique maturation process gives Starward whisky its distinctive flavour, with notes of red fruit, vanilla, and caramel.

Japan

Moving on to Japanese whisky, Japan has become increasingly well-known in recent years for its outstanding whisky production. Japanese whisky is characterized by its smoothness and delicate, floral notes, making it a favorite among those who prefer a lighter style of whisky. Some of the most famous Japanese whisky brands include 

European Whisky

Closer to home, Germany, France, and Denmark are also producing some exceptional whiskies. Stork Club is a German whisky brand that is known for its smoothness and elegant flavour profile. Bellevoy is a French whisky brand that is made using locally sourced barley and aged in oak barrels. And Stauning is a Danish whisky brand that is made using a combination of barley, rye, and wheat, and aged in a variety of casks to give it a unique flavour profile.

Familiar Faves

Finally, if you prefer to stick with the familiar, there are plenty of excellent whisky brands from the US, Scotland, and Ireland that are well worth exploring. From the rich, smoky flavours of Islay whisky to the smooth, easy-drinking flavour profile of American bourbon, there is a whisky out there for every palate. So, why not celebrate World Whisky Day by trying something new and exploring the exciting and diverse world of global whisky production?