World raises a toast to whisky thanks to an Aberdeen student

World raises a toast to whisky thanks to an Aberdeen student

People across the world will raise a dram to Scotland’s national drink tomorrow (March 27) thanks to the efforts of a University of Aberdeen Student.

Blair Bowman, 21, has established the first ever World Whisky Day to be celebrated on March 27.

Unlike other drinks such as vodka beer and even tequila, whisky did not have its own dedicated day. When the enterprising Hispanic Studies student discovered this, he quickly set about creating a ‘day’ and associated website worldwhiskyday.com so that people can log their own celebrations and come together to enjoy whisky.

Blair, who grew up in Edinburgh, says he is one of a growing number of young people with a passion for the drink, with the University’s own malt whisky society now boasting 250 members - more than half of them women.

He is looking forward to raising his own dram during celebrations which are expected to include more than 16,000 people worldwide.

He said: “We have over 125 events registered in over 30 different countries, and a bar in Kuala Lumpur is holding its grand opening on the day.

“I hope it will also be a way to introduce whisky to those who have never tried it before and to allow them to learn about and appreciate the wonderful variety of the spirit.”

Blair’s efforts have seen him scoop the Scottish Institute for Enterprise New Ventures Competition - Arts/Culture category, which comes with a £1,000 prize to further develop his concept.

He is also in the running for the grand prize of £5,000 in professional services fees.

Blair said he was delighted by the response he has received to World Whisky Day, which he aims to make an annual event.

“I’ve had people from all over the world get in touch with me saying they are doing something where they are,” he added.  “

“People seem to love the idea of raising a glass of whisky across the world.

“I’m hoping that it allows more people to become interested in whisky and could also boost tourism for Scotland. Whisky is booming right now, all over the world. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this famous Scottish export.”

Search News

Browse by Month

2024

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr There are no items to show for April 2024
  5. May There are no items to show for May 2024
  6. Jun There are no items to show for June 2024
  7. Jul There are no items to show for July 2024
  8. Aug There are no items to show for August 2024
  9. Sep There are no items to show for September 2024
  10. Oct There are no items to show for October 2024
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 2024
  12. Dec There are no items to show for December 2024

2004

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 2004
  12. Dec

2003

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec There are no items to show for December 2003

1999

  1. Jan There are no items to show for January 1999
  2. Feb There are no items to show for February 1999
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

1998

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr There are no items to show for April 1998
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul There are no items to show for July 1998
  8. Aug There are no items to show for August 1998
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov There are no items to show for November 1998
  12. Dec