Global Whisky Boom as Countries Join Distilling Tradition Led by Scotland

A recent study by The Whisky Masters has revealed surprising diversity in global whisky production, with 35 countries now home to active distilleries. This research provides fascinating insights into the evolving landscape of whisky-making worldwide.

Key Findings

Scotland remains the undisputed leader with 143 distilleries, cementing its position as the spiritual home of whisky. However, some unexpected contenders have emerged:

• The United States claims second place with 73 distilleries
• Germany takes third with 66 distilleries
• Ireland and Japan round out the top five with 39 and 23 distilleries respectively

Emerging Whisky Nations

The study highlights several countries with burgeoning whisky scenes:

• Switzerland boasts 13 distilleries
• Austria has 12 distilleries
• Australia is home to 11 distilleries

These nations are carving out unique identities in the whisky world, often drawing on local ingredients and traditions.

Whisky Frontiers

At the other end of the spectrum, the research identified several countries with nascent whisky industries:

• Namibia, Liechtenstein, Italy, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, China, and Argentina each have a single distillery
• The Netherlands, Mexico, and Brazil have two distilleries each

These findings demonstrate whisky’s global appeal and the potential for growth in unexpected markets.

Daniel Ufland, spokesperson for The Whisky Masters Comments: “Whisky has been around for centuries. While there are some sticklers out there who prefer a very specific taste, it’s also exciting to see new takes on a classic from distilleries all over the world.

“Finding the right whisky is a lifelong journey, as different regions will provide their own unique undertones and notes. 

You may wish to start with countries thought to be the birthplace of where whisk(e)y was first invented, such as Scotland or Ireland.

“These countries not only have some of the most distilleries worldwide, but also some of the smoothest whisky.

“Ireland in particular is known for triple distilling their whiskey, refining the spirit to a smooth drink unlike any other. If you are looking for an introduction to the whisky community, consider starting there.

While traditional powerhouses like Scotland and Ireland continue to dominate, the research underscores whisky’s evolution into a truly global spirit.

From the highlands of Scotland to the deserts of Namibia, distillers worldwide are crafting unique expressions that reflect their local terroir and culture.

This diversity promises an exciting future for whisky enthusiasts, offering a world of flavors to explore beyond the traditional scotch or bourbon.

As new distilleries emerge and mature, the global whisky landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve, providing ever more opportunities for discovery and appreciation of this beloved spirit