While Scotland, Ireland, America, Canada, and Japan are often considered the “big five” of whisky production, exciting things are happening in distilleries around the globe. Let’s take a quick tour of some other notable whisky-producing countries:
Indian Whisky
India is actually one of the largest whisky consumers in the world. While much of it is molasses-based (which wouldn’t qualify as whisky in many countries), there are some excellent grain-based whiskies emerging. Amrut and Paul John are two brands offering whiskies that often show tropical fruit notes due to India’s warm climate which accelerates the ageing process.
Taiwanese Whisky
Kavalan, founded in 2005, has put Taiwan on the whisky map. Their whiskies are known for maturing quickly in the subtropical climate, resulting in complex flavours in a relatively short time. Expect notes of tropical fruits, honey, and spice.
Australian Whisky
Australian distillers are crafting some truly unique whiskies. Tasmania, in particular, has become a hotspot for whisky production. Brands like Sullivan’s Cove and Lark are producing award-winning single malts that often feature distinctive local ingredients.
English Whisky
After a century-long hiatus, whisky production has returned to England. Distilleries like The English Whisky Co. and Cotswolds are producing both traditional and innovative styles, adding their voices to the global whisky conversation.
Swedish Whisky
Mackmyra, Sweden’s first whisky distillery, opened in 1999. Swedish whisky often showcases local ingredients, like Swedish oak for ageing or juniper smoke for peated expressions.
French Whisky
Yes, even the land of wine and cognac is producing whisky! French whiskies often use local ingredients and wine casks for maturation, creating unique flavour profiles.
These “world whiskies” are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional notions of what whisky can be. They’re worth seeking out for anyone looking to expand their whisky horizons. Each brings something unique to the table, whether it’s local ingredients, innovative techniques, or the influence of different climates on the aging process.
New Zealand
Once a formidable force in the world stakes, New Zealand whisky all but disappeared from view in the 20th century, however, it’s coming back strong. With organisations such as The New Zealand Whisky Collection and distilleries like Thomson leading the charge, the area is best known for its rye whisky and single distillery releases. Here, we’ve pulled together the labels you need to know and a guide to the drams worth your time.
South African
South African whisky is gaining recognition, with James Sedgwick leading the industry. Distilled in a warmer climate, these whiskies often develop bold, rich flavours with smooth, sweet notes. Many are crafted using local grains and innovative cask maturation techniques. The James Sedgwick Distillery: The distillery behind the renowned Three Ships Whisky and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky also offers a range of single malt whiskies that shouldn’t be missed. The Three Ships Single Malt offers a delightful balance of floral and fruity notes, while the Three Ships 10-Year-Old Single Malt presents a more mature and complex profile, with flavours of dried fruits, nuts, and oak.
Israeli Whisky
Israel's whisky production is distinguished by its innovation and the nation’s unique climatic conditions. The country’s warm Mediterranean climate dramatically accelerates the ageing process of the spirit within the barrels, as the higher temperatures and varied humidity impact the interaction between the spirit and the wood. Consequently, Israeli whiskies often present a maturity and complexity that belies their actual age.
