International Whisky Day

There are many dates in the calendar dedicated to whisk(e)y, but today isn’t about the drink itself — it’s about the man who transformed the way we understand it. International Whisky Day is held each year on 27th March, in honour of the legendary writer and journalist Michael James Jackson, born on this day in 1942.

Why 27th March?

It was in 2008, a year after Michael’s passing, that Dutch whisky writer Hans Offringa proposed on the WhiskyFun.com forum that Jackson’s birthday be marked annually. The following year, 27th March 2009 became the first official International Whisky Day — a celebration not of a brand, distillery or region, but of one man’s lasting influence.

Who was Michael Jackson? (No, not that one.)

Born in Yorkshire, England, Michael Jackson was a prolific writer whose name became synonymous with beer and whisky journalism. His 1977 classic The World Guide to Beer helped elevate beer from a mass-market product to the nuanced, artisanal craft we enjoy today — especially in the US.

But in the whisky world, he became the most significant voice since Alfred Barnard. His 1989 release The Malt Whisky Companion became the best-selling whisky book of all time, and it’s still widely used today. In it, Jackson rated whiskies on a scale of 0–100, championing those scoring 75 and above as truly worth acquiring.

Michael had a knack for turning complex tasting notes into vivid storytelling, inspiring both whisky drinkers and distillers. Many in the industry saw him as a mentor — someone who pushed boundaries and deepened appreciation for single malts across the globe.

And yes, he had a sense of humour about his name. His TV series The Beer Hunter opened with the line:

“My name really is Michael Jackson, but I don’t sing and I don’t drink Pepsi. I drink beer.”

How do people celebrate the day?

There’s no formal blueprint for International Whisky Day — and that’s part of its charm. Some raise a quiet dram in reflection, others attend tastings or events with fellow enthusiasts. Many revisit Michael Jackson’s writing, leafing through The Malt Whisky Companion or rediscovering his influence on whisky appreciation. Whether it’s exploring a new bottle, visiting a distillery, or simply sharing a dram with friends, the spirit of the day lies in celebrating the drink — and the man — who helped bring its rich complexity to life.