A Toast to the Man Behind International Whiskey Day

International Whiskey Day is the perfect time to acknowledge Michael Jackson’s contributions to world whiskey with these delicious drams.

Up front, it’s important to note: Not THAT Michael Jackson. Whiskey’s man of the same name was a prolific and award-winning writer whose career was centered on whiskey and beer, including his best known reference “Whiskey: The Definitive World Guide.” After his death in 2007, fans, friends, and industry professionals established International Whiskey Day in his honor. The first was held in 2009.

It’s a fitting legacy for a champion of the spirit, and we can think of no better way to acknowledge his contributions than by toasting his memory with one (or more) of these excellent pours.

Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky. Highland Scotch aged 12 years in Sherry and Bourbon casks, as well as refilled and re-charred casks, leads to an approachable introduction to the style. The quality behind the label is apparent given the distillery’s history: 125 gold medals in competitions for their various releases. The 12-year is easy to enjoy, no matter your depth of experience in scotch, with notes of candied orange, vanilla, honey and spice.

Angel's Envy Rye, Caribbean Cask Finish. The house was founded by an industry icon, and the tradition and distillery have remained in the family. The mash is 95% rye and 5% malted barley, but it’s the use of Caribbean casks to finish that lends the product its signature sweetness without being cloying. The high rye content does add some spice, but the candied flavors dominate. It’s a staple sipper for the whiskey-curious.

Ardbeg An Oa. This one is for the serious peat lover, but it’s not just a smoke bomb. Interlaced with the earthiness and smoke is a profusion of berries, chocolate, black tea and toffee. Like all the Ardbeg whiskies, this one is brawny and intense, but it’s not overwhelming. Given that its a relatively new offering from the Islay distillery, its popularity is a testimony to its character and quality.

Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Highlands distillery has 180 years of experience making their various expressions, and while the line tends toward sweet, that sweetness is always balanced well. The 18 is stunning, both in design and execution, with stewed fruit, caramel, spice, honey and butterscotch. This one was meant to be savored.

Lagavulin Offerman Edition Charred Oak Cask 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. One can only imagine that Ron Swanson, the irascible but quietly kind character brought to life by Nick Offerman on “Parks and Rec,” would not be able to resist how long the product name is. He’d also happily share a dram of this briny Islay Scotch. It’s Islay, so it’s assertive and bold, but it also has a solid backbone of red fruit, dark chocolate, coffee and leather.

Old Potrero Rye. The single-barrel offering from this San Francisco-based distillery that does all their work in copper-pot stills is best described by our Topflight Series panelist Lee Diaz. Calling it a “whiskey like no other,” Diaz adds: “The pour is surprisingly complex, evolving with every sip. I discovered flavors such as jams, warm bread, and dark chocolate marzipan.”

Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon. From one of the First Families of bourbon, the Wild Turkey distillery produces a very limited quantity of this double gold winner (SFWSC), a release that started only in 2021. In the bottle is whiskey with 13 to 21-year age statements. It’s assertively oaked without being tannic, and loaded with fruit. Another stellar release from Eddie Russell.

Starward Australian Whisky Nova. Whisky from Australia isn’t very common, nor is the 82-proof on the label, but much of what they do is informed by traditional methods, including aging this single malt whisky in red wine barrels – we imagine Australia has an abundance. The wine cask’s influence is notable throughout, including its tendency to create a fruity, acidic whisky that remains steadfastly dry.

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey. The most striking thing about this entry level Irish whiskey is how utterly delicious it is, and combining that with the smooth, buttery finish and mouthfeel makes this one of the best dollar-for-dollar whiskies anywhere. Aged in rum casks, there is a noticeable sweetness, but it’s not aggressive, and certainly doesn’t interfere with the complex array of chocolate, ginger, apricot and caramel.

This shortlist of compelling pours will hopefully introduce you to new flavors to expand your whiskey palate. That was surely a benefit of Jackson’s work and one that we should continue to embrace together. Just be sure to take a moment, find a compelling pour, and toast the day.