International Whisk(e)y Day raises a glass to Michael Jackson, the golden dram, and charity

Raise your glass and give a cheer for whiskey and whiskey drinkers worldwide – today is International Whisk(e)y Day!

The late and great English whiskey writer, Michael Jackson, is remembered today with this worldwide celebration. March 27th marks International Whisk(e)y Day, a day dedicated to whiskey and Jackson’s immense influence on whiskey education. The event also raises awareness and money to cure Parkinson’s disease, which took Jackson’s life in 2007.

Will you be sipping on whiskey or a whiskey cocktail to recognize International Whisk(e)y Day? Below are some favorite local distilleries and bottles with cocktail ideas. Find these bottles at your favorite local liquor store, or saddle up at your favorite local bar and give them a try!

Here’s to you, Michael.

Rocker Spirits

Rocker Whiskey is identifiable by it’s beautiful bottling, and it’s more than pretty looks. This whiskey is a lighter, sweeter dram with a corn heavy mash bill (70% corn, 30% wheat). I taste warm caramel and butterscotch, and a bit of citrusy brightness. Sip it neat or on the rocks, or use it in your favorite whiskey cocktail. This would make an especially tasty Manhattan.

Rocker Distiller, Nick Hutch

Leopold Bros

Leopold Bros’ American Small Batch Whiskey is a placeholder on my shelf. It’s my camping bottle, and my party sipper. Distilled using corn and rye, you’ll taste traditional vanilla notes but also soft fruit flavors. I sip it neat, but that’s how I drink most whiskey. If you are looking for a cocktail, I suggest this whiskey in a classic Old Fashioned or a mule with tangy ginger beer and garnish of fresh pear.

Delicious Colorado whiskey. Line up for Leopold!

Deerhammer

Deerhammer’s American Whiskey hails from Buena Vista, and evokes high-mountain fresh air and the wild, wild west. This whiskey is made with 100% malted barley (that’s right…100%). Spices, caramel, cacao, and even coffee notes round out the flavor. Sip it, mix it, and reflect on the spirit of the Rockies that brings out your adventurous side. If you are looking for an appropriate cocktail, honor your Colorado roots with a Gold Rush. Sound complicated? It’s a whiskey sour using simple syrup made from your favorite local honey.

Care for a swill?

Distilley 291

Distillery 291’s Colorado Rye Whiskey is a must try. They are big players in the whiskey world, putting Colorado Springs on the map. Colorado Rye Whiskey was recently awarded the best rye in America, and the best rye in the world at the 2018 World Whiskey Awards. This bottle originates from a mash of 61% malted rye and 39% corn; expect cinnamon, maple, and rye bread notes. I’ll admit, I turn into a blushing, tongue-tied fan girl every time I run into this crew at a whiskey event. Aspen staves in my whiskey? Yes, please. If you are mixing, showcase this rye in a Colorado Sazarac using Leopold Bros or Golden Moon absinthe.