Fifth Annual International Whisky Day - 2013

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?International Whisky Day was officially and originally launched in 2008 at the Whisky Festival of Northern Netherlands. Various whisky writers, among whom were Hans Offringa, Charles MacLean, Dave Broom, Martine Nouet and Helen Arthur took part in the first International Whisky Day. This was an initiative to honour their late friend Michael Jackson and they approached various whisky friends for support.The official announcement read:On this date let every whisk(e)y lover annually raise a dram - wherever in the world he or she may be - to honour the many unsung heroes of the past and present, who have been crafting the King O' Drinks for centuries and will hopefully continue to do so till the end of time.The launch of International Whisk(e)y Day was supported in writing by in (alphabetical order):  Helen Arthur, Dave Broom, Ulf Buxrud, Ian Buxton, David Cox, John Hansell, Albert Heidema, Larry Kass, Jim McEwan, Charles MacLean, Martine Nouet, Dominic Roskrow, Jim Rutledge, David Scheurich, Carolyn Smagalski, Gavin Smith, George Stone, Wouter Wapenaar, Neil Wilson, David Wishart, Ian Wisniewski, Hideo Yamaoka, and Ronald Zwartepoorte.International Whisky Day is about celebrating the drink we so enjoy. All you have to do to participate is raise a dram. Those who want to remember Jackson by donating money to research and treatment of Parkinson's can contact their local/national Parkinson's association or go to the donate page at internationalwhiskyday.org.MICHAEL JACKSON(27 MARCH 1942 - 30 AUGUST 2007)An English writer and journalist, and author of several influential books about beer and whisky, he was a regular contributor to most British broadsheets, particularly The Independent and The Observer. Jackson's books have sold over three million copies worldwide and have been translated into eighteen different languages.He was an important figure in the world of malt whisky and his 1989 book, titled Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion, is the best-selling book on the subject in the world. At the time of his death Jackson had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for at least a decade.Harlem Shake for International Whisky Day - YouTube.Visit Whisky Fun's Michael Jackson tribute page here.Thanks to Whisky Intelligence for this information.Oliver Klimek has more to say about International Whisky Day on his blog - Dramming.As does Keith Wood at Whisky Emporium.And Serge Valentin at Whisky Fun.And, and, Sun Singer Wines and Spirits.And, and, and Kensington Wine Market.