James Marsden, Suki Waterhouse and Shanina Shaik to lead International Scotch Day celebrations

It's a day for celebrating Scotland's most famous export, and organisers are inviting whisky lovers from around the world to raise a dram to Scotch and join in with events across the globe and enjoy free distillery tours across Scotland to mark this year's International Scotch Day (8th February).

Published 8th Feb 2018
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

The annual celebration has returned for 2018 and this year will see A-listers James Marsden, Suki Waterhouse and Shanina Shaik launch this year’s celebrations by meeting some of the people behind the craft at the Cambus Cooperage in Alloa.

Described as a celebration of everything that gives the world’s favourite whisky its "unique character, flavour and personality", International Scotch Day is held during the week of the birthday of one of the world’s most influential master blenders - Alexander Walker, the son of John ‘Johnnie’ Walker who helped bring Scotch to the world.

Diageo, the brand that launched the event, say this year’s celebrations will be bigger than ever, with showcases taking place in over 70 countries worldwide, almost doubling the volume of last year’s inaugural celebrations.

Diageo’s distillery visitor centres across Scotland will open their doors free of charge on 8th, 10th and 11th February to allow visitors to explore behind the scenes some of the world’s most iconic Scotch whisky brands such as the Glenkinchie, Talisker, Oban, Dalwhinnie and Cardhu Single Malts.

To sign up for a free standard tour, visit www.diageo.com.

Diageo confirmed that exclusive International Scotch Day tours of their Archive in Menstrie are already full, with 100 aficionados given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unparalleled heritage of Scotch whisky with unique access to the biggest drinks industry archive in the world.

Celebrations will take place in India, Mexico, The Philippines and South Africa involving consumer and media engagements throughout the day, and red-carpet star-studded parties by evening.

Events, PR, social media, broadcast, e-commerce, sampling and in-store and in-bar activity are planned, and all designed to drive excitement about Scotch.

James Marsden, supermodel Shanina Shaik and actress Suki Waterhouse will lead a series of special International Scotch Day celebrations.

Shaik will celebrate International Scotch Day in Johannesburg, while Marsden will travel to Manila and Delhi and Waterhouse will be in Mexico City to celebrate the day.

9 of the most expensive and rare drams available in Scottish bars - including £8000 Macallan and 1979 Port Ellen

"I can't think of a better place to be than in Mexico City for International Scotch Day”, said Ms Waterhouse.

Marsden added: “Scotch has always been my go to drink and I have such an appreciation for its history and complexities.

“I’ll be celebrating twice, in two exciting locations, Manila and Delhi.

"Scotch has always been one of my favourite drinks and I’m excited to travel to these two incredible cities to experience International Scotch Day with my fellow Scotch enthusiasts.

When asked to describe her favourite thing about Scotch, Shanina Shaik said: “I love that it's a drink that's withstood time.

Charles Maclean and sons release limited edition Ardnamurchan whisky in aid of clean water charity 

"It's gone from a classic drink to one that mixologists can modernize with delicious ingredients”.

Ronan Beirne, global brand marketing director at Diageo said: “Last year’s International Scotch Day was a huge success and this year we wanted to turn up the volume and make it even more of a
celebration with our three global ambassadors and events in many more markets.

“The world’s love affair with Scotch continues to grow, and just last month we reported global net sales growth of 3 per cent in Scotch whisky – with the world’s favourite whisky, Johnnie Walker, growing by 7 per cent.

Beirne continued: “We chose to shoot the campaign creative at the iconic Cambus Cooperage against a backdrop of casks representing a tradition of craftsmanship that dates back centuries, alongside these three stylish personalities enjoying a Scotch together.

"A perfect way to show that Scotch is cool, and made to be enjoyed whenever and wherever.”

18 of the best Scottish drams from the 2024 World Whiskies Awards - including Glen Scotia and Dewar’s

The organisers encourage those who choose to drink, to do so responsibly.

• You can follow the LoveScotch campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay

Location:none
Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram