We don’t look at drinking whiskey from a larger context, but you’ll be surprised to know the level of importance people place on this beverage. Yes, there are many regions on this planet that have traditions based around whiskey. Some will make your toes curl while others will make you want to adopt those traditions. Here are the most interesting whiskey traditions around the world.
5 Best Whiskey Traditions Around The World
- A Quaich Way To Join Two Hearts – Scotland
- Tic-Tac-Toe: The Tale Of Sourtoe Cocktail – Canada
- The “Ice ball” Whiskey – Japan
- Wired For Every Occasion – Ireland
- The Beloved Patiala Peg – India
1. A Quaich Way to Join Two Hearts – Scotland
The Scottish have traded whiskeys for hundreds of years. Gradually the importance of this drink increased and it began to have an impact on a cultural level in this country. This led to certain traditions being built around whiskey and its consumption. One such tradition is the Quaich. It involves drinking whiskey from Quaich, a traditional Scottish two-handled cup which is also known as the loving cup.
It originated in the Highlands many years ago and has been used as a cup that welcomes new changes in people’s lives and also used to bid adieu to the past. The handles of this cup, or lugs as they call it in Scotland, are needed to get the essence of this tradition. You need to use both your hands while drinking from this cup. Yep, it’s a bit unusual, but, in the olden times, this would ensure that you won’t be attacked by someone whom you were drinking with.
More importantly, it is seen as a sign of trust, openness, and friendship, which is also what you need in marriage. Newlyweds have their first drink as a married couple in this loving cup. Drinking from the Quaich symbolized them being together through life’s joy and sadness.
Also read: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Soju
2. Tic-Tac-Toe: The Tale Of Sourtoe Cocktail – Canada
You may not be surprised by seeing Canada’s name in this list, but will definitely be surprised (maybe grossed out too) after knowing the why. This is one of the most unique whiskey traditions around the world! We all crave nice and fruity cocktails but how about a cocktail that has a toe in it? Yes, an actual human toe! The town of Dawson City in Yukon follows this tradition. It’s a test of courage for travelers passing through here.
How is it made? It’s basically a shot of whiskey that has a mummified toe dipped in it. The legend has it that this toe is of Louie Linken who got a nasty case of frostbite and his brother had to chop off his toe. To mark this event, Louie’s brother kept this toe in a jar of whiskey which was later discovered by Captain Dick Stevenson in 1973. He came up with the idea of an exclusive club. The only criteria to get in the club is that you have to drink this cocktail which has a toe in it and the toe should touch your lips.
What are the perks of being a part of this club? Well, you definitely get some bragging rights and also a business card stating that you’re part of the club. Over the years, many have become proud members of this club. In all these years, the toe has been replaced by different donors over 8-10 times for various reasons.
Also read: 8 Strange Drinking Traditions Around The World
3. The “Ice ball” Whiskey – Japan
Japan gives immense importance to aesthetics and presentation, so it’s not a shock that it has something to contribute to this list. In the Japanese city of Ginza, it’s the rite of passage for every bartender to create the perfect ice spheres. These require the utmost attention and care to be ideal for your whiskey.
The shape of the ice sphere is such that it ensures that the whiskey doesn’t become watery too soon. At the same time maintain a cool temperature to enjoy the drink. Most high-end bars in Japan serve drinks with ice balls whenever it’s ordered on the rocks.
Also read: How To Drink Like A Local Around The Globe
4. Wired For Every Occasion – Ireland
Whiskeys have an important role in Irish culture. It’s imbibed from the very beginning within the people with Irish heritage to never say no to a drink offered and always welcome your guest with a glass of whiskey. Any good news would be toasted with a glass of whiskey, the ones who recently passed away would also be remembered with the glass raised. Fans of the hit TV show, The Wire, will remember seeing this tradition being performed in one of the final episodes.
Also read: 5 Drinking Rituals Around The World
5. The Beloved Patiala Peg – India
We finally come to our very own, Patiala Peg! Having its base in the land of warriors, its origin is also related to warriors. The Prince of Patiala, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, had a team of fierce warriors that were unbeatable in polo. To challenge them, the British invited a stellar Irish team called Viceroy’s Pride for a friendly match of tent pegging. Maharaja, fearing embarrassment in case his team lost to the Irish, pulled a fantastic trick.
He had a feast for the visitors on the eve of the game. Here he ensured that the Irishmen had larger than normal portions of alcohol in their glasses. As a result of heavy drinking, the Irish couldn’t match their expectations in the field the next day. The Irish complained about this but Maharaja turned them down by saying that this is the norm in his kingdom.
Making a Patiala Peg is easy, just place your pinky finger on the bottom of the glass and place the index finger parallel to it. Fill up your glass from the bottom till the point where your index finger is and your peg is ready. This makes your drink way higher than the normal count of 30 or 60 ml. There’s a catch here, you can’t order any other drink that way. It has to be whiskey. This tradition has been part of many parties in northern India.
Summing Up
What did we learn? We learned that you can use whiskey as a symbol of love, peace, respect, and unity. We also learned that one bizarre idea can literally become a club with over 1,00,000 members. You can have your thoughts and opinions on whiskey but there’s no denying that this drink is one of the most significant creations in the history of alcohol.
FAQs
Which Country Is Famous For Whiskey?
Scotland has been the biggest producer of whiskey for over 100 years. Hence, Scotland is famous for its whiskey.
What Is The Traditional Way Of Drinking Whiskey?
The easiest way to drink whiskey is having it neat and sipping water with cool water in between.
What Is The Whiskey Capital Of The World?
Campbeltown in southern Scotland was termed as the Whiskey capital of the world in the 19th century.
Why Do Indians Add Water To Whiskey?
By adding water to whiskey, the flavor improves significantly which enhances the experience.
What Are The 3 Types Of Whiskey?
Single malt whiskey, grain whiskey, and, blended whiskey are the three types of whiskey you’ll usually find.
What Is The Oldest Indian Whiskey?
Amrut Greedy Angels is the oldest Indian whiskey.
What Is The Percentage Of Alcohol In Whiskey In India?
In India, the percentage of alcohol in whiskey is around 40% ABV.
What Is Whiskey Traditionally Made From?
Traditionally whiskey is made using grain, yeast, and water.
