Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Scotch, the world’s favorite whisky, was celebrated across the globe in a series of red carpet, star-studded events to mark International Scotch Day, an event that’s all about properly recognizing Scotland’s greatest gift. In a country of 5.5 million people producing all the Scotch in the world (some 20 million casks lie maturing in warehouses in Scotland as we speak), Diageo, whose brands include Johnnie Walker, is the only brand with access to all regions that can experiment and develop a variety of blends. LoveScotch is about getting the world talking, thinking, and trying Scotch and invites everyone to join in, raise a glass, and celebrate Scotch. International Scotch Day, held last February 8, is a celebration of everything that gives the world’s favorite whisky its unique character, flavour, and personality and 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 brought the iconic brand and its expressions to the world. This year’s celebrations took place in over 70 countries and the Manila leg started with a grand kickoff party at the Manila House Private Members Club in Manila last February 6, with Hollywood actor James Marsden (who is best known as Cyclops in the X-Men movies) and Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador Ervin Trykowski leading the festivities. Hollywood actor James Marsden (who is best known as Cyclops in the X-Men movies) “Scotch has always been one of my favorite drinks and I’m excited to be in the Philippines to usher in International Scotch Day celebrations with my fellow Scotch enthusiasts,” James says. “No other spirit can offer the same range of textures and flavours such as Scotch,” shares Ervin. “Whether you already love Scotch or you just haven’t found the one for you yet, LoveScotch is all about exploring those tastes and finding the one that suits you.” Diageo Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador Ervin Trykowski To help people get started to discover their Scotch of choice, Ervin hosted several tasting sessions. Guests were acquainted with the smoky taste of the “Iconic Blend” Johnnie Walker Black Label, the honey sweetness of “Celebration Blend” Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, and the fruity taste of Singleton of Dufftown 12. Singleton of Dufftown 12 Ervin held an exclusive masterclass on six different types of Scotch as part of the celebration the day before. Apart from the three Scotches featured at the kick-off party, the select guests were able to get a taste of the fruity, delicate, smoky “Rare Blend” Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the sherry-sweet, spicy, oaky Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition, and the most award-winning malt in its class, the peaty, citrusy, peppery Talisker 10. It was one of the most enjoyable whisky tastings we’ve been to, as Ervin proved to not only be knowledgeable about the selection of whiskies on hand, but also a dynamic host who injected cool trivia about the spirits and encouraged a more laid back, experimental approach to tasting whisky and finding out what you enjoy. “There is a flavor for every mood; there is a taste for every situation,” Ervin says (his favorite food to pair with Scotch is ice cream). And contrary to the standard progression of whisky tasting, we didn’t end with a peaty whisky! Contrary to the belief that Scotch should just be taken neat or on the rocks, Scotch is versatile and can be enjoyed any way you want it. During the kickoff party, three of Manila’s best bars—Yes Please, 12/10, and The Curator—whipped up cocktails to show that scotch can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. TV host Raymond Gutierrez, Diageo Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador Ervin Trykowski, Martine Cajucom, and Hollywood actor James Marsden People can participate by visiting their favorite bars and enjoying your Scotch any way they want to. Share the experience with other Scotch enthusiasts by using #lovescotch. Share your scotch discovery stories and get involved in the celebrations for International Scotch Day by using the hashtags #LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay. The LoveScotch campaign encourages those who choose to drink, to do so responsibly. In line with this, invites everyone to Join the Pact, Johnnie Walker’s global initiative for people to commit to responsible drinking , and to never drink and drive. Check out the JohnnieWalkerPH Page on Facebook for more details.