Forget Scotland and Japan: these 5 countries are quietly making whisky

Whisky is made all over the world, from Scotland to Japan, but not every country is equally famous for the water of life. Here are five countries you might not expect to be making whisky.

We start in Africa, because even in the land of the Big Five, the water of life is distilled. The continent has several distilleries. Take, for example, Copper Republic Distilling Co. and James Sedgwick in Wellington.

The latter is behind the well-known Bain’s and Three Ships brands. In fact, Three Ships has won multiple awards at whisky competitions.

The next country is becoming increasingly known for its whisky. South Korea is famous for drinks like soju and rice wine, but whisky is on the rise. Near Seoul, the Three Societies Distillery produces Ki One whisky.

The distillery’s first whisky was released in 2021 with a run of 1,506 bottles. Today you can buy the whiskies easily at The Whisky Exchange.

When you think of Mexico, tequila or mezcal probably come to mind. Whisky isn’t a drink most people associate with the country—but it’s very much being made there.

Take Abasolo El Whisky de México, for instance. This whisky is crafted from a corn-based spirit. First bottled in 2020, it offers notes of corn, honey, black tea, and leather.

Pakistan has strict laws governing alcohol consumption, so you might not expect whisky to be produced there.

Yet it is. Murree Brewery has been making whisky since 1960. The distillery uses oak casks from North America, Australia, and Spain to craft a wide range of whiskies, including several age-stated expressions over 10 years old.

The last country you might not immediately associate with whisky is Iceland. Unlike the others mentioned, it’s usually cold there, but that doesn’t dampen the spirit of distilling.

In Iceland, Eimverk Distillery produces a distinctive whisky: Floki. It’s made with local barley that’s malted and then smoked in a unique way. Instead of peat, the distillery uses sheep dung. This gives the spirit a surprising profile of hay, grass, farmyard character, and herbs, with earthy undertones.

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