On 8th March we shall be raising a glass in honour of International Women’s Day and encouraging women around the world to discover and share the joys of whisky. Wherever you are next Friday, we hope you too will reach for a glass of your favourite Compass Box whisky and toast in the same spirit.

We have organised a range of activities to mark IWD 2013. There will be a live Transatlantic Twitter Tasting featuring a panel of ladies and three mystery Compass Box whiskies, plus a ladies-only Facebook competition – for both new and existing Compass Box fans – to give you the chance to win a lovely Compass Box prize.

Yes, we want to break down once and for all the preconception that whisky is an (old) man’s drink, or the myth that women only like sweet, light or fruity whiskies, but also to showcase the versatility of styles on offer. Whether you prefer your whisky straight, cask strength, with water, or in a cocktail, these celebrations are for you.

#WhiskyandWomen
We kick off our activities on IWD eve (7th March) at 9pm (GMT)/4pm (EST) with a ladies-only Twitter Tasting featuring three Compass Box whiskies – served blind – and tasted live by 18 whisky bloggers, journalists and enthusiasts from the US, UK and Canada. The event will be hosted by Steve Rush from The Whisky Wire, the founder of Tweet Tastings, and our very own Céline Têtu. Follow us live on Twitter using the hashtag #WhiskyandWomen and then try the whiskies for yourself!

IWD Whisky Cocktails
For your IWD toast, why not prepare a classic Mamie Taylor, named after the eponymous American opera singer at the turn of 20th century, using 2oz Great King Street, juice from ½ a lime, ice cubes and a generous splash of spicy ginger ale/beer. Or for something more adventurous, try a Contramand, created by Naomi Fletcher from Hawksmoor in London, with 35ml Spice Tree, 25ml Mandarin juice, 25ml Port, 20ml Orange curaçao, 5ml lemon juice and a cardamom pod.

 “Above All, Share & Enjoy!”

Fact #4: Great King Street – Artist’s Blend went through 25 different prototypes before Whiskymaker John Glaser found a recipe with which he was happy.