We’ve all got the basic facts covered. You know, the ones that we use to show our whisky credibilities such as knowing the difference between whisky and whiskey, minimum age requirements of scotch, the difference between a blend and a single malt, you get the idea (and if you don’t know any of the following things then we highly recommend a quick google search).

But what about the facts that get others going “What?! Really?!” Let’s call this the Scotch whisky party trick/fact and we’ve got a five for you.

1. How much Scotch is imported?!

99 million cases of Scotch are exported each year. Laid end-to-end, this would run the distance between New York and Edinburgh SIX TIMES.

2. Whisky can withstand extremely cold temperatures.

Famed drinker and polar explorer Ernest Shackleton brought with him 25 cases of whisky along with 12 of brandy and 6 of port while on an expedition to the South Pole. Even at -30 degrees celsius though the spirit remained liquid enough to drink, it definitely isn’t what you should be drinking when in cold temperatures. Contrary to popular myth alcohol (of any variety) does not warm you up. In fact, it actually lowers the core body temperature.

102 years after Shackleton buried bottles of Mackinlay Scotch in his hut in the South Pole, they were discovered in 2010 by conservationists.

3. A cat is a distilleries best friend.

Several famous distilleries are known to have cats lurking about, these cats offer protection from the mice who like to hang around barley. Check out this blog post from scotchwhisky.com for a list of some the legendary mouse catchers. No news as to whether our feline friends like a dram to end their evenings.

4. More casks than people

There are more 20 million casks of whisky maturing in Scotland. 20 MILLION. That is approximately 4 casks to every person living there.

One cask for me, one for you, one for me, and one for you...

5. Urine Whisky

Now for the oddest fact of them all. Did you know that a diabetic’s urine can AND has been used to make single malt whisky? Created by James Gilpin, a designer and researcher, The Gilpin Family Whisky is not up for commercial sale but is promoted as an art piece. Read more about it here.

James Gilpin and his family Whisky (pic credit: jamesgilpin.com)

Those are 5 facts to start off with! Keep an eye and ear out for other strange facts. You never know what you will learn about your favourite drink.