Whisky, the Euro, and Olympic athletes
In 2002, the Euro currency began circulating, marking a significant step in European integration. The African Union was formed, aiming for continental collaboration. Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics, gathering athletes from across the world. The International Criminal Court emerged, emphasizing the global push for accountability and justice.
The whisky industry saw the introduction of the Glenlivet 18-Year-Old, an award-winning single malt that skilfully combined maturation in both American oak and sherry casks. The expression is frequently lauded for its complexity and balance, and it has become a staple for enthusiasts and collectors.
Bowmore also continued to innovate by releasing its limited edition Bowmore Dawn and Bowmore Dusk, experimenting with port and sherry cask finishes, respectively.
Independent bottler Adelphi continued to make waves with their Authenticated Collection. Known for its cask strength, single cask, non-chill-filtered whiskies, this range allowed aficionados to experience Scotch in its most unadulterated form. Cadenhead's, another independent bottler, also stood out with its Small Batch series, sourcing whiskies from both well-known and obscure distilleries. These releases, often matured in unique casks, offered fresh perspectives on the distilleries' characters. In 2002, the whisky industry was at a creative peak, with both established brands and independent bottlers contributing to an ever-growing ecosystem of taste and value.