The word "whisky" comes from the Gaelic "uisge beatha, which is derived from the Latin "aqua vitae" or "water of life." Here's a way whisky lovers around the world can help give the real "water of life" to those in dire need of clean drinking water.

We truly give in a global village today, and it is incumbent on each of us to find a way to help those less fortunate. Every person deserves to have access to clean, fresh water...and depends upon it for survival. However, one out of every eight people does not have clean water to drink or cook with, feed their animals, or irrigate their crops.

The Macallan will auction its oldest single malt bottled (64 years old) in a one-of-a-kind Lalique crystal decanter to benefit Charity: Water on November 15. For more details on the auction, visit http://www.charitywater.org/themacallan.

That's one way you can help, but if you're not able to spend thousands of dollars on the rare Macallan, you can donate a few dollars right now to help make a difference. Just $10 will help, and that's about what you'd pay for a dram or two at your local bar.

Special thanks to David Fenkell, who bid $1,200 for the case of Amrut single malt whisky from India donated by Amrut and Purple Valley Imports (who also have our thanks as well for their support). David more than doubled his winning bid to $2,500!

Will you please join WhiskyCast listeners from around the world in a common cause? Someone's thirsty right now...please answer their cry for help!

Thanks for your support!

Mark Gillespie