What's the difference between Whiskey & Whisky?!

Whiskey or whisky? It seems a simple enough question. In the world of whiskey, which is full of terminology from ‘single malt whiskey’ and ‘scotch’, to ‘blends’ and ‘bourbons’, this is a question that causes a great deal of confusion, if not contention! Whiskey (and whisky) enthusiasts place a deep importance on the spelling of their beloved spirit. So what exactly is the difference? Be warned, there is no easy answer, and by the end you may regret having asked what seemed to be such a simple question.

Location, location, location plays a big part. In short, Ireland and the United States spell it whiskey (or malt whiskey), while the rest of the world spells it ‘whisky’ or (malt whisky). One good tool to remember is that countries with an ‘e’ in the name (Ireland, United States) use the ‘e’, while countries without an ‘e’ (Scotland, Canada, Japan, India) do not. As with most things, there are a number of exceptions, e.g. America’s George Dickel, and Makers Mark follow the Scottish Spelling.

There are various theories to explain the alternative spelling of whiskeys, so the answer to the question is in reality far more complex.

Some experts believe that the spelling contrast can be traced back to different translations of the original Irish or Gaelic words for malt whiskey. Ireland and Scotland were the first countries to seriously produce whiskey, or ‘uisce breatha’, meaning ‘water of life’. Over time, it became known as whiskey. In the Irish dialect, that meant an ‘ey’ to end the word, and in the Scottish dialect that meant only a ‘y’. The best Irish whiskey or the best premium Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled single malt whiskey.

It is also widely believed that during the 19th century, Ireland’s distillers began to use the ‘e’ as a way to differentiate their whiskeys from scotch. In the 1800s they were becoming more popular and were regarded as being of higher quality. Having a different spelling gave the Irish another way of distinguishing between the two styles. A pure exercise in marketing in other words, i.e. the best Irish whiskey was a premium product. These days though, both Irish whiskey and scotch are two of the greatest spirits on the planet.

The American spelling of whiskey with an ‘e’ is most likely due to the large number of Irish immigrants setting up their stills throughout the US many years ago. Since Irish whiskey was more popular, it was considered by many to be of a higher quality than Scotch whisky and sold at a roughly 25% premium. Many American distillers therefore tried to associate their brands with Irish whiskey and adopted the Irish spelling, as there were many collectors of Irish whiskey wanting to buy just such products. Although even more confusingly, despite many distillers these days still preferring to use ‘whiskey’, the actual legal spelling is ‘whisky’ in America, as set out by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms).

Either way, the whiskey versus whisky debate is one that has confused consumers for centuries. Whether spelled with an ‘e’, or without an ‘e’, it remains one of the world’s favourite drinks. So if you are into the best premium Irish whiskey, a limited edition scotch, a collectors Irish whiskey, or a bloody brilliant bourbon, Sláinte.