The Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky!

We’ve all at some point, heard two individuals fight rather fervently over if it’s spelled as ‘whisky’ or ‘whiskey’. 

So is it just that extra ‘e’ which sets these two names apart – something like favourite and favorite – or there’s more to it than meets the eye?

If you are as curious as I was, then continue reading.

First let’s get one thing straight, no matter how you spell it (whiskey or whisky), it is an umbrella term used to describe a type of spirit distilled from a mash of fermented grains. The Scots spell it whisky and the Irish spell it whiskey. This difference in the spelling comes from the translations of the word from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic forms.

Thus, the spelling of the word depends on the country where it was distilled - Ireland and USA produce whiskey, and on the other hand, Scotland, Japan, and Canada produce whisky. Given that each country sets their own rule of distillation, therefore, whiskey and whisky are actually made differently. Add to this the fact that whisky and whiskey use different ingredients so they naturally tend to taste different.

The Scottish whisky is made with malted barley though very rarely grains are also added. After the fermentation process is over, the alcohol is distilled two times and then poured into oak barrels to age for a minimum of three years.

The Irish whiskey, on the other hand, is usually made with a mix of malted barley and grains, however, they can also be purely malted barley. After fermentation, the alcohol is triple distilled and the new spirit is put in oak casks to age for three years.

The American whiskey is made with grains including corn, rye, and wheat. It usually has a sweeter taste. This is double distilled but the length of time to age depends on the style of the whiskey. 

Now that you know the difference between whiskey and whisky, go and enjoy a glass of whisky/whiskey on the rocks!

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