Overview
- The Historical and Regional Differences
- Why Do Some Spell It “Whiskey”?
- Why Do Some Spell It “Whisky”?
- Notable Exceptions to the Rule
- The Japanese Whisky Tradition
- Conclusion
- External References and Sources
The Historical and Regional Differences
The difference between whisky and whiskey largely comes down to geography.
The general rule is:
The general rule is:
- Whisky (without an “e”) is used in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, but also world-wide
- Whiskey (with an “e”) was originally used in Ireland, mainly in Dublin, to distinguish it from whisky produced in the UK. Outside Dublin, Irish distillers often used the spelling without the “e” as well.
Scotland even enforces the spelling “whisky” by law, whereas Ireland does not have a legal requirement for the spelling.
This distinction can be traced back centuries. Scottish distillers favored “whisky,” while Irish distillers added the “e” as a way to differentiate their product during the late 19th century when Irish whiskey was considered superior to Scotch. As Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they carried the spelling with them, and American distilleries adopted “whiskey.”
Why Do Some Spell It “Whiskey”?
Irish distillers popularized the use of the “e” to distinguish their whiskey from Scotch. Today, distilleries in both Ireland and the United States continue to use “whiskey” on their labels.
Some of the most famous whiskey brands following this tradition include:
Why Do Some Spell It “Whisky”?
The origins of whisky can be traced back to Irish monks who referred to it as Uisce Beatha, meaning “water of life.” The practice of distillation spread from Ireland to Scotland, where it evolved into the whisky we recognize today. Over time, Scottish distillers maintained their traditional spelling of “whisky,” which has remained in use to this day. This spelling has also been adopted by Canadian and Japanese distilleries.
Some of the most well-known whisky brands include:
- Glenfiddich
- Macallan
- Lagavulin
- Crown Royal (Canada)
Notable Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is followed in most cases, some distilleries break tradition for unique reasons.
Here are some notable exceptions:
Here are some notable exceptions:
- Maker’s Mark (USA)
One of the most famous American bourbon brands, Maker’s Mark, spells its product whisky, rather than the typical American “whiskey.” This is a nod to the Scottish heritage of the Samuels family, the founders of Maker’s Mark. - George Dickel (USA)
Another American distillery, George Dickel, also spells its spirit as “whisky.” The reason? Founder George Dickel believed that his product was just as smooth and refined as Scotch whisky, and he wanted to reflect that in the branding. - Waterford Whiskey (Ireland)
Despite being an Irish distillery, Waterford spells its name “whisky.” This is because Waterford’s approach to distillation is highly influenced by Scottish malt whisky production techniques.
Waterford tried to keep the tradition of spelling it “whisky,” however, the distillery has now closed, and all employees have been made redundant due to complete insolvency.
Waterford was founded by Mark Reynier, a visionary in the whisky industry. Before establishing Waterford, Reynier was responsible for purchasing and revitalizing Bruichladdich, a historic but struggling Scottish distillery. Under his leadership, Bruichladdich regained international recognition for its innovative approach to whisky making before he eventually it to Rémy Cointreau. At Waterford, Reynier continued his passion for terroir-driven whisky, applying meticulous attention to barley sourcing and distillation processes.
The Japanese Whisky Tradition
Japan is known for producing some of the finest whiskies in the world, taking heavy inspiration from Scottish distillation techniques. As a sign of respect to Scottish whisky makers, Japanese distilleries spell it without the “e”—whisky.
Notable Japanese whisky brands include:
Conclusion
The difference between “whisky” and “whiskey” is not just about spelling—it’s a reflection of history, tradition, and heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a bottle of Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, or Japanese whisky, what truly matters is the craftsmanship and flavor in your glass.
