Whiskey or Whisky? What's the difference?
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When you look at a bottle's label, you might wonder: is it actually spelled whisky or whiskey ? The truth is, it's not just a matter of spelling , but also of tradition, origin, and even production style.
Origin of spelling
- Whisky (without the "e") : Used in Scotland, Japan, and Canada . This is the traditional Scottish form and is the oldest. Brands like Macallan , Glenfiddich , and Hibiki use this spelling.
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Whiskey (with an "e") : Used in Ireland and the USA . It is said that the Irish added the "e" to differentiate their spirits at a time when they considered their products superior to Scottish ones.
Style differences
Although the spelling indicates the origin, there are also flavor trends :
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Scotch whiskies tend to be more complex, with smoky or peaty notes in brands like Lagavulin and Ardbeg .
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Irish whiskeys , such as Redbreast or Jameson , tend to be smoother and fruitier.
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In the US , bourbon (like Blanton's Gold Edition ) has sweet, vanilla, and caramel notes thanks to aging in new American oak barrels.
Which one to choose?
It depends on taste and occasion:
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For those who enjoy intense, smoky profiles, an Islay whisky like Ardbeg 10 is perfect.
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For a smooth, velvety experience, a 12-year-old Irish Redbreast is unbeatable.
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If you prefer classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned , an American bourbon like Blanton’s is ideal.
Curiosity: Japan and Scotland
Japanese whiskies , such as Hibiki or Yamazaki , follow the Scottish spelling ( whisky ), as Japanese production was heavily influenced by traditional Scottish methods.
Conclusion
There's no "right" or "wrong"—the spelling indicates the tradition and country of origin. The most important thing is to find which flavor profile suits you. In our store, you'll find everything: from smoky Scotches to smooth Irish whiskeys, from American bourbons to sophisticated Japanese whiskeys.