Whisky vs Whiskey | Correct Spelling & Difference

Whisky and whiskey are umbrella terms that include several types of grain spirits. However, “whisky” is typically used when referring to grain spirits that were produced in Scotland, Japan, or Canada, whereas “whiskey” is the preferred spelling for grain spirits made in the United States or Ireland.

Examples: Whisky/whiskey in a sentence
My best friend was born and raised in Tennessee, so whiskey is his beverage of choice when we go out.

I plan on touring a whisky distillery when I go to Japan next year.

I don’t drink anymore, but when I did, Scottish whisky was my go-to drink.

What is whisky?

“Whisky” (without an “e”) is a grain spirit produced in Scotland, Japan, or Canada. It is made by distilling and aging fermented grain, including barley malt, corn, rye, and wheat.

“Whisky” is an umbrella term, meaning there is no one way to make whisky. For example, single malt Scotch whisky must be distilled and aged in Scotland and is made using only fermented barley. However, other types of whiskies can be made using a combination of grains.

Please note that the correct plural form of “whisky” is “whiskies.”

Examples: Whisky in a sentence
Many American bars don’t carry my favorite Japanese whisky.

Unfortunately, I don’t like whisky, and it was the only type of alcohol they were serving at the reunion.

When we visited my wife’s family in Scotland, we tasted many brands of whiskies.

What is whiskey?

“Whiskey” (with an “e”) refers to a type of alcohol that is produced in the United States or Ireland by aging and distilling fermented grains. Bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, American single malt whiskey, and Irish whiskey all fall under this category.

However, it should be noted that while “whiskey” is the preferred spelling when referring to these grain spirits, there are some exceptions. For example, some well-known brands in the United States use the “whisky” spelling.

Additionally, the correct plural of “whiskey” is “whiskeys.”

Examples: Whiskey in a sentence
The song “Tennessee whiskey” is one of my favorite songs ever.

I drank some whiskey last night for the first time ever and woke up with a headache.

I tried many types of whiskeys and concluded that Irish whiskey is superior.

Whiskey vs bourbon

“Whiskey” is a category of grain spirits made by aging and distilling fermented grains. “Bourbon” is one of the many different types of whiskeys. In other words, all bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.

Examples: Whiskey vs bourbon in a sentence
My friend didn’t understand when I told him that bourbon is a type of whiskey.

I introduced bourbon to an Irish friend who enjoys whiskey, and he said it tasted quite different but he liked it.

All bourbons are created in the United States, but not all whiskeys.

Frequently asked questions about whisky vs whiskey

Is whiskey spelled with an e?

Whiskey” is spelled with an “e” when referring to the grain spirit produced in Ireland or the United States.

However, “whisky” (without an “e”) refers to the grain spirit produced in either Scotland, Canada, or Japan.

What is the plural of whiskey?

The plural of “whiskey” is “whiskeys,” whereas the plural of “whisky” is “whiskies.”

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.