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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Frequently asked questions about whisky vs whiskey
- Is whiskey spelled with an e?
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“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?
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The plural of “whiskey” is “whiskeys,” whereas the plural of “whisky” is “whiskies.”