Skip to main content

The truth about whiskey vs. whisky: More than just a spelling issue

It's all about location in the great whiskey vs. whisky debate

Whiskey cheers
Age Barros / Getty Images

It’s a debate as old as time. And no, we aren’t talking about the right way to pronounce the word “pecan.” We’re discussing the debate over spelling the name of one of the world’s most popular spirits. Is it “whiskey,” or is the proper spelling “whisky?”

Few things are more annoying to whiskey drinkers than someone mistakenly spelling the spirit whiskey when it should be spelled as whisky. If you’re new to the spirit, you might not understand why this is a big deal.  Well, it is.

Recommended Videos

If you stroll down the aisles at your local liquor store and glance at random bottles, you’ll see bourbons and other American-made spirits labeled as whiskey. But single malt Scotch is labeled as whisky. This might make you scratch your head. Why does Scotland drop the “e?”

Well, you don’t have to wonder about it anywhere or hear your uncle’s theories around the holiday table because we’re here to set the record straight. We’re finally going to end the debate of whiskey vs. whisky

In the simplest terms, there is no difference. Whiskey and whisky are the same spirit. Both have a base of fermented grains distilled and matured in oak barrels. The difference between whiskey and whisky revolves around only one thing: location. Depending on the country in which the whisk(e)y is produced, it will either have the ‘e’ added or not. Spoiler alert: Only three countries refer to this spirit as whiskey, and one of them is the U.S. (neither of the other two is Canada). 

However, it is worth mentioning that certain regions prefer different spellings. Since different areas produce different styles of whiskey, this can sometimes lead to confusion. Below, we’ve broken down which countries use which spelling (and what the plural of that spelling is).

Whisky vs. Whiskey: The differences explained

When to use whisky

Whiskey in a glass next a person
YesMore Content / Unsplash

Countries that use this spelling: Scotland, Japan, Canada, Australia, England, Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, India, Israel, Taiwan, Wales, Germany

Plural of whisky: whiskies

When to use whiskey

Whiskey in a glass by a fire
Thomas Park / Unsplash

Countries that use this spelling: Ireland, U.S., Mexico

Plural of whiskey: whiskeys

While the above breakdown is a good place to start, this is not the end-all, be-all, as there are certain American brands of whisky (such as Maker’s Mark and George Dickel) that spell the word without the ‘e.’ This derivation from the rule does not, however, usually go the other way.

Got it?

Now, it’s time to actually enjoy the stuff and stop talking semantics (though if you want to keep doing that, go right ahead — we’re going to pour ourselves a few fingers). Check out our picks for the best bourbons and American single malt whiskeys.

If Scotch is more your thing, try these blended Scotch whiskies. Irish whiskey fiend? We’ve got you covered, too.

Bottom line

Glass of whiskey with ice cubes served on wooden planks
Jag_cz / Shutterstock

If you want to explore the difference between whiskey and whisky more deeply, you should consider why some countries (U.S., Ireland, and Mexico) use the “e” and so many others don’t. The difference began with the Gaelic name for whisky, “Uisce Beatha,” which translates to “water of life.”

In the 19th century, Irish distillers were tired of lesser-quality Scotch whiskies being brought into the country. To differentiate between the whiskey of their homeland and the whisky produced in Scotland, they added an “e.”

This is also why whiskey made in the U.S. is spelled with an “e.” In the 1800s, Irish immigrants began distilling whiskey in the U.S. and (not surprisingly) used the “e” in whiskey, which became the norm for U.S. whiskey makers.

Christopher Osburn
Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional
The world’s first “bourbon-infused luxury hotel” just opened in Kentucky
Bardstown, Kentucky is home to a new bourbon hotel destination
The Trail Hotel

Bourbon drinkers looking for a place to lay their head after a day spent visiting the iconic distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have a new destination to visit. That’s because the recently opened Trail Hotel is touted as the world’s first “bourbon-infused luxury hotel.”
The Trail Hotel

Located in Bardstown, in the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail and close to some of the most well-respected distilleries in the country, The Trail Hotel is a 95-room hotel located in a historic property and chocked full of “southern hospitality” and interactive bourbon experiences. In addition to the nearly 100 rooms, the space boasts eight signature suites, a four-star restaurant, and five distinct bars.

Read more
World Whiskey Society’s new limited-edition whiskey was created to be enjoyed with a cigar
World Whiskey Society is launching American Light Whisky Cigar Blend Gothic Edition
Pouring whiskey in a glass

If you’re a fan of fine cigars and well-made whiskey, you’ll love the newest expression from the renowned rare whiskey brand World Whiskey Society. Its newest limited-edition expression is a uniquely finished whiskey crafted to be sipped while enjoying your favorite cigar.
World Whiskey Society American Light Whisky Cigar Blend Gothic Edition
American Light Whisky Cigar Blend Gothic Edition World Whiskey Society

This new, limited-edition expression from the popular brand was matured for at least two decades and finished in Cognac, Tawny Port, Awamori, Tequila, PX Sherry, and Madeira casks. The intermingling of the various barrels creates a truly unique and innovative tasting experience.

Read more
Woodford Reserve is launching a new whiskey finished in Tawny Port casks
Woodford Reserve's new Distillery Series whiskey was finished in barrels that previously held Tawny Port Wine
Woodford Reserve

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve is a distillery that seems to release nothing but noteworthy whiskeys. Its newest Distillery Series expression is no exception. That's because this limited-edition whiskey was finished in barrels that previously held Tawny Port wine.
Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – Tawny Port Finish

To say that the creation of this whiskey is complicated is an understatement. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall begins with a blend of rye whiskey and bourbon, which is then blended with a bourbon finished in Tawny Port barrels.

Read more