The Battle of Spirits: Whisky vs. Whiskey What’s the E All About?

With Scottish blood pulsing through my veins, I like to think of myself as a whisky connoisseur. Ok, maybe not really, but note that I said Whisky, not Whiskey. Believe it or not, there is a difference, which all boils down to origin. 

It's no secret that Whisky and Whiskey are beloved spirits enjoyed by connoisseurs worldwide. Still, the distinction between the two is somewhat puzzling. While they share similar origins and characteristics, subtle spelling and production methods set them apart. 

Alright, enough of the nonsense; let's get into the details!

Spelling Whisky vs Whiskey

The most apparent dissimilarity lies in the spelling. "Whisky" refers to the spirit produced in Scotland, Canada, Japan, and other countries following the Scottish tradition. On the other hand, "whiskey" refers to the spirit made in Ireland, the United States, and a few other regions that follow Irish and American traditions.

The Origin and Tradition of Whisky and Whiskey

Whisky

Whisky has roots in Scotland, where it has been produced for centuries. Scottish Whisky, often known as Scotch whisky, is celebrated for its time-honored production techniques, regional characteristics, and strict production regulations.

Whiskey

Whiskey's origins trace back to Ireland, which has a rich history of whiskey production. Irish Whiskey is known for its smoothness and distinct flavor profile, achieved through triple distillation in copper pot stills.

Whisky and Whisky Production Techniques

Whisky

• Malted Barley: Scottish Whisky primarily utilizes malted barley in its production, although other grains may be used in certain expressions.
• Distillation: Whisky is typically distilled twice. However, some distilleries opt for three rounds of distillation, using copper pot stills or column stills.
• Maturation: Whisky is generally aged in oak barrels for a minimum period specified by the regulations of the producing country, with Scotland requiring a minimum of three years.

Whiskey

• Variety of Grains: Irish and American Whiskey may include a combination of grains, such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat.
• Distillation: Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled, resulting in a smoother and lighter character. American bourbon and rye whiskey are typically distilled at least twice, using column stills or pot stills.
• Maturation: Whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, contributing to its flavor and character. Additionally, the length of maturation can vary depending on the desired style.

Flavor Profiles

• Whisky: Scotch whisky exhibits a broad range of flavors, including peat smoke, fruity notes, honey, spices, and oak influences. The specific region of production within Scotland can further influence the flavor profile.
• Whiskey: Irish Whiskey is often characterized by its smoothness, lightness, and subtle sweetness. American bourbon whiskey showcases flavors like caramel, vanilla, oak, and sometimes a hint of spice.

Remember, don't mix the two up if you ever find yourself in Scotland or Ireland. If you do, you're likely to start a fight!