Difference-between-Whisky-&-Whiskey-The-Doubt-Clearing-Guide

Difference b/w Whisky & Whiskey (The Doubt Clearing Guide)

Let’s take a look at the difference between whisky and whiskey. Are they different? Do they refer to different meanings?

After exploring the internet, I found out that the Canadian and Scotland people usually use the term whisky while people from the USA and Ireland use the term whiskey.

Let’s clear the conflict between these two terms by looking at the different examples.

Scotch whisky is pronounced without the letter e because of the production of that particular whisky in Scotland, whereas we said people use the term whisky instead of whiskey. Canadian and Japanese people also pronounce the term whisky without the letter e.

Bourbon and Rye are two different whiskey types primarily produced in the USA, while Irish whiskey with the letter e in whiskey is produced in Ireland.

People from different geographic locations use different terms (whisky and whiskey). But are they just different in spelling? No, geographical location is one of the main differences, but it isn’t the solution to the conflict between these two terms.

Besides geographical differences, the production of whiskey in America and Ireland is quite different compared to the production of whisky in Scotland, Canada, and Japan.

Scotch Whisky

It must fall under certain requirements before acquiring this name or being so-called Scotch Whisky.

The distillation must be carried out in oak barrels for at least three years and must be aged immediately after the distillation process.

The distillation and the maturation process need to be carried out in Scotland to be so-called Scottish whisky; although it sounds a little bit weird, that’s how it is.

Scottish whisky is further categorized into five distinct subcategories.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A to z Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

  1. Aberfeldy
  2. Aberlour
  3. Alisa Bay
  4. Allt-A-Bhainne
  5. Ancnoc
  6. Ardbeg
  7. Ardmore
  8. Ardnamurchan
  9. Arran
  10. Auchentoshan
  11. Auchroisk
  12. Balblair
  13. Ballechin
  14. Balmenach
  15. Balbenie
  16. Banff
  17. Ben Nevis
  18. Ben Wyvis
  19. Benriach
  20. Benrinnes
  21. Benromach
  22. Bladnoch
  23. Blair Athol
  24. Bowmore
  25. Braes of Glenlivet
  26. Brora
  27. Bruichladdich
  28. Bunnahabhain
  29. Caol Ila
  30. Caperdonich
  31. Cardhu
  32. Clynelish
  33. Coleburn
  34. Convalmore
  35. Crabbie
  36. Cragganmore
  37. Craigduff
  38. Craigellachie
  39. Croftencea
  40. Cu Bocan
  41. Dailuaine
  42. Dallas DHU
  43. Dalmore
  44. Dalwhinnie
  45. Deanston
  46. Dufftown
  47. Dunglass
  48. Edradour
  49. Fettercairn
  50. Glen Albyn
  51. Glen Deveron
  52. Glen Elgin
  53. Glen Flagler
  54. Glen Garioch
  55. Glen Grant
  56. Glen Keith
  57. Glen Mhor
  58. Glen Moray
  59. Glen ORD
  60. Glen Rannoch
  61. Glen Scotia
  62. Glen Spey
  63. Glenallachie
  64. Glenburgie
  65. Glencadam
  66. Glenfyne
  67. Glenflassaugh
  68. Glengoyne
  69. Glekinchie
  70. Glencadam
  71. Glendronach
  72. Glenullan
  73. Glenesk
  74. Flenfarclas
  75. Glenfiddich
  76. Glenfyne
  77. Flenglassaugh
  78. Glengoyne
  79. Glenkinchie
  80. Glenlivet
  81. Glenlochy
  82. Glenlissue
  83. Glenmorangie
  84. Glenrothes
  85. Glenauchers
  86. Glenturret
  87. Glenugie
  88. Glenury Royal
  89. Glenwyvis
  90. Hazelburn
  91. Highland Harvest
  92. Highland Park
  93. Hillside
  94. Imperial
  95. Inchfad
  96. Inchgower
  97. Inchmoan
  98. Inchmurrin
  99. Inverleven
  100. Isle Of Raasay
  101. Jura
  102. Kilchoman
  103. Kilkerran
  104. Kinclaith
  105. Kingsbarns
  106. Kininvie
  107. Knochkando
  108. Knockdhu
  109. Ladyburn
  110. Lagavulin
  111. Lagg
  112. Laphroaig
  113. Ledaig
  114. Lindores Abbey
  115. Linkwood
  116. Linlithgow
  117. Littlemill
  118. Loch Dhu
  119. Loch Lomond
  120. Lochlea
  121. Lochside
  122. Longmorn
  123. Long grow
  124. Macallan
  125. Macduff
  126. Mannochmore
  127. Millburn
  128. Miltonduff
  129. Mortlach
  130. Mosstowie
  131. NC’Nean
  132. North Port
  133. Oban
  134. Octomore
  135. Old Ballantruan
  136. Old Elgin
  137. Old Pulteney
  138. Old Rhosdhu
  139. Pittyvaich
  140. Port Askaig
  141. Port Charlotte
  142. Port Ellen
  143. Pride of Strathspey
  144. Rosebank
  145. Royal Brackla
  146. Royal Lochnagar
  147. Scapa
  148. Singleton of Dufftown
  149. Smokehead
  150. Spey
  151. SpeyBurn
  152. Speyside
  153. Springbank
  154. ST Magdalene
  155. Strathisla
  156. Strathmill
  157. Talisker Tamdhu
  158. Tamnavulin
  159. Teaninich
  160. Tobermory
  161. Tomatin
  162. Tomintoul
  163. Torabhaig
  164. Tormore
  165. Tullibardine
  166. Various Wolfburn

Grain Scottish whisky

A to z Grain Scottish Whiskies

  1. Arbikie
  2. Ballantine’s
  3. Caledonian
  4. Cambus
  5. Cameronbridge
  6. Caperdonich
  7. Compass Box
  8. Dumbarton
  9. Girvan
  10. Haig Club
  11. Invergordon
  12. Loch Lomond
  13. North British
  14. Port Dundas
  15. Spearhead
  16. Strathclyde
  17. Strathcolm
  18. Twfedalf
  19. Various

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

A to z Blended Malt Scottish Whiskies

  1. Angels’ Nectar
  2. Bell’s
  3. Berry Bros and Rudo
  4. Big Peat
  5. Blooming Gorse
  6. Caisteal Chamuis
  7. Campbeltown Loch
  8. Chivas
  9. Cladach
  10. Collection Moon
  11. Cllectivum
  12. Compass Box
  13. Copper Dog
  14. Elements of Islay
  15. Elixir Distillers
  16. Epicurean
  17. Fable
  18. Famous Grouse
  19. Flaming Feast
  20. Gladstone Axe
  21. Highland Harvest
  22. Islay Journey
  23. Johnnie Walker
  24. Mackintosh
  25. Monkey Shoulder
  26. Mossburn
  27. Naked
  28. Old Bannockburn
  29. Old Perth
  30. Peat Chimney
  31. Poit Dhubh
  32. Portgordon
  33. Rock Island
  34. Sandy Macdonald
  35. Scallywag
  36. Serendipity
  37. Shackleton
  38. Sheep Dip
  39. Six Isles
  40. Spice King
  41. Strathconon
  42. The Exceptional
  43. The Gauldrons
  44. The Hive
  45. Thompson Bros
  46. Timorous Beastie
  47. Various
  48. Wemyss
  49. Westport
  50. Whisky works
  51. William Grant
  52. Williamson

Blended Scotch Whisky

A to z Blended Scotch Whiskies

  1. Ainslie’s
  2. Alex Ferguson
  3. Antiquary
  4. Auld Alliance
  5. Ballantine’s
  6. Bank Note
  7. Barker’s
  8. Baxter’s
  9. Bell’s
  10. Ben Nevis
  11. Berry Bros and Rudo
  12. Black and white
  13. Black Bottle
  14. Buchanan’s
  15. Bulloch Lade
  16. Catto
  17. Catto’s
  18. Chequers
  19. Chivas
  20. Chivas Regal
  21. Cluny
  22. Coachbuilt
  23. Compass Box
  24. Craig Athol
  25. Crawford’s
  26. Cutty Sark
  27. Dawson’s
  28. Dewars
  29. Diageo
  30. Dimple
  31. Dunhill
  32. Famous Grouse
  33. Findlater’s
  34. Fleet Street
  35. Friar John Cor
  36. Gilbey’s
  37. Gilmour Thomson’s
  38. Glamis Castle
  39. Glass House
  40. Glen Garry
  41. Glendrostan
  42. Glenrosa
  43. Golden Age
  44. Golden Heather
  45. Gordon Highlanders
  46. Grand Coronation
  47. Grant’s
  48. Haig
  49. Hankey Bannister
  50. Harrods
  51. Harveys
  52. Hazelwood
  53. Heather Dew
  54. Hedges and Butler
  55. House of Peers
  56. Islay of Mist
  57. J & B
  58. J & G Stewart
  59. J & B
  60. Johnnie Walker
  61. John Crabbie
  62. Johan Dunbar
  63. Johan O’ Groat’s
  64. John Walker
  65. Johnnie Walker
  66. King William
  67. King’s Choice
  68. King’s Ransom
  69. Knightrider
  70. Laird O’ Logan
  71. Lauder’s
  72. Logan Logan’s
  73. Long John
  74. Lord Elcho
  75. Mackinlay’s
  76. Macnamara
  77. Mitchells and Butlers
  78. Monarchy of the highlands
  79. Neal’s
  80. Nomad
  81. Old court
  82. Old Parr
  83. Old Rarity
  84. Orbital
  85. Pig’s Nose
  86. Pinwinnie
  87. Pinwinnie Roya
  88. Pure Scot
  89. Putachieside
  90. Queen Anne
  91. Robert Burns
  92. Royal Household
  93. Royal Salute
  94. Sample Room
  95. Samuel Webster and Sons
  96. Sanderson’s
  97. Sandy Macdonald
  98. Sandy Macnab’s
  99. Savoy
  100. Scotland’s Ripe Old Age
  101. Scots Bard
  102. Seagram
  103. Slaintheva
  104. Smokin’
  105. Something Special
  106. Spey Case
  107. Stewart’s
  108. TE’ Bheag
  109. Teacher’s
  110. That Boutique-Y-Whisky Company
  111. The Gordon Highlanders
  112. The Junior
  113. The Last Drop
  114. The woodsman
  115. Thompson Bros
  116. UAM Var
  117. Various
  118. Vat 69
  119. Watt whisky
  120. Whisky works
  121. White Heather
  122. White horse
  123. Whyte & Mackay
  124. WM. Maxwell
  125. Woven
  126. Wright & Greigs

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskeys are considered one of the most popular whiskeys all over the globe.

With Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey must fall under certain requirements to be called Irish Whiskey.

The distillation and the maturation process must be carried out in Ireland.

The distillation is carried out in wooden casks for at least three years, and the distillation process must be performed in such a way so that the colour, taste, aroma, and, last but not least, smoothness retains. Irish whiskeys are also fermented with yeast.

The smooth finish of this particular whiskey is due to the different drying process compared to the Scottish whiskey, which gives a smoky finish due to the drying process via peated smoke.

A to z of Irish whiskey brands are

  1. Ballyhoo
  2. Bushmills
  3. Cadenhead’s
  4. Clonakilty
  5. Connacht
  6. Connemara
  7. Dingle
  8. Drumshanbo
  9. Dublin Liberties
  10. Dubliner
  11. Dunville’s
  12. Egan’s
  13. Fercullen
  14. Flaming Pig
  15. Gelston’s
  16. Glendalough
  17. Gold Spot
  18. Green Spot
  19. Hinch
  20. Irishman
  21. Jameson
  22. JJ Corry
  23. John Jameson & Son
  24. Kilbeggan
  25. Kinahan’s
  26. Kirker & Greer
  27. Knappogue Castle
  28. Lambay
  29. Mcconell’s
  30. Method & Madness
  31. Micil
  32. Midleton
  33. Nector of the Daily Drams
  34. Old Bushmills
  35. Paddy
  36. Pogues
  37. Powers
  38. Proper No. Twelve
  39. RedBreast
  40. Roe & CO
  41. Sailor’s Home
  42. Sexton
  43. ShortCross
  44. Silkie
  45. Slane
  46. Teeling
  47. The Dead Rabbit
  48. The Pogues
  49. The Whisky Agency
  50. Tullamore
  51. Tullamore Dew
  52. Two Stacks
  53. Tyrconnell
  54. Various
  55. Waterford
  56. West Cork
  57. Writers Tears
  58. Yellow Spot

Bourbon

The distillation is being carried out in new charred oak cask barrels and must be aged immediately. The distillation process performed in this particular whiskey production is quite different compared to the rest of the whiskeys, and that’s why the uniqueness of this distillation process gives Bourbon a distinctive taste and brownish colour.

The distillation and the maturation process need to be carried out in the US and its neighbouring territories, as well as in the Columbian district.

Corn is the key component in this American whiskey.

Rye Whiskey

The distillation is carried out in new charred oak cask barrels for at least two years to be called Rye whiskey, and by law, it must be distilled from a mash of 51% rye grain.

Rye and Bourbon whiskeys are quite similar; the difference lies in their distillation process; American Rye whiskey is distilled from a mash of 51% rye grains while on the other hand, while bourbon whiskey doesn’t distil with rye grains. This difference gives both whiskeys distinctive tastes and colours.

Historical background lies in the naming of Canadian whisky as Rye whiskey. Still, people have stopped accepting Canadian whisky as Rye Whiskey because of the usage of 51% Rye Grains in the Rye Whiskey distillation process. In contrast, Canadian whisky doesn’t distil with Rye Grains at all.

A t z of American Whisky Brands are

  1. American Barrels
  2. Angel’s Envy
  3. Antique
  4. Balcones
  5. Basil Hayden
  6. Benchmark
  7. Bernheim
  8. Biltmore
  9. Boondocks
  10. Boulder
  11. Buffalo Trace
  12. Bulleit
  13. Catoctin Creek
  14. Cedar Ridge
  15. Coppersea
  16. Corsair
  17. Daddy Rack
  18. Driftless
  19. Dumangin
  20. E H Taylor
  21. Eagle Rare
  22. Elijah Craig
  23. Elmer T Lee
  24. Evan Williams
  25. Ezra Brooks
  26. Few
  27. Four Roses
  28. Frey Ranch
  29. George Dickel
  30. George T Stagg
  31. Heaven’s Door
  32. Henebery
  33. Henry Mckenna
  34. High West
  35. Horse with no name
  36. I W harper
  37. J W Dant
  38. Jack Daniel’s
  39. James Cree’s
  40. James E Pepper
  41. Jeptha Creed
  42. Jim Beam
  43. Johny Drum
  44. Kentucky Old Reserve
  45. Kentucky Owl
  46. Kentucky Vintage
  47. Kings Country
  48. Knob Creek
  49. Kopper Kettle
  50. Koval
  51. Larcency
  52. Legent
  53. Makers Mark
  54. MB Roland
  55. MCCARTHY’S
  56. Medley Bros
  57. Mellow corn
  58. Michter’s
  59. Never Say Die
  60. New Riff
  61. New York Distilling
  62. Noah’s Mill
  63. Old Bardstown
  64. Old Fashioned Copper
  65. Old Fitzgerald
  66. Old Forester
  67. Old Madley
  68. Old Potrero
  69. Old Williamsburg
  70. Peerless
  71. Pennypacker
  72. Pikesville
  73. Pine Barrens
  74. Platte Valley
  75. Pure Kentucky
  76. Rabbit Hole
  77. Rebel
  78. Reservoir
  79. RI1
  80. Rittenhouse
  81. Rowan’s Creek
  82. Salder’s
  83. Sagamore
  84. Sazerac
  85. Smooth Ambler
  86. Sonoma Distilling CO
  87. ST George
  88. Templeton
  89. That Boutique-y Whisky Company
  90. The Old Oscar Pepper Distillery
  91. Thomas H Handy
  92. Tincup
  93. TX
  94. Uncle Nearest
  95. Van Brunt
  96. W L Weller
  97. Walker’s
  98. War Eagle
  99. Wasmund’s
  100. Wathen’s
  101. Westland
  102. Westward
  103. Whiskey Thief
  104. Whistlepig
  105. Wild Turkey
  106. Wild Catter
  107. Wilderness
  108. Wilderness Trail
  109. Willett
  110. Willett’s
  111. Woodford Reserve
  112. Wyoming
  113. Yellow Rose
  114. Yellowstone

Japanese Whisky

On a commercial scale, Yamazaki was the first Japanese distillery where whisky production started.

Japanese whisky is quite similar to Scottish whisky, but by law, there’s no maturation period allocated hereby in Japan, while in Scotland, the maturation period is three years.

Single malt and blended malt whiskies are in high demand among Japanese people.

In order to be so-called Japanese whisky, the whisky must fall under certain requirements.

Distillation and maturation periods must be carried out in Japan. Japanese whisky also undergoes a fermentation process, and last, but not least, it must be bottled in Japan.

A to z Japanese whisky brands are

  1. Akashi
  2. Chichibu
  3. Chita
  4. Hakushu
  5. Hibiki
  6. Ichiro’s
  7. Kaiyo
  8. Karuizawa
  9. Mars
  10. Miyagikyo
  11. Nikka
  12. Shirakawa
  13. Shizuoka
  14. Suntory
  15. Suntory Hibiki
  16. The House of Suntory
  17. Yamazaki
  18. Yoichi

Canadian Whisky

You may have heard Canadian whisky as Rye Whisky. But do you know why the term Rye is given to this particular whisky?

Don’t know?

No Worry.

Canadian distilleries found great interest of people in their whisky after the addition of highly flavourful Rye to their mashes. When the distilleries owners compared the demand and the supply analysis, they found a huge difference in the demand after the addition of Rye to their mashes and not only this, people started calling Canadian whisky Rye Whisky.

Due to the high percentage of corn spirits, Canadian whisky appeared to be the lightest and the smoothest. Most Canadian whiskies are blended multi-grain liquors.

A to z Canadian whisky brands are

  1. Alberta Springs
  2. Bush Pilot’s
  3. Canadian Club
  4. Crown Royal
  5. Forty Creek
  6. Gooderham & Wort’s
  7. JP Wisper’s
  8. LOT 40
  9. Pike Creek
  10. Royal Canadian
  11. Signal Hill
  12. Stalk and Barrel

Straight and Blended Forms of Whiskey/Whisky

Whiskies (Whiskeys) are further categorized into straight and blended forms; both forms differentiate themselves based on flavour.

Straight as the name suggests, it contains only single malt as grains.

While on the other hand, blended is a blend of two or more whiskies (whiskeys), like single malt and grain whisky (Whiskey), altogether form a blend.

The plural forms of the term whisky and whiskey are quite different; American and Irish people use Whiskeys as the plural form of the term whiskey, while Canadian, Scottish and Japanese people use whiskies as a plural form of the term whisky.

Conclusion

Let’s conclude what we have found so far.

People from different Geographic use different terms.

The distillation process isn’t the same for every country; that’s why they are named differently.

Historical background also contributes to some extent to why they are named differently.