What Is The Difference Between Whisky And Whiskey?
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What Is The Difference Between Whisky And Whiskey?
Whisky and Whisk(e)y – two close cousins in the drinks’ cabinet have a couple of differences and not just in the way they are spelled.
Spelling
In Scotland, England, Wales, Canada, India, Australia, the Nordic countries and Japan, the locally produced malt spirit is spelled whisky, and in Ireland and the USA it is whiskey. Scotland and Ireland were the original whisk (e)y distillers, and the alternative spellings were to differentiate the origin of the products. Scottish and Irish immigrants to Canada and the USA took their spelling with them. In Scotland the spelling of whisky is enshrined in law, but in the countries that use the term whisk (e) y they can spell it how they want to. In the USA where the common spelling is with an ‘e’ there are some brands who market their spirit as whisky without an ‘e’.
Rules of Production
Single malt Scotch whisky must be made from 100% malted barley, Scottish grain whisky can be made from a blend of malted barley, and other cereals, for instance wheat and maize. Both versions must be aged in an oak barrel for at least 3 years and be no less than 40% ABV.
Irish Whiskey is made a similar way to Scotch but in addition to non-peated malted cereal (e.g. barley, wheat, corn) it contains unmalted cereal which contributes a creamy texture and spicy and nutty flavours. It is distilled three times compared to twice for Scotch whisky then aged for a minimum of three years in a barrel, that unlike Scotch can be made of wood other than oak. It is bottled at no less than 40% ABV.
Flavour Differences Between Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey
With Scotch it depends on the region it was made but floral, spicy, and smoky aromas and flavours are typical. The barrel it was matured in (often ex-Sherry, Madeira, Wine, or Port) also has an influence.
Irish Whiskey tends to be smoother and lighter than Scotch, with none of the smokiness. Fruity, spicy, nutty flavours are common.
American Whiskey
There are several different types so I will write a separate explanation in a future post.
Cheers
Jane
P.S. The photo above is from a whisky tasting I once did for 120 people. The whisk (e)y had been pre-poured and entering the room was the equivalent of walking through an aromatic vanilla curtain. I’ll never forget it.
Books & Courses
At the School of Booze I encourage lifelong learning but you can do your homework at the pub! Textbooks (written by me) include titles about beer, gin, cocktails, and a drinks miscellany. Signed Copies Here And if you are in the market for some inexpensive downloadable Beer, Cider, or Wine Knowledge courses click here.
I also write fiction and my first novel ‘Sole Brethren: If The Shoe Fits’ was written under my pen-name B.A. Summer. One of the characters is the scion of a Champagne house, and it also contains the perfect pub.