What's The Difference Between Whisky vs Whiskey?

So you have seen whisky spelt two different ways (whisky and whiskey) and are wondering what, if any, difference there is.

The short answer is there is no difference between Whisky and Whiskey, in the actual drink that is. They are both a spirit made from grain, but there is a reason why there are two different ways to spell it.

Difference Between Whisky and Whiskey

The difference between Whisky and Whiskey is a result of where in the world the whisky or whiskey has been made. Whiskey with an 'e' is typical of whiskies made in the United States or Ireland, while Whisky without an 'e' is for all other parts of the world (e.g. Scotland, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc).

There are execptions to this rule of thumb which we outline below.

When Is Whiskey With An 'e' Used?

If it was made in America or Ireland the spelling will be 'whiskey' with an 'e'.

We have gifts with both popular American and Irish whiskeys, such as the Gentleman Jack Whiskey gift set and the Jameson Whiskey gift set.

One interesting American whiskey that does not spell it with an 'e' is Maker's Mark. They do not use an 'e' as they were aiming for a more premium market and wanted to distinguish themselves from other American distilleries.

When Is Whisky Without An 'e' Used?

If it is made literally anywhere else in the world (e.g. Scotland, Canada and Japan) it will be spelt 'whisky' without the 'e'.  

We have gifts with popular international whiskies including the Glenfiddich Whisky gift set and the Japanese Nikka Whisky gift set.

What About The Plural Spelling?

Interestingly the use of the 'e' carries on in the pluarl spelling, so that the plural of whiskey is whiskeys, while the plural of whisky is whiskies.

Looking for A Great Whisky Gift?

Since 2016 we have sent over 50,000 beer, wine, whisky and gins gifts to lucky recipients around Australia.

Our whisky gifts are popular for a occasions like birthdays, Father's Day and Christmas. 

Below are just a couple of our popular whisky gifts, click here to view the entire whisky gift range.

Also in Brewquets Australia Beer Gifting Blog