2. To Whisk – Y or EY? HOW DO YOU SPELL whISKY/wHISKEY?

Perhaps you have just discovered Whisky or have attended a Devon Drams event- you might head to google in search of more information- however you are faced with the question ‘’How do I spell Whisky/Whiskey?’’ as both options pop up in the search bar suggestions. 

I have collated some entomology to answer the question and hopefully relinquish any feelings of guilt around improper usage and referenced them below:  

whiskey

noun

whis·​key ˈ(h)wi-skē 

variants or whisky

plural whiskeys or whiskies

1

: a liquor distilled from fermented wort (such as that obtained from rye, corn, or barley mash)

2

: a drink of whiskey

Etymology

Whisky means ‘water of life’

Noun

Irish uisce beatha & Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha.¹

Influenced by the Latin ‘’Aqua Vitae’’

‘’ It is generally spelled “whiskey”—with an e—in the United States and Ireland. It is spelled “whisky”—without the e—in Scotland and Canada, which are both well known for their whisk(e)y, and in several other countries.’’ ²

The E in question is influenced by a regional and traditional split- with the United States adopting the Irish spelling- often attributed to the mass Irish Immigration to the US- whereas Scotland, Canada and Japan spell Whisky without the E.²

            ‘’Scotch Whisky is always spelled without the e. In order to be officially called Scotch whisky:

• The spirit needs to mature in oak for at least three years.

• Production and maturation must take place in Scotland.

• Single malt Scotch whisky must be made from 100% malted barley.’’³

Therefore, the spelling of Whisky might denote something about the origin of the Whisky-the process of making it and even the taste.

            To conclude from my research, I am happy to argue that as the contemporary Whisky scene develops and we see more diverse offerings from around the world- what really matters is the taste. However, given the rich history of for example: Scottish Whisky’s, one might suggest the spelling of Whisky is just as important as the provenance and method of making it. 

(Please feel free to email: community@devondrams.com if you want more about this or pick up on improper usage!)

Sources:

1.“Whiskey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiskey. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

 2

.^{McKenna, Amy. "What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky? What About Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye?". Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Jun. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-whiskey-and-whisky-what-about-scotch-bourbon-and-rye. Accessed 9 April 2026.}

^3. Whisky or whiskey? why it matters: Scotch whisky experience (2025) The Scotch Whisky Experience. Available at: https://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/about/about-whisky/whisky-or-whiskey/ (Accessed: 09 April 2026).