What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Whisky? What About Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye?

Why do you see the name of the liquor spelled both as “whiskey” and as “whisky?” No, it’s not due to a spelling error or typo. It is generally spelled “whiskey”—with an e—in the United States and Ireland. It is spelled “whisky”—without the e—in Scotland, Japan and Canada, which well known for their whisk(e)y, and in several other countries.

 

Here are six types of whiskeys you must know about.
 
Scotch whisky is generally made from malted barley or grain with the spirit aged in oak casks for more than three years. Entirely made in Scotland, Scotch is divided into five distinct categories that include single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain and blended scotch whisky. Scotch has an earthy and smoky flavour.

Irish whiskey is made in Eire (Republic of Ireland) or in Northern Ireland. It is made from yeast-fermented grain mash or a mash of malted cereals and takes about three years to age in a wooden cask. Irish whiskey has a smoother finish as compared to scotch.

Bourbon is a distilled American whiskey, primarily made from at least 51 percent corn and is stored in charred oak casks and does not contain any additives. A slightly sweet tasting whiskey, bourbon also is also a bit smoky and has a reddish colour due to fermentation in charred oak casks. Smoother and more approachable than other whiskies, bourbon has inherent flavors of vanilla, oak, fruit, spice and honey. This depth of flavor is subtle and complex, but not overpowering, making bourbon easy to enjoy.

Tennessee whiskey is a type of whiskey produced in Tennessee in the United States. The difference between Tennessee whiskey and bourbon lies in the method of filtering. Tennessee whiskey is steeped in charcoal before going into the casks for fermentation.
 
Rye whiskey is primarily made in North America with a mash of at least 51 percent rye and is aged in charred barrels for at least two years. Rye is a type of grass that is a member of the wheat family. This whiskey has a slight fruity and spicy flavour and is great for making whiskey cocktails.

Japanese whisky is a type of whisky produced in Japan. This whiskey uses double malted or peated barley and is aged in a wooden cask. Unlike the other whiskies, it is drier and smokier and comes as single malts or blends.