Have you ever wondered the difference between Whisky and Whiskey?
Well, the term “whiskey” or “whisky” varies based on the type of grain used in the distillation process, as well as the region in which it is produced. In general, the spelling “whiskey” with an “e” is common in Ireland and the United States, whereas “whisky” without the “e” is used in Scotland, Canada, Japan, and several other countries.
This distinction in spelling wasn’t firmly established until the 20th century. Before that, the use of the extra “e” was inconsistent across regions. It’s believed that during the 19th century, Irish distillers began adding the “e” to their whiskey labels to differentiate their product from Scottish whisky. This subtle spelling change helped the Irish market their whiskey as distinct from Scottish whisky. Over time, Ireland adopted the “whiskey” spelling, while Scotland maintained the traditional “whisky.” Canada followed Scotland’s lead, using “whisky,” while America settled on the “whiskey” spelling. However, even within the U.S., there are exceptions. For instance, Maker’s Mark chooses the “whisky” spelling as a nod to the Samuels family’s Scots-Irish heritage.
Aside from spelling differences, the distillation process itself varies between regions. In Scotland, whisky is typically distilled twice, while in Ireland, whiskey is usually distilled three times. These regional differences in both spelling and production methods contribute to the diverse range of flavours and styles found in whisk(e)y around the world.
Global Appeal
Focusing on the golden liquid without an “e” – the global appeal of Scotch Whisky is undeniable, with the value of exports rising by 37%, to £6.2bn in 2022 and the number of 70cl bottles exported also grew by 21% to the equivalent of 1.67bn.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association said: “During a year of significant economic headwinds and global supply chain disruption, the Scotch Whisky industry continued to be an anchor of growth, supporting investment and job creation across Scotland and the UK.
“The enduring strength of Scotch Whisky as the UK’s leading food and drink export is its global appeal to consumers who recognise the quality of the spirit, with production increasingly grounded in sustainable practices as we continue to reduce our impact on the environment by investing in the future. Passing £6bn in export value for the first time is a milestone, and testament to the work of our member companies and the tens of thousands of employees across Scotland and the UK supply chain who make Scotch Whisky a global success story of which we are rightly proud.”
Its global appeal makes it a fantastic investment opportunity due to the scarcity of supply coupled with rising demand. Speyside Capital provide investment opportunity with the biggest and highest-value distilleries in the industry. Bottles and casks from these distilleries, as well as rare and limited-edition releases, can command incredibly high prices at auction and are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
