If you were asked to tell the difference between these two words, chances are you might state that spelling is an issue. Though it would be the most obvious difference, there is more to the distinction than a single letter with this type of liquor. It is necessary though to understand where the word itself originates from.
Both versions of the word come from the Scots and Irish Gaelic term “Uisce Beatha”, which means Water of Life. If you prefer to take in a tipple or two every few nights or so, you may find this a very appropriate term.
Whiskey carried over to the United States from the Irish Diaspora that immigrated in the aftermath of the famine. This means that even in the United States, Whiskey can also be spelled with an “e” in its name. Geography is not a clear distinction on how to separate these two terms.
Scotch Whisky
For Whisky that refers to Scotch, it is spelled without an “e” to make it distinct. Its distinct character comes from its controlled origins in that it must be made entirely in Scotland. There, Scotch Whisky is made from 100% malted barley.
For those who are not familiar with malt, this means that the barley has been allowed to sprout for a bit before it is made into what will become the whisky. Once it has been distilled, this form is allowed to mature in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. This gives you a uniquely distinct product that evokes the tannic flavors that the oak barrels have imparted into the finished product.
Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey, we know now, is spelled with an “e” in its name. Spelling aside, Irish Whiskey is distinct from Scotch in that it barely uses peat in the production of its whiskies. Peat is the fuel that is generally used in Ireland, carved from peat bogs.
This generally creates smokiness which is not desired in Irish Whiskey. Where Scotch Whiskey is generally made from 100 percent pure malted barley, Irish Whiskey differs in its ingredients. It is made from distilled malt, distilled barley, and a little grain. It is made more potent than Scotch Whiskey in that it is distilled thrice before it is allowed to mature for at least three years.
If you do want to savor the distinction between these two, head on over to Liquor Store Edmonton for a bottle or two to class up your nightcaps. The difference between the two is definitely more than a letter.