How to Spell Whisk(e)y

W-h-i-s-k-y <or> W-h-i-s-k-e-y

What's the difference? Which one is right? Does it even matter?

The truth is, there are all kinds of articles out there about whether you should whisky or whiskey. It basically comes down to a very old feud between Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey. As I understand it, the Irish added the "e" to differentiate their products from Scotch.

It's marketing.

These days there are all kinds of colloquial explanations for why one brand uses the "e" and another doesn't.

Some say: If the country of origin has an "e" in it, then use whiskey.

Others say: If the producer traces their roots to Scottish distilling, then use whisky. If they trace back to Irish distilling, then use whiskey.

Personally, I tend to use "whisky", as that's how we spell it in Canada. If I'm referring to a particular product or referencing someone else's content, then I'll adjust to match their style.

In the end it doesn't really matter.

To "E" or not to "E"...it really doesn't matter.