In collaboration with Anne-Sophie Bigot - Expert for Whisky and Wine
Perhaps you can distinguish Jack Daniel’s from Famous Grouse and Johnnie Walker from Old Tavern just by taking a few sips. But do you know the difference between ‘whisky’ and ‘whiskey’? Read and learn about the significant differences.
The Water of Life
Long before the Scottish bars were filled with fanatics discussing the spelling of the word ‘whisky’, this divine drink went by a whole other name. ‘Whisky’ comes from the old- Gaelic word ‘usquebaugh’, coming from ‘uisce beatha’ (Irish) and ‘uisge beatha’ (Scottish), meaning ‘water of life’. Not a bad choice for a name, considering whisky could legally be imported into the United States during the years of Prohibition in the 1920s because it was seen as a medicine instead of a liquor. Through the years the word ‘usquebaugh’ somehow changed into ‘whisky’. The difference in spelling, however, was the result of a well-considered act.
The Origin of the Extra ‘e’
It was the Irish who added the extra ‘e’ to the name of this favourable drink, and for good reason. Around 1870 the quality of Scottish whisky was very low due to poor distillation processes. It was mostly a problem of consistency, Scotch distilleries struggled to offer the same quality from one batch to another. Irish whiskey was better at the time, but how should foreign consumers know? To point out the difference between Irish and Scottish whisky, on exporting to America the Irish added an extra ‘e’. It helped because whiskey became a great success in America. Some people say that the extra ‘e’ was actually added for the term ‘excellence’, but that’s a legend.
Geographic Division
Today Scots make excellent whisky and the whole world knows it, but the difference in name persists. Memorising the history of these spelling differences might help you memorise in which country which term is used: the Irish and American prefer “whiskey”, whereas in Scotland and pretty much every other country in the world the spirit is called “whisky”. Officially the international spelling is now “whisky”, but certain distillers use “whiskey” in order to refer to their Irish roots. Fear you might miss out on a lot for misspelling? No worries, because on Catawiki you find the same lots whether you search for “Whisky” or “Whiskey”.
Whether you prefer whisky or whiskey and whether you collect as an investment or a drinking supply? With whisky comes a rich history that makes the drink even more appealing. At Catawiki you can bid on special editions in our Exclusive Whisky auction. Or you can try and win a lot in order to expand your drinking supply and share the best ones with friends on a cold winter day!