What is the correct spelling of Whiskey? Is it with an E or without an E?
Great question. Short answer, they are both correct
Long answer - it really depends on where in the world the whiskey comes from. The basic rule of thumb is this:
if the country of origin has an "e" in it name (America, Ireland) in general, whiskey producers from these countries will spell the word with an "e".
If the country of origin has no "e" in it's name (Scotland, Japan, Canada) they will spell the word without an "e".
Here's where it gets confusing, at least to us regular people. There's no hard fast concrete rule of a country or producer having to follow that naming convention (If I am wrong here, someone email me and let me know). Case in point, Makers Mark spells it without an "e". And, there are several American producers that will omit the "e" in the word whiskey (George Dickel, Old Forester just to name a few). And, there are plenty of small craft distillers who omit the "e" as well (Spirit Hound is one that comes to mind). Most often they say it's a not to the Scottish way of making whiskey and their ancestors.
Ok, I'll buy that, but it is confusing. Unfortunately, I don't think there is any way around it. Both spellings are correct, and can be used interchangeably.
It's good practice to use the spelling with the "e" when talking about American or Irish whiskey. And it's good practice to use the spelling without the "e" when talking about whisky from Scotland, Japan, India, etc.. It's just good form. But you can't always be guaranteed that you will be right. That's the part that's frustrating.
But either way you are not wrong. And both spellings are pronounced the same way. So, it's not like you are going to offend someone by saying it with or without the "e" when you actually say the word out loud. How could they tell?!?
You might get corrected from the spelling police trolls online (good thing they have time to check your spelling), or someone who is adamant that you spelled it wrong. If that's what they have to worry about, well.....
It brings up a good debate however, and it's fun to bring it up with a bunch of whiskey geeks and watch the chaos take over. If you do decide to do that, make sure you already poured yourself a nice glass of whisky so you can watch the whiskey debate unfold. And, every once in a while, use your hands to denote air quotes and say E. It's great fun!
What am I drinking while writing this? Knob Creek Rye Single Barrel - 115 proof
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