I've been seeing a lot of people talking about supporting Canada more than ever in recent days, trying to buy Canadian-made products as much as possible with less reliance on the United States. One such thing is Spirits, especially Whisk(e)y. One thing about Whisky vs Whiskey - Some people don't realize that there's a difference in the spelling of the name, it pretty much goes by: countries that contain an "e" like United States, or Ireland spell it Whiskey, but in countries like Canada, Japan or Scotland, countries that don't contain an "e" spell it Whisky. So, that Crown Royal, Canadian Club, Alberta Premium, etc are Whisky and not Whiskey. The absence of an "e" in "Canadian whisky" (as well as "Scotch whisky") has historical, cultural, and legal roots tied to regional traditions and identity.
The distinction stems from how the word was standardized in different English-speaking countries during the 19th century:
- "Whisky" (no "e"): Used in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, this spelling reflects Scottish influence. Scottish settlers brought their distilling techniques to Canada, and the country adopted the spelling, emphasizing a shared heritage and aligning with Scotland’s approach.
- "Whiskey" (with an "e"): Used in Ireland and the United States, Irish distillers were among the first to add the "e" to distinguish their products from Scottish whiskies during a period of rivalry.
Using "Whiskey" to refer to Canadian Whisky isn’t just a typo—it’s a misunderstanding of tradition, culture, and branding:
- Canadian Identity: The spelling "Whisky" is part of Canada's heritage and reflects the influence of Scottish distillers. Adding an "e" misrepresents this history and ignores Canada’s efforts to establish its unique identity in the Whisky world.
- Legal Standards: In Canada, "Whisky" is a legally defined term under federal regulations. Using "whiskey" is factually incorrect and doesn’t align with official terminology.
- Cultural Faux Pas: Referring to Canadian whisky with an "e" signals a lack of knowledge about the product. It’s like calling poutine "french fries with gravy"—technically close but missing the deeper story.
- Brand Respect: Canadian whisky producers have worked hard to distinguish their craft from Irish or American whiskey. Using the wrong spelling lumps Canadian whisky into categories it doesn’t belong to, undermining its uniqueness.
Canadian Whisky, known for its smooth and light character, often blends grains like corn, rye, barley, and wheat, with a focus on rye spice and versatility. Unlike American Whiskey, which features bold flavo(u)rs and strict styles like Bourbon (51% corn, aged in new charred barrels) and rye Whiskey, Canadian Whisky uses more blending flexibility and lighter aging methods. Irish Whiskey, triple-distilled for exceptional smoothness, leans on barley and fruity, honeyed notes, differing from Scotch Whisky's regional diversity, which ranges from smoky and peaty (Islay) to fruity and floral (Speyside). While Canadian Whisky shares its Scottish heritage, it avoids peat's smoky influence, creating a uniquely approachable, cocktail-friendly profile. 🥃
So, when in doubt (and in Canada), drop the "e" to get it right. It’s not just grammar—it’s whisky pride! 🥃🍁
