Whisky or whiskey? Some of you may think it’s just a matter of orthography, but there is a distinct difference between these two drinks. The controversy will be brought up surely during Saint Patrick’s Day – when both Scotch whisky and Irish whisk(e)y will be among the top beverages throughout the world.
St Patrick and Irish Whiskey
Saint Patrick’s Day’s origins are blurred, but the celebration is mainly associated with Ireland, as Patrick is their patron saint. There is a whole narrative about him becoming a Christian and a priest, which can be found in The Declaration – a document believed to have been written by St Patrick himself, describing the way he became the man who evangelised Northern Ireland. The other customs associated with the celebration also refer to legendary events from the saint’s life – wearing green clothes and a shamrock is associated with a legend in which Patrick used the shamrock to describe the notion of the Holy Trinity to the Irish Pagans.
The celebrations are held on 17th March because that was the day when Patrick died. The biggest festivities are organised in Downpatrick, where the saint is allegedly buried. The drinking custom is said to relate to another legend. Patrick bought a measure of whiskey from an innkeeper – but it certainly wasn’t full, and Patrick took the opportunity to teach the man a lesson that would make him more generous. St. Patrick said that there was a demon in the inn’s cellar that could not be banished because it fed on the innkeeper’s greed and lack of generosity. The man was horrified and changed his attitude – after some time, Patrick returned to find that the man now filled the glasses fairly and was good and honest. So Patrick took the innkeeper to the cellar, where they found the devil skinny and starving – Patrick banished the demon away and said that everyone should have a sip of alcohol during his feast day to commemorate this.
Whatever the origins were – the tradition of beer and whiskey drinking stays strong. So, which whisk(e)y orthography is correct, what are you drinking and what is the difference anyway?
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is generally the name for a liquor most commonly of Irish or American origin. Whisky is a term associated mostly with the Scottish version and the liquors produced in Japan (although the word Scotch Whisky belongs only to the liquor produced in Scotland). What is more, the Scottish version is distilled twice, while the other ones are distilled three times, which results in a smoother taste. Much of the confusion arises from the fact that the spelling ‘whisky’ is the only one accepted by the Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits in the USA. On the other hand, The New York Times names everything ‘whiskey’ – whatever the origin of the drink. The confusion becomes even bigger if we count in the misspellings such as ‘wisky’ or ‘wiskey’, and the fact that the Japanese and Indian versions are, like Scotch whisky, spelt without an ‘e’. But the deeper into the production process we look, the more differences can be spotted between the Scotch and other whisk(e)ys, however spelt or pronounced.
The Differences between Irish and Scottish Whiskys
The shape of the still used for production in Scotland varies much more than in the distilleries in America or Ireland, so the Scotch scents and flavours are more diverse. Secondly, the Scots use peat to dry the malted barley – which gives a stronger and smokier flavour than the one achieved in the US and Ireland, where wood and other fuels are used. Thirdly, Scotch is made only with malted barley, while other whisk(e)ys may be made with the addition of some other types of grains. In fact, history and economics decided this; malted barley is quite an expensive grain, so cheaper and more readily available ones are mixed together with it in many non-Scotch whisk(e)ys. What is more, the American climate and soil is different from that found in the British Isles, so settlers had to use different methods to grow their grains and distil the liquors – hence the difference in taste and general character of the finished drinks.
The differences, similarities, types and distillery characteristics are all quite confusing. Whatever the actual spelling is, we recommend checking what suits your tastes best. Whisk(e)y isn’t about the spelling – the national Scottish drink is a big part of British history, and now it has become a trademark for both Scots and Irish people worldwide. Wherever you are – we hope you’ll have a sip of nice, genuine Scotch on 17th March!
Based on popular opinion, the question of whether Scottish whiskey is better than Irish whiskey is a highly debated topic among whiskey enthusiasts. While both types of whiskey have their own unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and production methods, there is no clear consensus on which one is better.
Scottish whiskey, also known as Scotch, is highly regarded for its smoky and peaty flavors, which are derived from the use of peat during the malting process. Scotch is typically distilled twice and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. It is often considered to be more complex and full-bodied than Irish whiskey.
On the other hand, Irish whiskey is known for its smooth and mellow flavor, which is attributed to its triple distillation process. Irish whiskey is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley and is aged in a variety of casks, including sherry and bourbon barrels. Many whiskey connoisseurs appreciate the subtler and more delicate flavors of Irish whiskey.
Ultimately, the preference for Scottish whiskey or Irish whiskey is a matter of personal taste. Some people may prefer the bold and smoky flavors of Scotch, while others may appreciate the smoothness and subtle nuances of Irish whiskey. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual preferences and taste.
Irish whiskey and Scottish whiskey, also called Scotch, are two types of whiskey that each have their own special qualities that make them stand out. Irish whiskey is known for being smooth and mellow, while Scottish Whisky has a distinctive smoky and peaty taste. So, depending on what you like, you might prefer one over the other.
The way Irish whiskey and Scotch Whisky are made is pretty different. Irish whiskey is made using a blend of malted and unmalted barley, and it goes through three rounds of distillation. Meanwhile, Scotch is mostly made with malted barley and only gets distilled twice. The way the malt is treated during the production process is what gives each whiskey its unique flavor. For instance, Scotch often uses peat during the malting process, which gives it that delicious smoky taste.
One interesting difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch Whisky is the amount of time they spend ageing. Irish whiskey has to be aged for a minimum of three years, while Scotch has to be aged for at least three years in oak casks. However, Scotch is often aged for even longer, which can contribute to its unique and complex flavor. The aging process allows the whiskey to interact with the wood of the cask, which can add flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and even a hint of smoke. This is why older whiskeys tend to have more complex flavor profiles, as they have had more time to mature and develop. So, while both Irish and Scotch whiskeys are enjoyed around the world, their differences in aging add to their individual characteristics and flavors.
Where the whiskey is made also plays a big part in what sets Irish whiskey apart from Scottish whiskey. Irish whiskey can be made in any part of Ireland, while Scotch Whisky can only be produced in Scotland. Additionally, Scotch has several regions such as the Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, and Speyside, and each region has its own distinct flavor profile.
Jameson is actually an Irish whiskey, not a Scotch. It all began with a Scottish businessman named John Jameson who saw the potential of the Irish whiskey industry in the late 18th century. He decided to move to Ireland and in 1780, he purchased the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin.
Under Jameson’s leadership, the Bow Street Distillery flourished and became one of the largest and most successful distilleries in Ireland. The company prided itself on its commitment to quality, using only the finest ingredients and hiring skilled craftsmen to produce its whiskey.
Over the years, people recognized Jameson’s unwavering commitment to quality, and the word of mouth about its excellence traveled across the globe. Gradually, Jameson’s name became synonymous with Irish whisky, and now it’s one of the most well-known and best-selling Irish whisky brands worldwide. Its distinct flavor and smooth finish have gained the affection of whiskey enthusiasts all around the world.
Irish whiskey is more like Scotch Whisky or Scottish Whisky than Bourbon.
Bourbon is made from corn, then aged in charred oak barrels, while Irish Whisky and Scottish Whiskey is made from malted barley and aged in oak barrels – sometimes these may be sherry, brandy, or other types of liquor. Other notable differences between Irish whiskey and Scotch Whisky, such as the use of peat during the malting process for some Scotch whiskies, which gives them a smoky flavor that is not found in Irish whiskey.
Single malt is a type of whisky made using 100% malted barley and produced at a single distillery. The “single” means it comes from one distillery, and “malt” refers to the malted barley used in the production process. To be called a single malt, the whisky must be made in a pot still, aged for at least three years in oak casks, and bottled with a minimum alcohol strength of 40% ABV.
Single malt whiskies are popular for their unique and complex flavors and smells, which can vary depending on the distillery and aging process. Scotland is especially known for producing some of the world’s best single malt scotch, as they have a long history of perfecting the craft. So if you are looking for a good Single Malt Whisky, Irish or Scottish Single Malt are some of the best.
