We get this question all the time and it's a fair question with a long answer, but here's the short version.
Whisky or whiskey, refers to a broad category of alcoholic beverages that are distilled from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks (generally oak).
Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and maize (corn).
As a rule, WHISKY is used when referring to Scotch and WHISKEY for everything else.
Whisk(e)ys are made in many parts of the world but the following are some of the most popular:
Scotch whiskies are generally distilled twice, though some are distilled a third time. International laws require anything bearing the label "Scotch" to be distilled in Scotland and matured for a minimum of three years in oak casks
Irish whiskeys are generally distilled three times and must be aged in wooden casks for a period of not less than three years. Unpeated malt is almost always used.
American whiskeys include both straights and blends. To be called "straight" the whiskey must be one of the "named types" listed in the federal regulations and aged in oak casks for at least two years. The most common of the "named types" are Bourbon, which must be between 51% and 79% (inclusive) corn (maize) and Rye, which must be at least 51% rye.
We hope this answers that question and whether you enjoy Whisky or Whiskey, we have a great selection of both at Crafted.
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