The distinction between whiskey and whisky lies in the spelling.

St Patrick's Day is known for the popularity of brown liquor as a spirit of choice.

The distinction between whiskey and whisky lies in the spelling.
The distinction between whiskey and whisky lies in the spelling.

On St. Patrick's Day, many will partake in whiskey, a type of distilled alcohol.

Some newcomers to brown liquor are unaware of the distinction between "whiskey" and "whisky."

In Japan, Ireland, and America, whiskey is one of the most enjoyed spirits, with successful corporate brands.

Whiskey enthusiasts should be aware of key tips for storing whiskey to preserve its taste.

The beverage has been widely consumed for centuries in medieval Europe and is commonly found in bars throughout the western world.

Was whiskey ever spelled whisky?

In the past, the standard spelling of whisky was without an "e" before the late 19th century.

whiskey poured
If you are collecting whiskey, it is recommended that you keep it stored in an upright position to help keep the cork sealed. (iStock)

In 1860, during the Gladstone government, a significant turning point occurred with the passing of the Spirits Act, which led to a significant change in the history of whisky spelling.

What's the difference between whiskey and whisky?

St. Patrick's Day is a time when whiskey is particularly appreciated and celebrated globally, as it is a unique category within the realm of brown spirits.

The spelling difference between whiskey and whisky is due to the location of production.

In Scotland and Canada, "whisky" is commonly spelled without the "e."

A bottle of whiskey
Bottles of Jim Beam brand bourbon whiskey are shown at the James B. Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Whisky refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits, each with distinct characteristics and production processes. Notable examples include Glenfiddich, Lagavulin, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, and Yamazaki.

Is Fireball actually whiskey?

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a unique whisky that stands out from traditional whiskies due to its cinnamon flavor. Although it shares some similarities with whisky in terms of its alcohol content and production process, Fireball is a flavored whisky that offers a distinct taste experience.

Fireball is commonly classified as a flavored or liqueur-style whisky because of the added flavorings. The base spirit of Fireball is typically a Canadian whisky, and it undergoes a flavoring process to infuse it with cinnamon.

Scotch whiskies on the shelf
Scotch whiskies are shown at Jensen's Liquors in Miami on March 8, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Are bourbon and whiskey the same thing?

Although bourbon is a type of whiskey, not all whiskey can be classified as bourbon.

Bourbon is a type of American-made whiskey that must be aged in charred oak barrels for at least two years and cannot contain any additives or colorings during the distillation process.

Anywhere in the world, whiskey can be distilled and aged in various barrels.

Nightlife-Stock-Images
Whiskey can be enjoyed either dry or with ice. (iStock/Getty Images)

Can you keep whiskey in the fridge?

It is advised not to store whiskey near heat sources such as stoves or radiators.

What are the best whiskeys?

When asked for personal whiskey recommendations, Wiesel named several.

"Keeper's Heart offers the ideal way to savor both American and Irish whiskey simultaneously, as stated by Wiesel. Their product line currently features two exceptional blends: one combines Irish and American Rye, while the other blends Irish and Bourbon."

Kinsale Spirits, an emerging Irish distillery, is known for its unique single malts, barrel finishes, and unconventional flavor profiles in Irish whiskies, as recommended by Wiesel.

Wiesel advises trying the Bardstown Bourbon Company's collaboration cask series for American whiskey enthusiasts, as they finish their bourbons in unique casks such as rum, amaro, armagnac, and red wine, allowing drinkers to explore new flavors and personal preferences.

""These are very affordable and incredibly unique, making them the perfect choice for connoisseurs and beginners alike," Wiesel continued."

The distinction between whiskey and whisky lies in the spelling.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. makes the Emerald Isle whiskey. (The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.)

What are the best whiskys?

"Wiesel stated that he prefers independent bottlers, or "indies," when searching for whisky."

Unfortunately, many "indies" in the U.S. do not own their own distilleries and instead source whisky from reputable distilleries and bottle it under their own labels.

"Wiesel stated that his preferred brands are Gordon & Macphail, Single Cask Nation, and SMWS, which specialize in sourcing exceptional single casks."

All three brands are easily accessible in the American market, as he observed.

"Trying various whisky expressions from different regions can help you discover your preferred flavor."

Will I prefer whiskey to whisky or vice versa?

According to Wiesel, when buying spirits, the two most crucial factors to consider are taste and cost.

He pointed out that many people mistakenly believe that a pricier bottle is always superior, but this is not necessarily true. He suggested that online communities can be valuable sources of diverse opinions on spirits from users with different preferences.

"By following these resources, individuals can gain insight into what to search for or what to steer clear of. For instance, those who dislike "smokey" or "peaty" whisky should avoid Islay malts, which are renowned for their "peated" taste."

""

Wiesel identified some "stereotypical traits that can assist in determining what motivates a drinker to choose a specific brand of spirit."

The Scottish cousin of American whiskey is typically less sweet, with a lower corn content and the absence of caramel and vanilla flavors from its barreling.

Scottish whisky is known for its diverse array of flavor profiles and characteristics, while Irish whiskey is generally lighter.

"Wiesel advises beginners to begin with a Speyside or Highlands whisky, as these are usually the sweetest and most approachable single malts."

Phillip Nieto contributed reporting.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.

by Kyle Schmidbauer

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