Different types of whisky
From the difference between whisky and whiskey, to knowing your single malts from your blends, learn about whisky traditions and definitions from Scotland, America, Ireland, Japan, and around the world.
Explore by category
Authors:
Reading time: 5 minutes
What is whisky? For a relatively simple product, that question doesn’t have a very simple answer. Legislation is different across the world where traditionally different kinds of whisky are found, hence why we’re categorising whisky types by country. So, if you’ve found yourself searching ‘difference between whisky and bourbon’, ‘what is the difference between malt whisky and blended’, or even just ‘types of whisky’, the below should help.
The answer to ‘what does the word whisky mean?’ is easier to answer because we know the word comes from the Gaelic word uisge/uisce beatha, or 'usquebaugh', meaning 'water of life'. That, in turn, originated from the Latin aqua vitae, which means the same thing, but was applied more to spirits in general. Over time uisge beatha became uisge. If you sound that out phonetically you should be able to see how that has susquently become whisky, or indeed whiskey.
What's the difference between whisky and whiskey? The simple addition of an ‘e’ has long carried the notion that it’s a distinctive and meaningful way to separate categories, but truthfully, whether you label the spirit ‘whisky’ or ‘whiskey’ across the world is essentially down to the producer because the ‘e’ isn’t actually regulated. Its use is typically more of a style guide thing. Scotch is pretty much always labelled without the ‘e’, whereas in Ireland and America the ‘e’ is usually used. This doesn’t indicate a difference in quality or define the spirit made in those countries, however, and it’s all whisk(e)y in the end. The true differences lie in the laws that govern these spirits, which are often reflective of different production traditions.
Scotch whisky (inc. single malt and blended)
Scotch whiskies
Discover Scotch whiskies
With a rich tradition, established categories, and a variety of flavours, the whiskies of Scotland are globally recognised and celebrated.
Bourbon and American whiskey (rye, corn, wheated)
Bourbon & American style whiskeys
Discover Bourbon & American style whiskeys
The States is home to its own diverse, world-famous styles and traditions, from Tennessee treats to spicy rye whiskeys.
Irish whiskey (incl. single pot still)
Irish whiskeys
Discover Irish whiskies
Like Scotland and America, Ireland is a traditional whiskey-making country with its own unique practices, and truly delicious spirits.
Japanese whisky
Japanese whiskies
Discover Japanese whiskies
Using the same categories as Scotch whisky, Japan has nonetheless developed its own approaches to expert whisky-making over the last century.
World whisky (incl. English, Canadian)
World whiskies
Discover world whiskies
Made on almost every continent (to be fair, Antarctica would be tricky...) distilleries can now be found around the world, and some of the whisky available to us from non-traditional countries and regions is truly fantastic.
More whisky guides
Explore more
Sign up to our newsletter
Special offers, recommendations and expert advice to your inbox! Unsubscribe at any time.
I agree to the Privacy Policy