If you’ve ever searched “whiskies or whiskeys”, you’re not alone. This is a common question among writers, bloggers, students, and even beverage lovers. The confusion usually appears when someone notices that both spellings are used in books, menus, labels, and online articles. So which one is correct? And why does English allow two spellings for the same word?
The answer is simple, but the reason behind it is historical and regional. English changes based on geography, culture, and tradition. Just like colour vs color or favour vs favor, the spelling of whisky/whiskey depends on where it’s written and who is writing it. When the plural form comes in, the confusion increases even more.
This article solves that confusion clearly and quickly. You’ll learn the correct spelling, where each version comes from, and how to choose the right one for your audience. Whether you are writing a blog post, an academic paper, a product description, or a social media caption, this guide will help you use whiskies or whiskeys with confidence.
Whiskies or Whiskeys – Quick Answer
Both whiskies and whiskeys are correct spellings.
- Whiskies is used in British English and countries like Scotland, Canada, and Japan.
- Whiskeys is used in American English and Ireland.
Examples:
- Scotland produces some of the world’s finest whiskies.
- American whiskeys include bourbon and rye.
The Origin of Whiskies or Whiskeys
The word comes from the Gaelic phrase “uisge beatha”, meaning water of life. Over time, this phrase was shortened to whisky.
In the 19th century, spelling differences emerged:
- Scotland and Canada kept the spelling whisky.
- Ireland added an “e” to become whiskey, partly to distinguish their product.
- The United States followed the Irish spelling due to Irish immigration.
When pluralized, these became whiskies and whiskeys, following standard English grammar rules.
British English vs American English Spelling
| Region | Singular | Plural |
| British English | whisky | whiskies |
| American English | whiskey | whiskeys |
| Scottish usage | whisky | whiskies |
| Irish usage | whiskey | whiskeys |
Key rule:
Plural form simply adds -ies or -s based on the singular spelling.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience decides the spelling.
- US audience → use whiskeys
- UK, Scotland, Canada → use whiskies
- Global or mixed audience → choose one style and stay consistent
If you are writing about Scotch, always use whiskies. If you are writing about bourbon, whiskeys is correct.
Common Mistakes with Whiskies or Whiskeys
❌ Mixing spellings in one article
✔️ Pick one version and stay consistent
❌ Using whiskys
✔️ Correct forms are whiskies or whiskeys
❌ Assuming one spelling is wrong
✔️ Both are correct depending on region
Whiskies or Whiskeys in Everyday Examples
- Email:
The tasting event will feature premium Scottish whiskies. - News:
American whiskeys continue to grow in global demand. - Social Media:
Exploring rare Japanese whiskies tonight! - Formal Writing:
Different regions produce distinct styles of whiskies.
Whiskies or Whiskeys – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show:
- “Whiskeys” is more popular in the United States
- “Whiskies” dominates searches in the UK and Europe
- Global searches show interest in both, often driven by tourism and lifestyle content
Usage depends more on location and topic than correctness.
Comparison Table: Whiskies vs Whiskeys
| Feature | Whiskies | Whiskeys |
| English Type | British | American |
| Common Regions | Scotland, Canada, Japan | USA, Ireland |
| Includes | Scotch | Bourbon, Rye |
| SEO Usage | UK-focused content | US-focused content |
FAQs: Whiskies or Whiskeys
1. Is “whiskies” wrong in American English?
No, but “whiskeys” is preferred in the US.
2. Is Scotch always spelled without an “e”?
Yes. Scotch is always whisky.
3. Can I use both spellings in one article?
Only if clearly explaining the difference. Otherwise, avoid mixing.
4. Which spelling is better for SEO?
Use the spelling your target audience searches for.
5. Is Irish whiskey spelled with an “e”?
Yes, both singular and plural.
6. What spelling do brands use?
Brands follow regional tradition.
Read also: Dose or Dosage? Simple Guide to the Correct Medical Term
Conclusion
The difference between whiskies or whiskeys is not about right or wrong. It is about region, tradition, and audience. British English and countries like Scotland and Canada prefer whiskies, while American and Irish English use whiskeys. Both spellings are grammatically correct and widely accepted.
For writers, bloggers, and businesses, the key is consistency. Choose one spelling based on your audience and topic, and stick with it throughout your content. If your focus is Scotch or UK readers, use whiskies. If your audience is American or discussing bourbon, whiskeys is the better choice.
Understanding this difference not only improves clarity but also boosts professionalism and SEO performance. When readers see correct and consistent usage, trust increases. Now that you know the rule, you can confidently use whiskies or whiskeys in any context without confusion.
Pam Peters is an Australian linguist known for her work on English spelling and usage differences.
She specializes in British and American English variations.
