What’s with the E in Whisk(e)y?

A vowel-sized identity crisis with centuries of flavor behind it.

Is it whisky or whiskey? The difference may seem small—a single letter—but to aficionados and distillers, it represents centuries of tradition and regional pride.

The spelling convention traces back to the 19th century. In Scotland, Canada, and Japan, it’s spelled whisky—no “e.” In Ireland and the United States, it’s typically whiskey. The story goes that Irish distillers began using the “e” to distinguish their product from what they considered the rougher Scottish versions at the time. As Irish immigrants brought their distilling knowledge to the U.S., the spelling—and their influence—stuck.

At Blue Ridge Distilling Co., we’ve chosen to spell it whisky, and that choice is deliberate. While we are proudly American, our single malt expressions draw inspiration from the Scottish tradition—right down to using 100% malted barley and aging in oak casks. But don’t mistake us for copycats. We take that Old World foundation and build on it with American innovation.

Our use of locally sourced grains, custom-built stills, and pure limestone aquifer water sets our whisky apart from both American and European styles. It’s our own version of tradition—honoring the past while pushing boundaries. The missing “e” in our branding is our subtle nod to that heritage and our desire to elevate the American single malt category on a global scale.

So whether you're sipping whisky or whiskey, the real story is in the glass. And if it's a Blue Ridge pour, you’ll taste the best of both worlds—tradition and trailblazing, working together in every dram.