Is it spelt Whisky or Whiskey: why the difference?

Is it spelt Whisky and Whiskey: why the difference? This may be the best pub quiz question in the world. It will certainly sort out the men for the marines when you answer this one correctly. And here is the definitive answer. In modern usage, whisky is from Scotland and whiskey is from Ireland. The simple way of remembering is that there is an E in IrEland and not in Scotland. 

According to the BBC Good Food Guide, 

The difference comes from the translation of words from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic forms. In the late 1800s, Scottish whisky was also very poor quality therefore the Irish producers wanted to differentiate their product. 

How do other countries spell Whisky? Good question, The American spelling is whiskey most likely due to the large number of Irish immigrants setting up their stills throughout the US. But wait Carl, do American's make Whiskey? I thought they only made bourbon? And what's the difference between whiskey and bourbon? Well glad you asked. And the best way of remembering it, is that All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. 

An insightful article on the Food and Wine website explains,

Per the American Bourbon Association, in order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, that's at least 51 percent corn. 

There are a number classifications but that one is an easier one to remember. AND that Bourbon also must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and cannot include any additives or colourings

But let’s get back to Irish Whiskey and Scottish Whisky for a second. Which on tastes better? I did a little quiet digging on the internet and found some useful quotes and have referenced the articles also. 

According to Ten on Tours, 'Irish whiskey is smoother and more neutral thanks to the third distillation.' And according to the Gentleman's Journal, 'With Irish whiskey, the ageing process in wood is not limited to oak. Unlike Scotch, this really opens up a world of playful experimentation. As such, Irish whiskey is hugely exciting because it lends itself to more subtle and sophisticated flavours — it can really add that unique feel to a cocktail." That said, I prefer Scottish!