Don’t all types of whiskey pretty much taste the same, especially those ones that are made from the same type of grain? The simple answer is no. Just ask the Irish or the Scots. They will each tell you that theirs is far superior over all others. Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky have common roots but have developed differently over time.

So, what are the differences between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky? To begin, Irish whiskey is spelled with an “e” (whiskey), while Scotch whisky is spelled without an “e” (whisky). Whiskey labelled as Irish whiskey must be produced in Ireland and spend a minimum of three years maturing there while whisky labelled as Scotch whisky must be produced in Scotland and spend a minimum of three years maturing there.

Both are created using fermented grain and aged in wooden barrels. However, their distillation process, ingredients and flavour profiles differ. Irish whiskey is often triple-distilled whereas most Scotch whiskies are double-distilled. Thus, Irish whiskey is usually known for a smoother, lighter taste, often having fruitier flavours, while Scotch whisky is typically known for a fuller, heavier, more complex flavour profile with notes of oak, vanilla, fruit, spice and sometimes smokiness. However, as with most things there are exceptions. Occasionally Irish whiskey is only double-distilled and Scotch whisky is triple-distilled.

Irish whiskey may be made from a combination of cereal grains including barley, corn, wheat and rye. Scotch whisky is produced from 100% malted barley. The grain is distilled differently as well. Irish whiskey can mature in wood species other than oak, while Scotch whisky must be matured in oak barrels.

There are four types of Irish whiskey: Single Malt, Single Pot Still, Single Grain and Blended Irish Whiskey. For details on single malt and single pot, see my March 12, 2022 post “The Styles of Irish Whiskey”.

On the other hand, there are five types of Scotch whisky: Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malt, Blended Grain and Blended Scotch Whisky. Further information on the types of Scotch can be found in my post “Scotch Whisky Single Malt Vs Blend” dated December 18, 2021.

As you can see, both countries produce single malt, single grain and blends. In Scotland, blended malt and blended grain are separate categories whereas blended Irish Whiskey must be made from two or more different whiskey types.

The biggest difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky is the single pot still classification. This is a style of whiskey that is unique to Ireland and is made from both malted and unmalted barley.

Scotch whisky sales exceed those of Irish whiskey. In 2023, Scotch exports were the equivalent of $10.3 billion CDN while Irish whiskey exports were just more than $1.6 billion CDN. There are currently about 150 whisky distilleries operating in Scotland and around 50 in Ireland.

However, being bigger doesn’t make it better. Scotch can boast more varieties and market exposure but it is up to you decide which one is better. It comes down to personal taste.

Sláinte mhaith